September 25, 2023
Squirrels, those charming and seemingly harmless creatures that frolic in our gardens and urban landscapes, may appear harmless at first glance. However, beneath their cute exterior lies the potential for trouble. In fact, squirrels can be the culprits behind some surprisingly expensive structural damage to our homes and buildings.
From gnawing on wires to nesting in attics, their activities can lead to significant headaches and costly repairs. In this RI Wildlife Control Blog, we'll explore the various ways in which squirrels can wreak havoc on our properties, and more importantly, how to prevent and address the damage they can cause.
Chewing: Squirrels have strong teeth that continually grow, so they need to gnaw on objects to keep them from becoming too long. This behavior can lead them to chew on wood, electrical wires, insulation, and other structural components. Chewing on electrical wires, in particular, can create a fire hazard.
Nesting: Squirrels often seek shelter in attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids to build nests. They may tear up insulation and use it for nesting material, which can reduce the insulation's effectiveness. Their nesting activities can also damage walls and ceilings.
Burrowing: In some cases, squirrels may burrow into the eaves, roof, or walls of a structure. This can compromise the integrity of these areas and lead to water damage, as well as potential entry points for other pests.
Gutter Damage: Squirrels may chew on gutters, downspouts, and roofing materials, which can lead to water drainage issues and costly repairs.
Food Storage: Squirrels may stash food in various places, including inside walls or attic spaces. The organic matter they store can attract insects and rodents, leading to further damage and infestations.
Noise and Odor: While not structural damage per se, the noise and odor generated by a squirrel infestation can be disruptive and unpleasant. It can also indicate the presence of other issues that need to be addressed.
To prevent squirrels from causing expensive structural damage, it's important to take steps to deter them from entering your property in the first place. This can include sealing potential entry points, using squirrel-proof bird feeders, and keeping tree branches trimmed away from the roof and walls of your home. If you suspect you already have a squirrel infestation, it's advisable to contact a pest control professional to safely remove them and assess any damage that may have occurred.
If you need squirrel removal services near RI, contact Secured Environments.
