These bushy-tailed rodents live in nearly every corner of the world. In Canada, they’re as common as winter geese, plaid shirts, and country music. Although they may look cute and fluffy, squirrels can cause irreparable damage to your home or business, and carry dangerous diseases transferrable to humans. Here are a few things you should know about these mischievous creatures:
The Biological Facts
Squirrels are members of the rodent family, and range in size from five inches to three feet long. Their teeth never stop growing, so to keep them at a tolerable level, squirrels gnaw on whatever they can.
Tree squirrels are mostly omnivores, and scurry to the ground to feed on berries, flowers, nuts, and acorns. Occasionally, squirrels will eat baby birds, eggs, and bark. Female squirrels typically give birth to anywhere from two to eight offspring, which are completely blind at birth. Female squirrels produce several litters each year, which is why there is never a shortage of squirrels around.
he Dangers
Squirrels can be extremely destructive. With extra sharp claws, these critters make excellent climbers. They can access your home from any height, dig through drywall, and chew through wood and metal. Squirrels are known to nest in peoples’ houses, particularly in the attic, behind walls, inside chimneys, and in the roof. Nesting squirrels can cause severe structural damage, and ruin furniture and other materials through chewing, feces, and urine.
Squirrels can also pose numerous health risks. They can carry salmonellosis in their feces, which causes diarrhea and abdominal cramps in humans, Lyme disease, which causes inflammation of the spinal chord, and rabies, which can be passed onto humans by biting or scratching. Female squirrels with offspring can be very aggressive, and must never be cornered.
Signs of a Squirrel Problem
•Rustling or chewing sounds coming from your walls, ceilings, or attic
•Droppings or urine in or around your home
•Spotting squirrels around the property, on fences, or along electrical wires
•Holes or piles of chippings in the attic
•Shingles are chewed or ripped up
•Smelling a strange or foul odour in the home
•Water damage on walls or ceilings
Although squirrels may seem harmless, they can cause irreversible damage to your home and pose a serious health risk. When dealing with wild animals, it’s important to seek help from professionals. Without the proper tools and equipment, you risk injury, illness, and causing harm to the animal.
If you suspect there is a squirrel problem in your home, get in touch with the professionals at Raider Wildlife Control as soon as possible. We take pride in assisting commercial and residential clients with the humane removal of wildlife and pests.
