What Kind of Damage Do Squirrels Cause?
Squirrels might look cute and harmless, but when they invade your home, they can cause significant damage. Whether you have squirrels in the attic or animals in the crawlspace, the destruction they leave behind can be extensive and costly to repair. At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we’ve seen firsthand the havoc these critters can wreak on homes in Tahoe City, Nevada City, Truckee, and beyond.
Squirrels in the Attic and Crawlspace
Squirrels often seek shelter in attics and crawlspaces, attracted by the warmth and protection these areas provide. However, their presence can lead to several types of damage:
1. Insulation Damage
One of the most common issues caused by squirrels is insulation damage. As squirrels move around, they compress, shred, and displace insulation, reducing its effectiveness. This not only increases your energy bills but also creates a mess that can be costly to clean up. Insulation replacement can cost between $3 to $7 per square foot, depending on the extent of the damage, the access to the attic and the additional air sealing that need to be done.
2. Electrical Damage from Chewing
Squirrels have strong teeth that never stop growing, leading them to chew on various materials to keep them in check. Unfortunately, this often includes electrical wiring. Chewed wires can cause short circuits, electrical fires, and power outages. The cost of repairing electrical damage can be significant, especially if it involves replacing wiring and drywall, which can exceed $3,000.
3. Plumbing Damage
Squirrels can also cause plumbing damage by walking, jumping, and chewing on pipes and dripping lines. This can lead to leaks, water damage, and potentially costly plumbing repairs. The combination of water and electrical damage can further escalate the repair costs, as drywall replacement and other restoration work might be necessary.
The High Cost of Squirrel Damage
The costs associated with repairing squirrel damage can add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:
Insulation Replacement: $3 to $7 per square foot
Electrical Repairs: Often exceeding $3,000
Plumbing Repairs: Varies based on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the plumbing system
Drywall Replacement: Additional costs if walls or ceilings need to be opened up and repaired
In total, homeowners can face thousands of dollars in repairs due to the destructive behavior of squirrels.
Preventing Squirrel Damage
The best way to avoid these costly repairs is to prevent squirrels from entering your home in the first place. At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we offer comprehensive wildlife exclusion services to keep squirrels and other animals out of your attic and crawlspace. Here are some steps you can take:
Inspect and Screen Vents: It is common for squirrels to chew open siding and gable vents to access the attic. Exhaust vents from bathrooms and kitchen hoods are often culprits of squirrel entry.
Seal Construction gaps: Roof returns and expansion gaps are often wide open allowing squirrels to get in the attic. Seal these openings with metal or screen
Remove Food Sources: Keep bird feeders away from your home and secure trash bins to reduce attractants.
Trust Gold Country Wildlife Control
If you suspect you have squirrels in your attic or animals in your crawlspace, don’t wait for the damage to escalate. Contact Gold Country Wildlife Control for expert, humane wildlife removal and exclusion services in Tahoe City, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Truckee, and surrounding areas. Our team is dedicated to protecting your home from costly squirrel damage.
Call us today to schedule an inspection and safeguard your home from wildlife intrusions.