Squirrels are a common wild animal to see in the area. Although there are several species you might see, they all have the general appearance of slender bodies, big eyes, and bushy tails. Their fur can be gray, brown, black, red, or yellow depending on the species.
Most people don’t think squirrels can be tricky little critters, and some even encourage them by leaving food out. But this is not a good idea as squirrels are a pest that can quickly get comfortable and overextend their welcome. This rodent can cause many problems for Fairfax property owners, which is why you should know the many dangers associated with squirrels and how to keep them away.
Are Squirrels Dangerous?
You probably see squirrels all the time in your yard, and for the most part, they might not seem like a big problem, but the truth is, they can be! Squirrels are a rodent, which means they can cause similar issues like mice and rats do, whether they get into your home or not.
Like other rodents, squirrels’ teeth never stop growing, so they need to chew constantly. Because they are opportunistic, squirrels will steal materials they find around your property to chew on, which may result in property damage. This chewing ability also allows them to get into homes easier than other pests. They enlarge small holes and squeeze their way inside. They then use your insulation and other materials to build their nests. They also don’t hesitate to chew on drywall, floors, wires, and pipes.
On top of the damage, squirrels can also spread diseases such as tularemia, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rabies. They are also known to carry parasites like ticks, which can cause Lyme disease and more.
To keep you and your pets safe from this pest, you should remove the factors that attract them to your yard in the first place. This can be done by following a few simple prevention tips.
How To Prevent Squirrels
By removing the attractant factors that are draw squirrels to your property, you can reduce the possibility of them becoming a problem both in your yard and inside your home. Try the following tips to combat squirrels:
- Remove food sources
- Reduce access to bird feeders or remove them from your property
- Harvest vegetables and fruit promptly; limit access to these areas
- Make sure garbage cans and compost bins have secure lids
Remove clutter:
- Clear your yard of organic debris
- Keep grass cut short
- Remove excess foliage
- Rake up leaves, acorns, and pine cones
Remove access:
- Seal up cracks in the structure of your home and outbuildings
- Use chimney caps and mesh vent covers
- Cut tree branches away from your home
- Keep doors to sheds and garages closed
While these prevention tips may help keep this unwanted pest away, you might still find you have a squirrel problem. Unfortunately, these pests are resilient and clever little creatures—time to call the experts at SPRK Pest Solutions who are committed to keeping you rodent-free.
Professional Squirrel Control
For more advice or assistance, contact the pros at SPRK Pest Solutions. Our trained and knowledgeable technicians know how to handle wildlife like squirrels when they get into your house or are cause problems in your yard.
Don’t wait; contact us today at SPRK Pest Solutions to learn more about our pest control programs and how to get started with the one that works best for you.
