Due to their climbing prowess and their ability to squeeze into small spaces, squirrels can easily invade the attics and walls of homes in Raleigh. Squirrels prefer to raise their young in sheltered places high off the ground, and your attic provides them with the perfect spot to start a family.
Some people enjoy watching the antics of squirrels at backyard bird feeders but we can assure you that there’s nothing enjoyable about having them under your roof. Within your Raleigh home, squirrels will cause a tremendous amount of damage unless they’re removed quickly.
Home Damage Caused by Squirrels
- Insulation – In the wild, squirrels make nests out of leaves, sticks and moss, high up in trees. But when squirrels invade your attic, they’ll rip apart the insulation to make a warm nest for their babies. Not only does all that shredded insulation create an enormous mess but it can also leave your Raleigh home’s heat distribution unbalanced and lead to rising energy bills.
- Electrical Wires – The most dangerous aspect of squirrels’ destructive behavior is their tendency to gnaw on wiring. If squirrels chew through the wires in your walls or attic, it could lead to a power outage or, worse, a fire in your Raleigh home. In fact, an estimated 25% of house fires with unexplained causes are believed to have been started by squirrels and other rodents doing just this.
- Wooden Structures – Squirrels will often try to file their teeth by chewing away at wood. Over time, a family of squirrels can cause severe damage to the woodwork within your attic and walls, stripping it bare with their incessant gnawing. It won’t take them long, either; in just a month, a few squirrels can cause thousands of dollars worth of structural damage to your home in Raleigh.
Need Squirrels Removed From Your Attic?
If squirrels have infested your attic, you should partner with a licensed wildlife removal company to get rid of them before they cause serious damage. Get in touch with Southern Wildlife and Land Management today if you need professional squirrel removal services in the Raleigh area!