What damage is caused by Squirrels?

In their natural environment, squirrels can be cute and entertaining to see. But when they invade our homes, destroy landscaping, or scare desirable birds, they become a nuisance. Squirrel removal Troy can take preventative measures to protect a home from future damage. There are numerous just solutions to help avoid squirrel damage, however, success frequently requires persistence.

Damage Squirrels Cause to Homes

In looking to build nests, squirrels can harm houses and structures by chewing openings through the siding and beneath eaves. They also might chew through unscreened chimneys and vents and construct nests in these areas. As soon as they’re in this “nest,” these hectic rodents frequently chew on insulation and wires, which can produce a fire risk. Furthermore, when squirrels run along utility power wires and cables, they can short out the transformers.

Squirrel Damage in the Garden

Like bunnies, squirrels can trigger severe damage to landscaping and plants in several ways. They like to dig in yards for nuts and to chew on the bark and twigs of trees and bushes. They also dig for planted bulbs. But worst of all, squirrels have voracious cravings and can rapidly annihilate the crop of a vegetable garden or fruit tree. Like people, they often wait till the fruits or vegetables are ripe enough to consume, which makes the loss of the crop a lot more heartbreaking for the gardener.

Do Squirrels Pose Risks to Humans?

While squirrels are frequently believed to bring rabies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that “Small rodents like squirrels … are nearly never found to be infected with rabies and have actually not been known to transmit rabies to humans.”

If you are bitten by a squirrel, flush the wound thoroughly with water, clean it with soap and water, and get in touch with a doctor instantly. It is also encouraged that you call your local health department, and, if possible without endangering yourself, trap the squirrel for inspection by the health department.

Do Squirrels Harm Other Animals?

Squirrels do not normally harm other animals that live among people, but it is very common for squirrels to get into bird feeders, frightening birds, taking the food, and damaging the feeders. To get to the food, a squirrel likewise may gnaw to create a larger opening, and it might likewise gnaw on the perches.

Is It Legal to Shoot Squirrels?

In some states, squirrels are thought of as game animals and, if they are causing property damage, the property owner does not require a license to control them. In other states, a squirrel species might be noted as unprotected, but a legitimate hunting license is still required to take them.

Keeping Squirrels Out

Fencing is a great choice for keeping squirrels out of gardens. Squirrels do not like to climb plastic garden netting. A 4-foot-tall fence of this product is typically adequate, but you might need to bury a few inches of the netting in the ground to prevent them from digging below.

Another option is to set up wire fencing made of 1-inch mesh that is at least 30 inches high. For additional security, extend the fencing 6 inches below ground, then 6 inches outward to prevent burrowing. If essential, you can prevent climbing by including an electrified strand a couple of inches above the ground and about 3 inches above the fence line.

To safeguard bulbs, place 1-inch wire mesh over newly planted bulbs, and cover it with mulch. Nonfood bulbs can likewise be soaked in squirrel repellent prior to planting.

Trapping Squirrels

There are scenarios where it might be best to have a pest control expert trap the squirrels, or you can attempt trapping and transferring them yourself. However, because of varying state and local laws on trap and release of wildlife, trapping is typically done by licensed professionals.

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