Squirrels are probably the most recognizable family of rodents in America. These omnivorous mammals eat nuts, seeds, leaves and other plants as well as some small insects and caterpillars. They are quick and terrific climbers, which helps them to escape predators quite easily. Because they are rodents, squirrels have four teeth in the front of their mouth that never stop growing. This is great for them as their diet consists of mostly hard foods. However, if you have a squirrel infestation in your house, this can lead to a lot of damage.

House Dangers

When an infestation begins, it may be because of inclement weather or the need for protective shelter during labor. Any small opening near your attic can allow them to scurry their way inside and start making a nest. Nesting in attics is a great choice for squirrels, but not so much for homeowners. They rip apart your insulation for their young and gnaw on all the wooden beams, ducts and wires available. In addition to this, their urine and feces will cause terrible odor and possible soft spots. Squirrels are quick, so homeowners must be adamant about infestation prevention if they want to stop any damage.

Signs of an Infestation

If you begin to hear shuffling noises in your house, it’s wise to check for these additional signs:

-Nests in nearby trees or their trunks

-Squirrels fighting in your yard – this can be a sign of overpopulation

-Damage to bird feeders

-Damaged insulation, wires or shingles that look to be chewed on

If you see any of these, call a professional. They may seem cute and cuddly, but attempting to take care of a squirrel infestation by yourself can result in someone getting hurt or a squirrel kit getting left to die and decompose in your house.

We Can Help

At Critter Control® of Sarasota, our technicians are trained to use humane eviction techniques that can get squirrels out. After eliminating any immediate threat, we work to clean, repair, and prevent any future issues. Give us a call at 941-355-9511 for your fast, free estimate today.