Squirrels may seem adorable as they bounce around with their acorns and fluffy tails. You might even think about getting one as a pet. Yet, you may rethink after witnessing the fiasco in your home and garden.

These little critters can cause damage to walls and create holes in your roof. If left unchecked, your garden and home will be destroyed. Don’t let this happen; continue reading to learn the signs of squirrel damage.

1) Your Attic Is Infested With Nests

Squirrels are famous for nesting in attics to protect their offspring. This area provides squirrels with wood insulation to gnaw and sharpen their teeth. When they nibble through the insulation on the electrical wire, a fire might happen.

Squirrels get access to attics through fissures, gaps, and fractures. Once they get through, they have complete control of your home. Here are signs of squirrel infestations in the attic:

• Scurrying footsteps sounds in the ceiling and attic
• Crackling sounds coming from the walls
• A horrible stink permeates the whole house
• Constant water damage

The stench comes from a dead squirrel trapped within the walls and unable to escape. Inspect by contacting a local squirrel removal agency.

2) Squirrel Urine and Feces

A squirrel can have three to four babies each year. That means plenty of urine and feces on site.

You should conduct routine inspections in your home and garden. If you identify an issue before the breeding seasons, you can eliminate it.

3) Roof Damage

Squirrels use the roof as a nesting and resting area. They construct their nests entirely out of roofing insulation. The signs of infestation include:

• Chewed up holes in your roof 
• Bite marks on the roof shingles
• Unexplained water damage

These rambunctious animals get access to your roof through long tree branches. Trimming the tree branches eight feet away from your home will prevent them on the roof.

4) Wire Damage

Squirrels nest in tree trunks and branches. This causes damage to the cable pulley systems.

When they walk on the wires, it adds weight, which creates a hazardous situation. If your cable is always down, a squirrel may be to blame. 

5) Gardens and Fruit Trees Destroyed

If your garden vegetables are covered with holes and marks, squirrels are the culprit. They consume nuts, berries, maize, kale, spinach, and other vegetables. This may put a damper on your salad plans.

Capsaicin deters squirrels, but they also contain pesticides. These chemicals are toxic to humans and pets. Instead of using them, you can install a wire mesh fence around your garden to block these critters.

Do Squirrels Carry Diseases?

Squirrels are generally harmless; they only bite when trapped or threatened. However, they can spread several diseases, like:

Salmonellosis 

This is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella bacteria found in feces. It causes diarrhea, stomach pains, and fever.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is spread by the ticks that squirrels carry. It causes symptoms of nerve damage and joint pain.

Tularemia 

This disease often comes from rabbits, but it can also come from squirrels. The symptoms are inflammation of the skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and lungs.

Where Can You Get Help for Squirrel Damage?

The symptoms of a squirrel infestation are roof damage, signs of chewing, and much more. You want a natural squirrel deterrent to eliminate these nasty pests. Fortunately, there are professional services out there that can help.

If you need advice and assistance in getting rid of these critters, we can help. Contact us today for a consultation on squirrel damage and prevention.