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Squirrels: The Unseen Culprits of Home Damage

Squirrels (also referred to in the tree industry as "tree rats") might seem cute and harmless, scampering around with their bushy tails, but when it comes to your home, they can be a nightmare. These agile creatures have a knack for causing damage that can range from minor annoyances to significant structural issues. Here's an in-depth look at how squirrels might be silently, yet destructively, impacting your house.

Access Points and Entry

Firstly, squirrels are expert climbers and chewers. They'll scout your home for any small openings or weaknesses, like a tiny gap around a vent or a loose piece of siding. Once they find an entry point, they'll chew it larger, not just for access but to prevent getting stuck. This can compromise the integrity of your home's exterior, leading to drafts, moisture ingress, and pest invasions.

Chewing Through Wiring

Perhaps one of the most dangerous and costly damages squirrels cause involves electrical wiring. Squirrels chew on wires, often mistaking them for twigs or to sharpen their ever-growing teeth. This can lead to short circuits, which are not only costly to repair but pose significant fire risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, squirrels and other rodents are responsible for thousands of fires each year, primarily due to their gnawing on electrical components.

Nest Building and Insulation Damage

Once inside, squirrels don't just visit; they move in. They'll make nests in your attic or walls using insulation, paper, or any soft materials they can find. This not only ruins your insulation, reducing its effectiveness and leading to energy loss but can also introduce health hazards from the debris and potential parasites they bring. The removal of insulation means your home could become less energy-efficient, leading to higher heating and cooling bills.

Structural Damage

Squirrels are not gentle creatures when it comes to setting up home. They'll claw at wood, drywall, or even the structural beams in your attic to create a comfortable space. This can weaken the structural integrity over time, leading to potential safety issues. If left unchecked, you might find yourself dealing with sagging ceilings or even compromised roof structures.

Disease and Parasite Transmission

Beyond physical damage, squirrels can bring in diseases or parasites. They can carry ticks, fleas, and mites, which can infest your living space, posing health risks to you and your pets. Moreover, they might carry diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, or even rabies, which can be transmitted through contact with their feces or bites.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your home, regular inspections are key. Look for signs like chewed wood, nests, or the sounds of scampering in the walls. If you find evidence of squirrels, it's often best to call in professionals for humane removal and then seal up entry points. Prevention involves:

• Trimming trees away from your house to reduce leaping access.

• Securing vents with metal mesh.

• Regularly checking and repairing any small openings around your home.

In conclusion, while squirrels might add charm to your backyard, they're far from beneficial when they decide to take residence in your home. Understanding the extent of damage they can cause is crucial for any homeowner in preventing small problems from turning into costly repairs. Keep vigilant, and your home will thank you for it.

Take measures now to reduce the chances of damage to your home.

Call Zen Tree Care NOW!

647.469.8327