Why You Don't Want Squirrels Hanging Around Your Reno Property

Like other rodents, squirrels have a need to constantly chew on things. They do this to keep their constantly growing teeth at a reasonable length. If squirrels are on your property, they may gnaw on your deck or outdoor furniture. Sometimes these furry pests chew on things they really shouldn’t like electrical wires or utility piping. If they do this inside your home, they could start an electrical fire or cause water damage.

Apart from chewing on things, squirrels also regularly dig holes in lawns and gardens to bury their nuts. Even if you fill these holes in, they have an innate sense of where they were and will dig them back up in the future.

One serious problem squirrels pose is that they are sometimes dangerous. These furry yard pests can be carriers of a range of disease-causing organisms. Some of these organisms are microscopic, others are are a bit bigger like fleas and ticks. If you have a bad run-in with a squirrel or come in contact with one’s fecal droppings or urine, you could get sick.

Although squirrels prefer to live outdoors, they will occasionally find their way into area homes. When they do this, the problems they cause become much worse. It is not uncommon for these pests to tear up insulation, fabrics, and paper in order to build their nests. They might also damage furniture inside attic spaces and spread disease with their excrement and urine.

The best way to deter squirrels is to limit their access to food. This involves picking up nuts from your yard as they fall and resisting the urge to feed these pests. It also helps to take some time and make sure your home’s exterior is properly sealed so that squirrels cannot find their way indoors. This is done by filling in holes, gaps, and cracks using a caulking gun, repairing damage to window/door screens, keeping unscreened windows and doors closed when they are not in use, and installing wire screens over out spouts for gutters and open vents. Because squirrels are capable of getting onto homes, it might also help to repair damage to second- and third-story windows, your roofline, and your chimney. Finally, make sure your chimney has a rodent-proof cap on it to prevent squirrels from climbing down into your home.

If you have weighed the pros and cons and don’t mind having squirrels on your property, by all means, keep feeding these furry rodents. Do not, however, let them live inside your home. If squirrels break into your living areas or are living in your attic, do not hesitate to involve the pest control professionals at Natura Pest Control. We will pay your home a visit, identify where squirrels are hiding, and safely remove them from your home.

Contact our team today to discuss our squirrel control methods and schedule your Reno property for a visit.