One of the most common wildlife animals throughout North America, squirrels live in close proximity to humans in urban, suburban and rural areas. While they play an important role in the ecosystem in terms of improving soil health and growth of new vegetation, squirrels can become problematic for people when they build their nests within properties. All the traits that make squirrels delightful to watch when they’re outside – their pep, their industriousness, their relentlessness – make them a nightmare when they’re inside.
Squirrels are expert acrobats. Climbing sheer surfaces, shimmying across beams and cables, even leaping long distances fearlessly— they do it all. Unfortunately, these gymnastic inclinations serve them all too well when they’re BREAKING AND ENTERING. Squirrels seeking food, water, shelter, or warmth often see houses as a golden opportunity. If they can find the smallest opening up high, they’ll use their unmatched dexterity to reach it.
Usually, a squirrel enters your home through damaged vent screens, uncapped chimneys, or peeling shingles and siding. They can also leap from nearby power lines, tree branches, or high plant life. If the opening they find isn’t big enough, they’ll simply make it big enough – damaging your home in the process. The hole your robber-squirrel makes getting in could even become a passage for all kinds of other pests, too. In fact, if the squirrel has pests like fleas, other pests might follow it in fast.
Squirrels
Squirrels can be the source of a host of problems, including:
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Inhabit Homes - Squirrels generally inhabit wooded areas and nest in trees, but will frequently establish themselves in attics or garages, where they’ll store their food and take up shelter.
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Gnaw on cables, wires, stored items, walls - Similar to other rodents like rats and mice, squirrels can do quite a bit of damage, gnawing on cables and electric wiring, any items in storage, sprinkler heads and on the exterior and interior walls of a structure.
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Noisy; bite if cornered - Squirrels are also noisy in their activities and will bite if you corner them.
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Dig up landscaping/gardens - Squirrels have been known to dig up garden beds and damage fruit-bearing trees and vegetable gardens.
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Strip bark - Squirrels will strip bark from trees and ornamental plants.
Everybody likes squirrels. They’re cute, they’re funny, and they’re always up to something rascally. When that “something rascally” has to do with inconveniencing you in your own home, however, they’ve gotta go. An infestation of squirrels in your home can put your home at risk of damage and cause health concerns for your pets and family.
Anytime you need some help with a rowdy rodential resident in your home, give us a call. We can safely and effectively
assist you in removing the squirrels and make recommendations so that your property does not become infested again.
If squirrels have become a problem where you are, schedule an appointment with QFI Pest Control.
Check out our monthly protection program options for year-round pest control.
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They provide peace of mind - 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.
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