Wildlife Removal Company

The Dangers of Squirrels Living in Your Attic

Squirrels may seem like harmless, cute creatures when spotted in the park or on a tree branch, but when they decide to make your attic their home, they can quickly become a serious problem. Squirrels, particularly during colder months, often seek shelter in attics, basements, and walls, making them a common nuisance for homeowners. While their presence might seem like a minor issue at first, the dangers of having squirrels in your attic can be far-reaching and costly.

How Squirrels Get Into Your Attic

Squirrels are excellent climbers and can easily access your home through small openings. They can squeeze through gaps as small as 1.5 inches in diameter. Common entry points include broken vents, damaged roof shingles, gaps around chimneys, or even open windows. Once inside, squirrels typically find a quiet, undisturbed area to build their nests, often using insulation, fabric, and other materials they can chew through.

The Dangers Squirrels Pose to Your Home

1. Property Damage

   One of the most immediate concerns when squirrels take up residence in your attic is the potential for property damage. Squirrels are known for their incessant chewing, and they will gnaw on nearly anything they can find, including electrical wires, insulation, wood, and even plumbing pipes.

   • Electrical Hazards: Chewed electrical wires are one of the most dangerous threats squirrels pose. This damage increases the risk of electrical shorts, sparks, and even fires. A rodent-induced electrical fire can be catastrophic, leading to significant property damage and personal injury.
   • Structural Damage: Squirrels may gnaw on wood beams, rafters, or insulation in the attic, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Their nesting activities may also lead to moisture buildup, which can cause further damage to insulation and wood.

2. Health Risks

   Squirrels are carriers of various diseases that can pose significant health risks to humans and pets. While squirrels are typically not aggressive, they may bite or scratch if they feel threatened, introducing bacteria or parasites into the wound. The following health risks are associated with squirrels in your attic:

   • Diseases: Squirrels can carry diseases such as Leptospirosis, Salmonella, and Lyme disease. Their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces in your attic, spreading these diseases to anyone who comes into contact with them.
   • Parasites: Squirrels can also host parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites. These parasites can infest your home, causing additional health concerns for both humans and pets. In some cases, fleas or ticks from squirrels may transmit diseases such as plague or typhus.

3. Noise and Disturbance

   The noises associated with squirrels in the attic can be a major disturbance, particularly during early mornings or at night. Squirrels are active during dawn and dusk and can cause significant noise as they scurry, scratch, and chew. The sound of their movements can be amplified within the walls and ceilings, creating a constant nuisance that can affect your sleep and overall comfort.

4. Risk of Fire

   As mentioned earlier, squirrels have a tendency to chew on electrical wires, which can pose a severe fire hazard. Electrical fires caused by rodents are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage each year. If you hear scratching or gnawing noises coming from your attic, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid the risk of fire.

5. Infestation and Breeding

   If left unchecked, squirrels can quickly multiply in your attic. A single female squirrel can have multiple litters of babies each year, with each litter consisting of up to five or six young. The presence of baby squirrels can make removal even more difficult, as the mother will often stay close to care for her young. A full-blown infestation can lead to extensive damage, including soiled insulation, clogged vents, and even issues with your home’s ventilation system.

Why You Should Act Quickly

While squirrels may seem harmless at first, the longer they remain in your attic, the more damage they will cause. A small problem with one or two squirrels can quickly turn into a full-fledged infestation, leading to extensive property damage, health risks, and significant repair costs.

It’s important to address the issue as soon as you suspect squirrels are living in your attic. If you hear scratching noises, see signs of gnawing on wires or wood, or find droppings or nests in your attic, it’s time to take action.

How to Handle a Squirrel Infestation

1. Inspection: The first step in addressing a squirrel infestation is to thoroughly inspect your attic and surrounding areas for signs of squirrel activity. Look for droppings, chewed wires, gnawed wood, and any visible entry points.

2. Professional Removal: While some homeowners may attempt to remove squirrels on their own, it’s best to call a professional wildlife removal service. Squirrels can be aggressive and difficult to trap, and improper removal can lead to injury or further damage. Professional wildlife removal experts have the experience and tools necessary to safely remove squirrels from your attic and repair any damage.

3. Exclusion: After removal, it’s essential to seal any potential entry points to prevent future infestations. This includes repairing damaged vents, sealing gaps around chimneys and rooflines, and installing barriers where necessary.

4. Repair Damage: Once the squirrels are removed, it’s important to repair any damage caused by their chewing and nesting. This may include replacing insulation, repairing electrical wiring, and addressing structural damage.

5. Sanitation: Finally, it’s essential to clean and sanitize the area to eliminate any potential health hazards left behind by the squirrels. This may involve cleaning droppings, disinfecting surfaces, and eliminating any lingering odors.

Conclusion

Squirrels in the attic may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but they can quickly cause extensive damage to your property and pose significant health risks. If you suspect squirrels are living in your attic, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage and protect your home and family. Professional wildlife removal services can provide safe, effective solutions to remove squirrels, repair damage, and prevent future infestations, giving you peace of mind and safeguarding your home.