Squirrels, while adorable, are one of the most destructive rodents roaming the earth. If you have noticed several squirrels in your area, be aware, there is a good chance they could ruin the exterior of your home, including your roof.
Squirrels Are Expert Climbers
Squirrels love to scale trees, climb up your house, and hop up onto the roof of your home. While they’re at it, they frequently gnaw on everything from attic vents, to wooden shutters, to the actual siding of your home.
It’s All In the Teeth
A squirrel’s teeth will continue to grow throughout their entire adult lives. That is why they are incessant chewers; it keeps their teeth trimmed. When they run out of their normal methods of keeping teeth in check, they move on to other materials, such as the items that make up the exterior of your home, and yes, that means your roof, too.
They Want To Get Inside
As humans continue expanding into natural areas, squirrels are forced to abandon trees and look for alternate means of lodging. Limited habitat combined with colder weather causes squirrels to seek out shelter in suburban garages and attics. Their best entry point is your roof, which means as they seek shelter from the cold, your roof can be paying the price.
How Do You Know If It’s a Squirrel?
Check for signs of damage in and around your home, keeping an eye out for any evidence of gnawing or digging, especially on your roof. As squirrels scratch and claw their way into your home, it is likely that they will cause mild damage to exterior and interior insulation. This damage may make your home more vulnerable to other pests. Like almost all wild animals, squirrels pose a risk of carrying diseases, such as rabies, inside your home.
Prevent Squirrels From Damaging Your Home’s Exterior
Take a walk around the exterior of your home or garage and look for any visible holes, cracks, or openings that could be used as an entrance for squirrels. Seal off any entrances. It’s smart to trim tree limbs that are close to your house as squirrels will use these to jump easily to your roof. Remove or safeguard any bird feeders around your home to avoid attracting hungry and nosy squirrels.
Call the Experts
If you’re unsure of what to do, it’s best to let experts determine a safe and compliant way to help rid you of your problem. Pest management professionals like Anderson Wildlife will find the most humane way to make sure that your new tenants leave the premises and have no desire to come back.
