The Damage And Destruction Caused By Squirrels

Look out of your window; chances are pretty good that you'll spot a squirrel or two within your field of vision. It is very common for them to be attracted to our homes, and they often get in. Squirrels getting into attics, crawlspaces, garages, and basements are common here in New Jersey. If you wonder how much of a problem it is when one gets into your home, the answer is a lot.

Pound for pound, they may be one of nature's most destructive forces. Just ask the Atlanta couple who found their home damaged by one to the tune of $15,000. Sharing your house with one, intentionally or not, is not recommended. We know this now, but that was not always the case. Our history with them goes way back, and the reason they are so prolific from coast to coast in America is something that we have only ourselves to blame.

In the 1700s, people had a much different opinion of them. Back then, this quirky animal was found so charming that it became a popular pet, and they were brought them into homes like dogs and cats. They were commonly sold in pet shops, and President Harding had one as a pet named Pete. By the mid-1800s, our love affair with them was out of control. We introduced them to city neighborhoods and parks. Experts saw them as beneficial animals that brought beauty to urban landscapes. As a result, the population exploded. The rodent that started as a rarely-scene creature had suddenly become a bushy-tailed fixture in America.

By the early 1900s, the craze was slipping away because people began to realize how much trouble they were to have in their homes. The damage was already done, however. Populations continue to thrive across the U.S. today. It is estimated that about 600 million of them are in the U.S. Even now, we still like to watch and feed them, but we have learned that the cons far outweigh the pros. The reasons not to have them in your home are many.

They are not naturally tame. Even when raised from a baby, squirrels can bite and scratch, behave unpredictably, and revert to their natural instincts. They do not form the same loving bonds humans have with other popular pets like dogs and cats. They are incredibly hyperactive because they constantly look for predators in the wild along with places to hide. That instinct won't leave inside your home; they can create hiding spaces when they can't find one.

They chew what's in their sight to keep their ever-growing teeth in check, including wires, insulation, wood, furniture, etc. They can contaminate food and make a mess of your cabinets and pantry. Their chewing is so destructive that 10-20% of power outages are attributed to them.

Squirrels carry many diseases and parasites, including leptospirosis, rabies, tularemia, salmonellosis, fleas, lice, roundworm, and more. Having one in your yard may be enough to get you or your pets sick. When they get into your house, the danger becomes even greater.

New Jersey has multiple species, with the Eastern Gray and the American Red being the most common troublemakers. You may also see Fox, Flying, and Northern Flying squirrels around the Belford area. But no matter which species is around, it can be a serious problem when they invade homes.

You can take steps to deter them from entering your home or landscape. Don't leave food out or feed the birds. Squirrels seem to view birdfeeders as their own buffet. If you have a dog, let it have as much free reign of the yard as possible. They are a natural predator, which squirrels avoid. Use a repellent spray around the perimeter of your home. They don't like the smell of capsaicin (hot peppers), vinegar, peppermint, coffee, or cinnamon. Add some plants and bulbs that they stay away from due to the smell or taste. Work in daffodils, hyacinth, or garlic if your garden is already attracting them. You may end up repelling some other pests as well. Adding motion-activated items may scare them away, and motion-activated sprinklers are becoming popular. A motion-activated strobe light might be helpful in an attic as well.

These recommendations may help deter them, but they are far from foolproof. Sometimes, they get into homes or cause problems around your landscape no matter what you do. The best way to handle an issue is to seek professional help. In Belford, New Jersey, and the surrounding areas, your top-rated squirrel expert is Elite Pest Control. Contact us today for an estimate.