Those furry little creatures that make you smile as they run around your yard could be causing serious problems in your attic. Squirrels may look cute, but their habits can easily turn your attic into a dangerous fire hazard. Let's find out just how big of a problem these seemingly innocent rodents can cause, and why getting rid of them is the only solution. 

The frolicking animals in your yard aren't even truly native to most of North America. European gray squirrels were introduced to cities like Philadelphia in the 1800s to add "charm" to urban parks. Unfortunately, they excelled a little too well at adapting. Their populations exploded, driven by a change in the landscape that made it easier for them to thrive. They followed this spread as humans cleared forests and made cities squirrel-friendly with plenty of food sources and hiding spots. The animals we deal with today are descendants of those introduced long ago, and the problems they cause are an unfortunate legacy.

They are remarkably intelligent creatures, known for their problem-solving skills and memory. They can adapt to their environment, learn from experiences, and make complex decisions. For example, they are notorious for their ability to navigate obstacles and remember the locations of hundreds of food caches. They also display deceptive behaviors to protect their stores from potential thieves. This cognitive ability highlights their advanced learning and memory capabilities, making them one of the more intelligent species in the rodent family.

The Chewing Machines

With their strong gnawing habits, they pose significant risks to residential safety. These animals are drawn to the warmth and shelter of human homes, especially attics, where they often chew on electrical wires. This behavior not only strips away the protective insulation, leading to exposed wires, but also significantly increases the risk of short circuits and electrical fires within your home's infrastructure. The damage can manifest subtly at first, through flickering lights and inconsistent power supply, often not alarming homeowners until significant damage is done. Furthermore, damaged wires can lead to costly repairs and pose a serious fire hazard if left unaddressed. It's crucial to regularly inspect your attic and electrical systems for any signs of intrusion or damage and to take immediate action if evidence of squirrel activity is found. Professional wildlife control can mitigate these risks and protect your home from the destructive tendencies of these seemingly harmless creatures.

Electrical wires aren't their only victims. Squirrels can wreak havoc on your valuable insulation, shredding and tearing it for nesting materials. Damaged insulation means greater potential for wasted energy, higher heating and cooling bills, and a less comfortable home for you. Dry, fibrous insulation, now bunched up around a chewed electrical wire, becomes a ready tinderbox just waiting for a spark. And let's not forget the wood itself – exposed beams and other structural parts can fall prey to squirrels' constant gnawing, putting your home's overall integrity at risk. The damaged structural wood they leave behind adds another layer of fuel for a potential fire.

The threat of squirrel-caused fires isn't just theoretical. Many documented cases exist. Take, for instance, the town of Geneva, Illinois, where a 2021 infestation was blamed for multiple power outages.  In one case, the squirrel even caused a transformer to explode. One critter was responsible for an overnight power outage in a neighborhood that left hundreds without electricity. It's a clear pattern - where squirrels go, disrupted service and fire hazards aren't far behind. Imagine the chaos and risk to the entire community when the power supply is suddenly compromised because of these furry troublemakers.

Professional Removal And Control

Attics are their paradise, often full of nesting material just waiting to be used – it's no wonder they're so determined to get inside. One small hole, crack, or loose vent is all it takes for one to find its way in. Their incredible agility and climbing prowess mean even those hard-to-reach places are open invitations. Plus, those cozy piles of insulation and exposed wooden beams in your attic are just perfect for building those comfy nests where they'll raise their families, further multiplying the damage. They often target the fascia and soffits of a home as entry points into an attic. These areas, typically made of wood or vinyl, are vulnerable to the persistent gnawing. 

Attempting to manage an infestation on your own is not advisable. They are not just a nuisance; they pose significant health risks as they can carry a variety of diseases such as leptospirosis, tularemia, and even rabies. A cornered squirrel may become aggressive and can inflict serious bites, transmitting these diseases directly. Moreover, they are hosts to ectoparasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can themselves carry further diseases such as Lyme disease and typhus that can be passed on to humans and pets.

In addition to health concerns, DIY trapping or removal efforts are often ineffective and can exacerbate the problem. If driven into panic may they retreat deeper into your home’s structure, becoming harder to locate and remove. This retreat can lead to them chewing through more electrical wires and accumulating flammable materials, increasing the risk of fires and further property damage. To ensure the responsible and effective removal of squirrels and their ectoparasites, as well as to mitigate the associated health risks and potential for extensive property damage, professional wildlife control services are strongly recommended. Contacting experts ensures that the problem is handled thoroughly, protecting your home and health.

Drakes Wildlife Services

If you're experiencing issues in your attic, it's time to take action before minor problems escalate into major hazards. We specialize in responsibly and effectively resolving wildlife conflicts, particularly those involving squirrels that threaten the safety of your home. Our expert team is trained to handle these situations, preventing damage and potential electrical fires caused by these seemingly innocent creatures. Don't wait for the problem to worsen, leading to costly repairs or dangerous situations. Protect your home and family by addressing the issue head-on with professional help. Contact us today to request an estimate and take the first step towards a squirrel-free attic. Remember, when it comes to wildlife in your home, it's better to be proactive than reactive.