What Are The Dangers of Squirrels?

February 11, 2023

The 5 Dangers of Squirrels

Is it reasonable to have squirrels in your yard? With their big eyes and fluffy tails, no one thinks squirrels can pose dangers. However, this is far from reality. So, what are the dangers of squirrels?

The US is home to over 65 species of squirrels, each with some destructive habits. Squirrels can raid your bird feeders and damage your home if they decide to nest in it. Squirrel damage can range from pesky inconveniences to bank-breaking repairs.

Continue reading to see the 5 dangers of squirrels.

Squirrels Can Damage Your Yard

Can squirrels damage your yard? The small rodents like to fill themselves with nuts, fruits, and vegetables. If your yard is rich with different crops, you may see ground holes, a sign of squirrel activity.

Squirrels use these access points to dig for nuts or bulbs. This is also where they store food for the winter. To protect your garden from squirrels, use squirrel-repelling scents.

They Chew Through Electrical Wiring

Damage to housing structures is another sign of squirrel infestation. Squirrels have a nasty habit of chewing anything and everything they can get their teeth on. Rodents have teeth that never stop growing, and chewing helps to file them.

Unfortunately, if you have a squirrel problem, as they are notorious for setting up residence in our attics, they can get into your electrical wiring. Squirrels caused about 500 house fires each year from 2013 to 2017.

Feces and Urine Everywhere

What are the dangers of squirrels apart from eating crops and chewing wires? Squirrels often mark their territories with urine. If you have a squirrel infestation, you’ll also see piles of rodent droppings.

Squirrel droppings and urine are toxic to human health. Their waste carries bacteria, and inhaling its tiny particles can make you sick. It is highly advised never to clean up their mess on your own since touching and inhaling poses a health risk.

Squirrels Carry Parasites

Squirrels carry parasites that can put your pets at risk. If a pet comes into contact with a squirrel, it can also bring that parasite into your home.

Like squirrel droppings and urine, parasites can make you ill. Lyme disease is the most common illness caused by ticks, as squirrels can also be infected. Squirrel prevention and removal services will help you protect your family and pets from parasites.

They Can Attack You

Squirrels are usually non-aggressive, but they will attack when threatened. These attacks are rare and unlikely to cause serious injury, but they aren’t unheard of.

In addition, you may not know that the squirrel may have a nest somewhere on your property, which may result in more significant problems. You never want your best furry pet to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.