Squirrels may seem like harmless, playful creatures when seen darting around your yard, but when they invade your home, they can become a serious problem. As rodents, squirrels have strong instincts to chew, nest, and gather food—activities that can wreak havoc on your home’s structure, wiring, and insulation. Understanding the potential damage squirrels can cause is key to protecting your property.
Chewing on Electrical Wiring
One of the most concerning ways squirrels can damage your home is by chewing on electrical wires. Like all rodents, squirrels have teeth that continuously grow, so they chew on hard objects to file them down. If they find their way into your attic or walls, they may gnaw on electrical wiring, which can create dangerous hazards.
Damage to Insulation
Squirrels often enter attics or crawl spaces in search of warm, safe places to nest. Once inside, they’ll start building nests, using whatever materials are available. Unfortunately, that often includes the insulation in your attic. They will tear up insulation to make a soft, comfortable nest, leaving areas of your attic poorly insulated.
Structural Damage to Wood and Roof
Squirrels can cause structural damage as they try to gain access to your home. They have strong teeth and claws, and they’ll use these to chew through shingles, fascia boards, and soffits to create entry points into your attic or walls. Once inside, they may continue to chew on wooden beams or supports.
Vent and Chimney Damage
Squirrels are highly skilled climbers, and they can easily reach vents, chimneys, and other elevated areas of your home. They may attempt to enter your home through these openings, often damaging the covers, screens, or flaps designed to keep pests out. Once inside, they may nest in chimneys or ventilation systems, obstructing airflow.
Nesting in Unwanted Areas
Squirrels are known for their ability to find and create nests in hard-to-reach areas, including attics, wall cavities, and chimneys. Once they establish a nest, they are likely to remain there unless evicted. Female squirrels may return to the same nesting area season after season, raising multiple litters throughout the year.
What to Do if You Have Squirrels in Your Home
While squirrels may seem cute in your yard, they can cause significant damage when they make their way into your home. From chewing on electrical wires to damaging insulation and wood, squirrels can create costly repairs and even pose health and safety risks. If you suspect a squirrel infestation, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a wildlife exclusion company that specializes in squirrel removal.
Fur Busters Wildlife Removal is available 24 hours a day, so contact us anytime at 224-431-7956. And to make sure you rest easy; our work is guaranteed by a renewable one-year warranty after the work is completed. For daily tips and information on keeping your home wildlife free, visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.