Are Squirrels Harmful? 4 Things You Need to Know

It’s not unusual for homes to experience problems with mice infestation, but what about squirrels? Although they are a common pest, homeowners are often surprisingly under-informed when it comes to this nut-eating rodent. Here are the facts you need to know.

• Can Squirrels Damage Your House?

Yes. Like any rodent, squirrels have teeth that never stop growing, requiring them to constantly chew and grind down their teeth. While this is great for squirrels — their teeth are constantly getting worn down by the consumption of nuts and other hard materials — it can spell trouble for your home. Squirrels in an attic can chew through insulation and wires, leading to electrical shortages that are difficult to repair and even house fires. Not to mention, squirrel urine and droppings aren’t great for your wooden structures.

• Squirrel Diseases Can be Transmitted

Squirrels can potentially be infected by many diseases that would be dangerous to humans, and like many other forest animals, squirrels can carry ticks. Lyme Disease is one example of a serious disease spread by contact with squirrels, as well as Tularemia, which causes swollen lymph nodes. Pets in the same household as squirrels can contract fleas, ticks and ringworm.

• Squirrel-Proofing Your Home

Many local garden stores have squirrel-repellents available that you can try. It’s important to try and keep your home as squirrel-proof as possible in the meantime. This means trimming the branches of any trees that come close to your house, sealing up any holes, and covering chimneys with wire mesh (hard to chew).

• Can I Kill Squirrels?

It is unlawful to attempt to kill a squirrel with poison — even rat poison — and we would recommend against it. Why? Most animals don’t die right away after consuming poison. A dying squirrel can end up in a difficult to reach part of your walls or structure, leading to a bad stench. Or worse, it might go outside, only to be consumed by a local pet — which then becomes poisoned as well. Many states also forbid the use of BB guns for squirrel killing. In most cases, it’s best to hire an animal removal expert to deal with squirrels you can’t get rid of, especially since they can also advise you on how to keep the squirrels from coming back.

If your home is experiencing a squirrel infestation, contact the pest removal experts at X Company. They can help you determine the best plan for moving forward and ridding your home of unwanted guests.