Who would have thought such a small creature was capable of such destruction? Not only can damage by squirrels be extensive, it can also be extremely costly. In fact, in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2014, a squirrel caused more than $300,000 in damage to a community center that was about to open. The squirrel got into the building and then chewed through electrical equipment, which caused a power surge damaging the boiler room as well as the heating and air conditioning. This is just one of many stories of an unruly squirrel causing significant damage to a home or business.
How Can Squirrels Do So Much Damage?
Squirrels have front teeth that continually grow throughout their lives. In order to keep their teeth a manageable length, squirrels naturally chew (anything!) to cut them down. Squirrels naturally try to trim their teeth on things such as pine cones, acorns or other hard nuts and seeds from trees. Things can become problematic when squirrels do not have natural options available to them to chew on.
Squirrels can chew through just about anything. They have been known to chew through 4x6s, electric wire, roof shingles, outdoor patio furniture, home siding, barns, doors, grills, even parts of cars! This type of damage to your home and property can not only be extremely aggravating, but if you don’t eliminate the squirrel threat, it can continue to happen again and again. This can really add up financially.
How to Minimize Squirrel Damage
Squirrels may be small and quick and sneaky, but they can be outsmarted and removed from your home. There are several options to rid your home or business of squirrels including live traps and squirrel repellent. You may also consider using welded wire that a squirrel cannot fit through to cover unsightly holes in areas like barns or sheds where immediate repair isn’t needed.
Live traps should be left to professionals. Attic Solutions employs trained professionals who can assist you by setting live traps and humanely releasing the squirrels in the wild. Contact us online or call us at 847.464.1861 the moment you notice damage and we will make it our top priority to stop your squirrel nuisance.