Squirrels are fun and mischievous creatures. When left to their own devices without any prevention strategies, they can invade and wreak havoc in your home and on your property. Obviously, the animals are not intentionally destructive, but they can cause significant and costly property damage if homeowners ignore their presence. Squirrel removal in Durham can prevent major problems and correct issues if homeowners only call and schedule inspections.

Top 3 Property Losses From Squirrels

The damage a single squirrel can cause can run into the thousands. The longer you leave your home exposed to the animal, the more problems it will create. While problems are typically compounding with squirrel infestations, they tend to all center around a few specific areas of the home.

1. Structural Integrity

Squirrels, like most other rodent species, have teeth that never stop growing. The continuous growth of their teeth means that squirrels must constantly chew to file them down. If squirrels do not file their teeth through chewing, the teeth can eventually grow to the point that they interfere with eating and drinking. The teeth may even puncture the  animal’s mouth and skull, resulting in life-threatening infections.

Because squirrels chew incessantly, they can cause significant damage to structural elements of your house, including internal support beams. The animal may chew holes through the beams or gnaw enough material away to weaken the beams and cause potential collapse.

The expense of such damage is astronomical, but the severity depends on the amount of damage to the beams. If homeowners act quickly, they can prevent major issues, most likely limiting damage to cosmetic problems. Cosmetic issues are less costly, and may not even require intervention.

2. Wiring Fire Hazards

Another significant problem with a squirrel’s need to chew is that they do not discern between safe and unsafe materials. A squirrel may take it upon themselves to chew through essential home wiring. Not only does this present the risk that the animal electrocutes itself, but it also creates a significant fire hazard in the house.

Exposed wires are nothing to play with, but many homeowners may not know they have the problem, especially if they do not know that squirrels reside in their homes. If you notice an uptick in squirrel activity around your house, you need to figure out how to get rid of squirrels to protect and prevent significant issues.

3. Roofing, Pipes, and Gutters

Not all costly issues occur inside the home. Sometimes, even when squirrels do not have access to the interior of a house, they can still cause significant and costly damage. Roofing materials, exposed pipes, and gutter systems are all vulnerable to squirrels and their teeth.

To prevent damage to these systems, you should keep all plantings and tree branches trimmed at least five feet from the structure. While limiting plantings and growth around the house will not prevent all squirrel activity, it can act as a deterrent.

Dangers of Self-Repair

As with most home repairs, DIY options are not the best decisions. People underestimate the costs of DIY repairs, often believing them to be less expensive. Also, some homeowners believe DIY is less time-consuming.

Unfortunately, not only do DIY repairs often cost more and take more time, but they are also dangerous. For example, think of trying to repair wiring systems. You risk shock and electrocution. Also, trying to fix structural components without proper knowledge can put you and your family at risk.

Professional Assistance in Durham

The best way to protect your Durham home is to keep wildlife away. If you are experiencing wildlife problems, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and schedule a property assessment.