Squirrel damage to house structures and utilities is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a hidden danger that could lead to severe consequences, including the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. You might be asking, “Are squirrels dangerous?” The short answer is yes, especially when they find their way into your home. These small animals are natural climbers and chewers, capable of squeezing through small openings to take up residence in attics and walls. Once inside, their relentless gnawing habits can damage insulation, electrical wiring, and even ventilation systems.

When squirrels chew through the protective sheathing around electrical wires, they create a significant fire hazard. But that’s not all. If they manage to damage your home’s ventilation system, they could inadvertently block exhaust vents for appliances like furnaces or water heaters. This obstruction can cause carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, to build up inside your home instead of being safely vented outside. Such accumulations of carbon monoxide can be deadly, posing a risk to everyone in the household.

Understanding how these animals operate can help you identify early signs of an infestation and take action before serious damage occurs. Their need to constantly chew results from the fact that their teeth continuously grow and require regular wear. Unfortunately for homeowners, this means nothing is off-limits, from wood beams to plastic pipes. Early detection is key to preventing the extensive damage they can cause. Be on the lookout for visible signs such as droppings, nests, or strange noises from your attic or walls. 

How Squirrels Affect Your Home’s Safety

What many homeowners don’t realize is that squirrels can compromise a home’s safety without anyone noticing until it’s too late. Because they are active year-round, they have ample time to establish themselves and cause trouble. Once inside, squirrels will often choose nesting sites close to warm areas, such as near exhaust vents or in the attic, where the insulation provides additional warmth. Unfortunately, this preference can lead them to block key ventilation pathways, leading to improper venting of potentially harmful gases.

Carbon monoxide is particularly insidious because it cannot be seen or smelled. If ventilation pathways are obstructed, the gas can seep into living spaces, posing health risks that include headaches, dizziness, and even fatal outcomes when exposure is prolonged. One of the more common scenarios involves squirrels nesting near or directly within venting systems. These systems are designed to transport combustion gases from appliances safely outside the home, but a blocked vent means gases have nowhere to go but back into the living space.

If you suspect that squirrels might be present, it’s imperative to have your home inspected by professionals. At Skedaddle, we emphasize the importance of thorough inspections to identify not just the presence of wildlife, but also any damage they might have caused to essential systems. Our team is trained to spot the subtle signs that indicate an animal has made itself at home, and we understand the urgency of addressing these issues to restore safety and peace of mind.

Spotting the Signs of Squirrel Infestation

Signs that you may have a squirrel problem can vary, but they often include odd noises in the walls or attic, such as scratching or scampering sounds, especially during early morning and late evening when squirrels are most active. You may also notice droppings in isolated areas of your home, or see gnawed entry points around your eaves or roofline. These entry points can start small, but squirrels have strong teeth that can expand holes quickly, allowing easier access for themselves and other animals.

Another telltale sign of squirrels is finding nuts or acorns stored in unusual places. Squirrels are known for their caching behavior, whereby they store food for the winter months. Finding these stashes indoors can indicate that they have been making themselves comfortable within your home. Additionally, you might spot nesting materials such as leaves, twigs, or insulation that has been pulled from walls or attics.

It’s important not to ignore these signs or consider them harmless. Even a single squirrel can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. Our team at Skedaddle can help identify the extent of an infestation and implement effective measures to remove these animals humanely. We are committed to ensuring that once removed, your home is protected against future invasions with our comprehensive exclusion services.

Preventative Measures to Protect Your Home

Prevention is always better than remediation. To protect your home from potential squirrel damage, begin by sealing any entry points. Examine your home’s exterior for gaps or holes in siding, roofing, or around utility lines and seal these using appropriate materials such as metal mesh or heavy-duty caulking. Pay particular attention to attic vents, chimneys, and eaves, as these are common entry points for squirrels seeking warmth and safety.

Trim back any tree branches that are close to your home, as these can serve as highways for squirrels to access your roof. If branches extend over your roof, they provide easy access for squirrels looking to enter through vents or chimneys. It’s also wise to install chimney caps, which can prevent not only squirrels but also birds and other wildlife from entering your chimney.

Regular maintenance and inspection of your property can help detect vulnerabilities before they become problems. Consider scheduling periodic inspections with a professional service like Skedaddle. Our experts can provide a thorough assessment and address any potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach can save homeowners from costly repairs and ensure their homes remain safe and secure.

Why Skedaddle is Your Best Choice for Wildlife Removal in Waukesha

When facing wildlife issues, choosing the right professional help is crucial, and that’s where Skedaddle comes in. Our team is composed of experienced and trained professionals who specialize in humane wildlife removal. We understand that dealing with wildlife inside your home can be stressful, which is why we prioritize both effective removal and customer satisfaction in every job we undertake.

Our approach is comprehensive, addressing not only the removal of unwanted guests but also the repair of entry points and damage caused by these animals. We use humane methods to ensure the safety of the animals while guaranteeing the protection of your home. Our exclusion techniques are designed to prevent future intrusions, providing you with long-term peace of mind.

Customer education is a vital part of our service. We believe that informed homeowners are empowered homeowners. By understanding what attracts wildlife to your home and knowing how to mitigate these factors, you can prevent future issues. When you choose Skedaddle, you’re choosing a partner committed to your home’s safety and well-being. 

How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels Permanently?

If you suspect that your home is vulnerable to squirrel infestations or if you’ve already seen signs of one, taking immediate action is critical. The sooner you address the issue, the less damage is likely to occur. Contact a professional service to evaluate your home and put an effective plan in place. Remember, the risk of carbon monoxide exposure is serious, and proactive measures can prevent this and other dangers.

Consider implementing routine checks of your home’s exterior and interior spaces for signs of wildlife activity. Simple actions like these can go a long way in safeguarding your environment. Additionally, installing carbon monoxide detectors in key areas of your home adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that any leaks are detected promptly.

For those in the Waukesha area, Skedaddle offers the expertise and commitment necessary to handle wildlife concerns professionally and efficiently. Our team is ready to assist, providing the solutions that ensure your home remains a safe and serene sanctuary. Protect your home and loved ones by reaching out to us today. Don’t wait until it’s too late—ensure your safety and peace of mind with a professional assessment from our team.