Oakville Wildlife Removal: Are Squirrels Dangerous?

The idea of a squirrel being dangerous may seem laughable at first. After all, squirrels are tiny animals with fluffy tails and bright button eyes. Surely such adorable creatures are harmless. Well, yes and no. Squirrels generally are harmless as long as they remain outside. However, if they make their way inside a home, they can become a nuisance, and sometimes a dangerous one. Fortunately, humane squirrel removal in Oakville can effectively neutralize the threat. Here are some of the dangers of having squirrels in your home.

1. Unsanitary Living Conditions

Rodents are generally not very tidy about their bathroom habits, and squirrels are no exception. Like other rodents, they urinate and defecate indiscriminately. When tree squirrels enter a home, they usually end up in the attic because it is the most convenient for them to reach from the trees. Most attics are also unfinished, which means that the urine and feces can soak into building materials, such as wood and insulation. This may produce an unpleasant odour that permeates the home, and it may be necessary to replace the contaminated materials to get rid of it.

2. Rabies

Like all mammals, squirrels are susceptible to contracting rabies. Now, rabies doesn't seem to be common in the squirrel population, and it rarely, if ever, happens that a squirrel transmits rabies to a human by biting because the disease usually finishes it off before it has a chance for an interaction with a human. Nevertheless, squirrels have been known to bite when they feel cornered or threatened, and if an infected squirrel bites, there is a chance that it could transmit the disease.

3. Other Diseases

The probability is greater that a squirrel might spread disease in other, more indirect ways than biting. For example, its urine and feces may contain disease-causing bacteria, such as the pathogen that causes leptospirosis. Pets may be especially susceptible to getting sick because of squirrels because their instinct is to investigate the sources of strange smells. Squirrels may be infested with parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks. When they get into a home, they bring the parasites with them, which may start feeding on humans and pets. The bites of these parasites may spread diseases such as Lyme disease.

4. Property Damage

The distinguishing characteristic of all rodents is their continuously growing front teeth. It is this unique feature that sets them apart from all other animals. Because rodents' front teeth never stop growing, they have an instinctual need to gnaw on things to keep their teeth filed down to a manageable length. Squirrels typically make their homes in the attic, and what they find to gnaw on up there is usually electrical wires. Damage to the wires may cause a loss of power within the home. It can also pose a fire risk because the squirrels gnaw off the protective insulation around the wires. Squirrels may also chew through plumbing pipes, and if they do, this could cause a leak that could lead to extensive water damage. Squirrels are known for collecting food and hiding it in safe places that are accessible to squirrels but not larger animals. In a home, squirrels may store food in wall voids or any other hiding place they can find. At best, this can cause a big mess, but if the food is something perishable that could spoil, it can attract insect pests and cause a whole new set of problems.

Call Skedaddle for Squirrel Removal in Oakville

Feeding squirrels draws more of them to your property, which increases the possibility of them getting into your house. As part of our squirrel removal services, Skedaddle technicians clean up where the squirrels have been, including their excrement and their stores of food. We also search out and seal the entry points so they can't get back in. Find out more about all the services we offer in Oakville.