Squirrels are fun critters to watch; they are agile, quick, and playful. Despite people’s familiarity with the neighborhood creature, it is wild and should be kept at a distance. Squirrel damage to house structures is not uncommon, especially in the fall.

As weather changes, squirrels start searching for warm, safe places to shelter for the winter. A house is an excellent option because it offers temperature regulation, food, and shelter.

Property damage is inevitable if squirrels find a vulnerability in a home, an access point. As a homeowner, you must be mindful of squirrels and the damage they can do. Keep reading to learn more about 4 types of damage squirrels can cause. 

4 Types of Squirrel Damage to a House

Like other wild animals, squirrels do not intend to harm property. The animal’s only goal is to make the area more suitable to its needs. In the process, squirrels chew through siding, tear up insulation, and dig up landscaping. Still, for all the damage and expense the animal evokes, it deserves compassion and humane treatment in its removal.

Understanding the kind of damage a squirrel can cause should encourage homeowners to remain vigilant about defending their properties; it also provides a repair checklist of sorts. Discover the four most common causes of damage from squirrel infestations and how to prevent them.

1. Electrical Damage

One of the most frightening things a squirrel can do while nesting in your home is chew on wiring and electrical components. Like most rodents, squirrels must chew frequently to file down their teeth, which grow continuously. They do not discriminate between items, and wiring is a common material. Unfortunately, by chewing on wiring and electrical elements of the home, squirrels create fire hazards.

2. Exterior Structure Damage

Squirrel damage to house exteriors often includes siding, soffits, roof vents, and chimneys. In the animal’s pursuit to find shelter and establish a nest in your home, it will capitalize on any potential vulnerability or opening.

Loose siding, plastic vent covers, rotted soffits, and open chimneys are easy targets for squirrels and other wildlife. To guard against entry, homeowners must maintain home exteriors, sticking to maintenance schedules and replacing damaged or weak defenses with something more formidable.

3. Interior Structure Damage

Once inside a house, a squirrel must create an adequate nesting site. Squirrels use various materials to build a nest, including sticks and leaves. The animal will also take advantage of items within the home, such as insulation from wall cavities, cables, and other building materials.

Squirrels also don’t differentiate between suitable materials and sentimental keepsakes. The animal will make use of a cardboard box just as it will make old family photos or heirloom quilts.

4. Landscaping Damage

Some squirrel species pull bark from trees to build nests; others dig through vegetation searching for food. Even if they don’t find food, squirrels may bury things in landscaping or act like they are to throw off other squirrels in the area.

If you’re interested in learning how to get rid of a squirrel in Calvert County, you should also be interested in preventative strategies. The primary way to keep squirrels away is to eliminate food and water sources on your property, including bird feeders and open trash cans. Also, keep up with routine exterior and interior maintenance.

Avoid Squirrel Damage to a House and Its Property

If you wish to avoid squirrel damage to house structures and property, you must commit to regular upkeep. Also, inspect your property frequently for signs of critters, like droppings or urine near the house’s foundation or on the roof. Homeowners should always keep their distance from any wild animal. If you believe you have a squirrel problem, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to schedule a proper assessment.