Okay. Let's be honest. Squirrels are adorable. When they dance around on the fence or come up on the porch, you can't help but stop what you're doing and watch. But that is what makes those delightful little creatures so sinister. Their cuteness! It's like camouflage. Before you know it, they've chewed a hole into your eaves and built a nest in your attic. The trick to protecting yourself from squirrels is learning how to see past the veil of cuteness and deep into the heart of this nefarious beast. Alright. Maybe nefarious is a bit strong. But those furry little buggers can drive you nuts.
Most of us have a positive view of squirrels. They are usually the first wild animals our children are exposed to. They eat bugs that damage our ornamentals. And are considered by many to be nature's little gardeners, planting seeds and acorns in the ground and encouraging reforestation--though, it is probably not advisable to leave squirrels in charge of your landscaping decisions. They are completely unprofessional.
But there is another side to squirrels that most people don't see until it's too late. Squirrels are rodents. And, like all rodents, they are driven by a need to chew. This character trait may be fine in nature, but when squirrels are scampering on your home, it can be a problem. Rooflines, door frames and eaves end up with large holes that are a pain to fix, and attic spaces and wall voids become home for wildlife. Here are a few of the problems infesting wildlife create.
Noise: When you have squirrels, you're going to get lots of bumps and thumps throughout the day. This is a day dweller that will be up early and remain active all day long. If they get down into the walls of a bedroom, this can be particularly annoying.
Harmful bacteria: All wildlife leave urine and feces wherever they go. If you have squirrels living in your walls, you're going to have their waste products in there as well.
Parasites: If you have a wild animal in your walls or attic, you could have other problems arise. Animals with fur pick up parasites like fleas, ticks, mites, and lice and carry them into your home.
Structural damage: The chewing doesn't stop once a squirrel gets in. They will chew up insulation, interior wood, and other items that have material they use for nesting. And, if a squirrel is sealed inside a home, this damage can be much greater.
Rabies threat: Though not on the top of the list of rabies spreaders, squirrels are able to contract this disease and spread it to humans with a bite. Children should be taught to enjoy squirrels from a distance and never feed them, especially by hand.
Squirrels may be adorable, but don't make the mistake of thinking they are docile. If you have a squirrel infesting your home, call a professional like Thomas Pest Services. We have wildlife control specialists who know how to safely remove these creatures and how to keep them out.
Thomas Pest Services offers wildlife control services in Albany, Troy, and Saratoga Springs and in fact, provide relief from insects, rodents and wildlife throughout the Capital District and Adirondack region. Contact us today!