When you think about squirrels, you might be thinking about how adorable they are. Unfortunately, there’s more to them than meets the eye. In fact, in some places in Canada, including Ontario, it’s illegal to keep squirrels as pets.
Their presence in a home can be dangerous. These little critters can cost you thousands of dollars worth of property damage. Want to know how bad are squirrels for your home? Read on.
Are Squirrels Bad for Your Home?
Squirrels are one of the most determined animals out there. So they’ll do almost anything they can to build a squirrel nest once they find the perfect spot — which can sometimes mean your home. Once they’ve got their nests set up, it becomes that much harder to remove them.
Another important thing you need to know about squirrels is that they have very strong jaws that can allow them to chew through almost every construction material. Their incisor teeth are always growing. They need to constantly gnaw on objects to prevent their incisors from getting too long. One thing they like to gnaw one are roof timbers, electrical wiring, and even plumbing. Basically, they can gnaw on almost anything as long as it doesn’t harm them.
Squirrels can easily become a pest. They live an average of about 2 to 6 years and their mating season occurs at least twice a year. So if you don’t deal with your squirrel infestation immediately, they may just take over your home.
Here are more reasons to convince you that squirrels are bad for your home.
- Squirrels Can Chew on Power Lines
Squirrels can chew on anything they set their mind to, this includes powers lines. When they chew on power lines, even if they don’t chew on them all the way, these wires can get frayed or damaged, putting your home at high risk of a sudden fire or power outage. These can cost you up to thousands of dollars o repairs. In addition, it places you and your family at risk of an accident or an injury.
- They Can Chew Through Wood of at Least 3 to 4 Inches
Another issue that comes with them chewing through wood is that this results in them creating an entryway for other animals and pests. Squirrels on your roof or attic can open you home to invasion by other pests, like raccoons and rats, many of which are just as dangerous as squirrels.
- Squirrels Decrease Insulation in Your Home
Squirrels can also damage your home’s insulation. This can make it extremely uncomfortable for residents since insulation gives your home the ability to control indoor temperature. Damaged insulation may mean higher heating and cooling consumption, resulting in higher bills. It can also be dangerous if the wiring beneath your home insulation have been exposed since this makes the structure incredibly vulnerable to fires.
Squirrels that get into your attic see your insulation as appropriate material for their nests. They will tear it apart and use the pieces to build their own home. That’s why it’s extremely important to deal with any pest infestation as soon as possible.
- Squirrels Can Sag Power Lines
The damage squirrels can do is not isolated to your home; an infestation can affect the entire neighbourhood as well. Sometimes, they walk through the power lines which can cause them to sag. If not immediately dealt with, these sagging power lines can get cut if they get snagged by a tree or a passing car, making it hazardous for everyone in the vicinity.
- Squirrels Can Eat Their Way Through Your Garden
You didn’t spend a great deal of effort and money on your garden to make just to wake up one day and see it destroyed. Knowing what squirrels eat, you can be certain that to them, your garden is a veritable buffet. They’ll eat seeds, nuts, corn, fruits, acorns, and other vegetables — and your plants and trees aren’t safe.
How to Spot the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
Noticing the early signs of a squirrel infestation can help prevent your home from incurring significant damage. Here are some signs you should be looking out for.
- Loud Noises
Whether it is in your attic or basement, if you notice an unusual noise, it’s time to check it out immediately because it could be squirrels. Squirrels are quite heavy animals and they’re extremely active so it’s easy to notice the noise they make.
- Tufts of Insulation or Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes and insulation are extremely useful for squirrels when they build their nest. If you see tufts of cardboard lying around or scratches in your insulation, squirrels could be in the area.
- Gnaw Marks
Gnaw marks are telltale signs of a squirrel infestation. Make sure to check for gnaw marks on wood, cables, and your furniture.
- Squirrel Droppings
Squirrel droppings are usually 8mm only and are brown and cylindrical in shape.
Dealing With an Infestation
Dealing with a squirrel infestation is important. Although you might be thinking that scaring them is enough, it’s not. Most of the time, you have to take some steps to ensure they do not come back. Here are some ways you can deal with a squirrel infestation:
- Trapping
Because squirrels are dangerous, most places have different regulations regarding squirrel traps and release. Make sure to look into them. Make sure to use traps that are specifically made for squirrels and try using peanut butter as bait.
- Calling Pest Control Services
It’s best to call the professionals if you want things done right. Make sure to check pest control service companies that have a good reputation and have been in the business for quite some time.
If you choose to deal with squirrels on your own, you have to be extremely careful since they can get pretty aggressive and might bite you. The safest thing you can do is call the professionals. They know how to get the job done and how to do it right.
Call us at Mr. Pest Control at 705-739-7378 or email us at peteb@mrpest.ca if you need us to deal with your squirrel infestation.
