When people think of squirrels, they often imagine playful creatures darting through the trees or nibbling on acorns in the park. But when these rodents find their way into your home, they can become destructive pests. The truth is, squirrel damage can be extensive, costly, and even dangerous if left unchecked. Homeowners throughout the Cincinnati area are learning the hard way that these small animals can create big problems.
In this post, we’ll break down what kind of squirrel damage you can expect, why it’s such a serious concern, and how Perfection Pest can help you eliminate and prevent future infestations.
How Squirrels Get Inside
Squirrels are agile and persistent. They can climb vertical walls, leap from trees to rooftops, and squeeze through holes as small as 2 inches. Your attic, chimney, vents, or roofline provide perfect entry points—especially if there are already cracks, loose siding, or missing shingles.
Once they’re inside, squirrels don’t just settle in quietly—they start chewing, nesting, and causing destruction. That’s when squirrel damage begins to escalate.
Common Types of Squirrel Damage in Homes
One of the most serious consequences of squirrel damage is the destruction of electrical wiring. Squirrels have strong teeth that never stop growing, so they gnaw constantly to keep them filed down. Wires are a frequent target—and when insulation is stripped from wires, it creates a major fire hazard.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, rodent-related electrical fires cause thousands of home fires each year. If you’re hearing scratching sounds or experiencing flickering lights, don’t wait—call Perfection Pest to inspect your attic.
2. Ruined Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Squirrels love attic insulation. They burrow into it for warmth and nesting material, tearing it apart in the process. As the insulation degrades, your home loses its thermal protection, causing heating and cooling costs to rise.
The longer the squirrels stay, the worse this type of squirrel damage becomes. Over time, contaminated insulation must be removed and replaced to restore your home’s efficiency and air quality.
3. Structural Chewing and Entry Hole Widening
Once inside, squirrels often chew through wooden beams, soffits, ductwork, and drywall. This isn’t just cosmetic damage—it can weaken your home’s structure. In some cases, squirrels will even chew through fascia boards or create multiple new entry points, making it easier for future pests to invade.
This type of squirrel damage often goes unnoticed until it’s severe, which is why regular roof and attic inspections are crucial.
4. Contaminated Surfaces and Foul Odors
Squirrels don’t use litter boxes. Their droppings and urine soak into attic floors, insulation, and stored items, leading to unpleasant smells and potential health hazards. Their waste can harbor harmful bacteria and even parasites like fleas, ticks, or mites.
The cleanup process is intensive and should always be handled by professionals like the team at Perfection Pest who are trained to remove hazardous materials safely.
Why You Should Never Ignore Squirrel Activity
It might be easy to dismiss the noises in your attic or a squirrel on your roof as harmless, but ignoring the signs of squirrel damage can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Worse, it can put your family’s safety at risk.
If you suspect squirrels have made your attic their new home, now is the time to act—not later.
How to Prevent Squirrel Damage
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your home. Here are a few practical steps:
- Trim tree branches at least 8–10 feet from your roof
- Seal up entry points with heavy-duty materials like metal flashing
- Install chimney caps and vent covers
- Avoid leaving birdseed or pet food outside
Most importantly, if you see signs of infestation, don’t try to trap or poison squirrels yourself. These methods are often ineffective or illegal in many areas. Professional wildlife removal services ensure humane and lasting solutions.
Trust Perfection Pest for Expert Squirrel Control
When it comes to identifying, removing, and preventing squirrel damage, you need experts who understand the behavior of these pests and know how to protect your home long-term. That’s where Perfection Pest comes in.
Our team uses proven, humane methods to remove squirrels, repair the damage, and seal off future entry points. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or just want to squirrel-proof your home, we’re here to help.
If You Have Squirrel Damage, Call Us Now!
Squirrel damage is more than a nuisance—it’s a serious threat to your home’s structure, safety, and sanitation. From chewing wires to contaminating insulation, squirrels can quietly cause thousands in damage before you even realize they’re there.
Don’t wait for small problems to become major repairs. If you think you might have squirrels in your attic, contact Perfection Pest today for a full inspection and professional solution. Protect your investment—and your peace of mind—with the experts in pest control.