Understanding The Benefits Of Professional Squirrel Pest Control Services
Humane trapping, exclusion advice, and why the professional route costs less than the repairs.
Read post →Squirrels are a fixture of nearly every neighborhood in America, from the New England coast to the valleys of California and just about everywhere in between. They rarely show any aggression toward people, and their reputation runs more toward stolen birdseed than threatened health and safety.
The less charming truth is that when squirrels decide to take up residence on your property, they can do real harm to your home and your family. Here is a look at the problems squirrels cause around Austin.
About Squirrels
Texas has eight indigenous squirrel species, sorted into categories by their physiology and lifestyle. Around Austin homes, tree squirrels are the ones you meet, most commonly the large fox squirrel, recognizable by the bushy tail and dense fur.
Squirrels are rodents, the same family as mice and rats, and like every rodent they have teeth that never stop growing. Keeping those teeth trimmed requires constant gnawing, which in practice means they will chew on anything in sight. Tree squirrels are most at home up high, so given the opportunity they will happily shelter in attics and lofts. Some folks find them cute enough to feed. Before you do, there are a few things worth knowing.
Problems Squirrels Cause
Squirrels can be one of the most frustrating pests a house can host:
- They are destructive. Squirrels chew through wood, storage boxes, furniture, plastic, and electrical wiring. Rodents gnawing through wires is a known cause of house fires, and squirrels are no exception.
- They spread disease. Rodent droppings carry harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli, and squirrels also transport parasites like ticks and fleas, which bring pathogens of their own.
- They are extremely noisy. A squirrel has no regard for your sleep schedule. The thumping and scurrying across an attic or loft can turn every night into a bad one.
How To Prevent Squirrels
The good news is that you can keep squirrels from congregating on your Austin property and finding their way inside:
- Do not feed them. Squirrels forage perfectly well on their own and do not need the help. Feeding them just teaches them where the easy meals live.
- Eliminate the food sources. Rake up fallen nuts, seeds, and fruit, keep garbage bins tightly closed, and reduce or remove bird feeders. Even the so-called squirrel-proof feeders rarely hold up, and to a squirrel they are simply a buffet.
- Repair holes and structural damage. A squirrel needs only a small opening to get in. Walk the house looking for gaps and holes, then stuff them with steel wool or seal them with metal plates.
- Scare them off. A dog or cat that chases squirrels is a genuinely effective deterrent. It will not end the problem alone, but it discourages them from settling in.
If squirrels are already a problem on your property, get in touch with the professionals at Accurate Termite and Pest Control. Our wildlife control service covers removal and ongoing protection, and we are happy to answer any concerns along the way. Curious what else might be moving in? Our wildlife pest library covers the usual suspects. Contact us today or call (512) 267-0812.
