If you’ve noticed squirrels noisily running through your attic or chewing on wires, you might think handling the problem yourself is simple enough. However, attempting to remove squirrels on your own often leads to more harm than good.
The risks of DIY squirrel removal include property damage, harm to the animals, and unintentional violation of wildlife laws. These situations aren’t just frustrating; they can be downright dangerous.
For homeowners in Coon Rapids, it’s important to understand the dangers of improper squirrel removal and why professional vs. DIY squirrel control is a better choice. From health risks to ineffective fixes, attempting to evict squirrels without expert help can make the problem worse. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in a safe, humane approach that protects your home and the wildlife involved.
Below, we’ll explore reasons DIY methods often fail and why professional help is the best option to tackle squirrel problems the right way.
Safety Hazards for You and Your Home
Dealing with squirrels might not seem risky at first, but these animals can be aggressive when they feel trapped. If a squirrel feels cornered while you’re trying to remove it, you could put yourself in harm’s way. Squirrels are wild animals with sharp teeth and claws, and bites or scratches can expose you to harmful diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella. They’re also known hosts for ticks and fleas, which may bring additional health risks to your household.
On top of personal health risks, squirrels can cause damage to your home during a DIY removal attempt. If they feel threatened, they may chew through wires, insulation, or wood to escape. These actions could lead to costly repairs and even fire hazards if electrical wiring is damaged. A trained professional knows how to handle and remove squirrels while avoiding these dangers, ensuring both you and your home remain safe.
The Risks of Improper Squirrel Removal
Improper squirrel removal isn’t just dangerous for you; it’s also harmful to the animals. Many DIY methods are stressful or cruel to the squirrels and can leave them injured. Additionally, homeowners in Coon Rapids may unknowingly violate local wildlife laws meant to protect these animals.
A common issue we see is that people attempt to block entry points without ensuring all squirrels have left the space first. This could trap young or adult squirrels inside your walls or attic. Trapped squirrels will panic and cause additional property damage as they search for an escape route. Some might even die in inaccessible areas, leaving you with an entirely new problem: the unpleasant smell of decaying animals and possible sanitation issues.
Professionals like Skedaddle know that humane squirrel removal is about more than getting animals out of your home; it’s about doing so in a way that ensures their safety while solving your problem effectively.
Common DIY Mistakes
Even well-meaning efforts to remove squirrels from your home can go wrong. Here are a few common DIY mistakes that homeowners in Coon Rapids make and why they should be avoided:
- Sealing Off Entry Points Without Inspection: Without confirming all squirrels have left, you may trap them inside, leading to property damage and animal distress.
- Using Poisons: Besides being inhumane, poisons can harm other wildlife or pets and create a dangerous cleanup process.
- Improper Trap Placement: Squirrels are clever at evading traps, and non-specialized tools don’t always work.
- Lack of Cleanup: Failing to remove nesting material or sanitize affected areas invites other pests and creates health hazards.
Avoiding these mistakes is another reason professional help is the smartest solution.
DIY Methods Rarely Solve the Problem
Despite good intentions, most DIY squirrel removal methods simply do not work. Typical approaches like store-bought traps or homemade deterrents might seem like a quick fix. However, squirrels are resourceful, and these measures rarely keep them out for good. Without addressing the root cause of the problem, such as entry points and attractants, squirrels can easily return.
Even the use of live traps can backfire if they are not used properly or if you don’t understand local wildlife laws in Coon Rapids. You might end up harming the animals or facing fines for unintentional violations.
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control uses a proven strategy, including one-way doors that allow squirrels to leave but prevent them from re-entering. This approach ensures animals can safely exit your home and won’t come back.
Health Concerns Due to Squirrels
Squirrels aren’t just noisy invaders. They bring serious health risks to your home as well. Here are some of the biggest health concerns squirrels can cause:
- Airborne Particles: Urine and droppings left behind can create dust particles that might irritate breathing.
- Parasites: Ticks, fleas, and mites carried by squirrels can spread into other parts of your house.
- Mold: Nesting materials, especially in damp areas, can promote the growth of mold or bacteria.
Cleaning up this mess isn’t a simple task. Professionals are trained to remove biological hazards and leave your home free from contamination.
The Problem Can Quickly Grow
Squirrels reproduce fast. If a nest goes unnoticed in your attic or walls, the population can multiply within weeks. Here’s what happens if the problem isn’t fixed properly:
- Multiple Nests: Squirrels might create additional dens within your home.
- Worsening Damage: A growing squirrel family usually means more chewed wires, insulation, and wood.
- Higher Cost: Additional damage translates to expensive repairs and more work to finally evict them.
Addressing the problem sooner rather than later ensures it doesn’t get out of control. That’s where experienced wildlife professionals make a real difference.
Why Professionals Provide Better Results
Hiring professionals isn’t just easier; it’s also the smartest way to avoid the risks of DIY squirrel removal. Here’s why experts like us at Skedaddle deliver better results:
- Humane Methods: Skedaddle’s one-way doors allow squirrels to leave safely without re-entry. This approach ensures the animals aren’t harmed and can relocate naturally, making it both effective and ethical.
- Thorough Inspections: Professionals seal all entry points and ensure no animals are trapped behind. They also take the time to identify hidden nests or weak spots that the average homeowner might miss.
- Safety Focus: Experts use tools and techniques that protect both you and the wildlife. This means no unnecessary risks for your family while ensuring the removal process is smooth and controlled.
- Legal Compliance: Experienced teams understand and follow all relevant wildlife laws. They make sure the removal methods meet local guidelines, keeping you out of trouble with regulations.
- Preventive Solutions: After removing the squirrels, they handle cleanup and prevent re-infestation. This includes sanitizing the area and using durable materials to block entry points for long-term protection.
Act Now to Protect Your Home
The risks of DIY squirrel removal far outweigh any potential savings or convenience. From personal safety concerns to ineffective solutions, trying to handle the issue without experience often ends up making things worse. Our professional help is the safest and most reliable way to remove squirrels and prevent their return.
If you’re dealing with squirrel issues, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Coon Rapids is here to help. With a humane, effective approach and years of experience, we’ll ensure your home stays animal-free without compromising the safety of these creatures. Request an estimate today and leave the hard work to the professionals!