The peaceful sight of squirrels frolicking in your backyard may seem harmless, but these seemingly innocent creatures can wreak havoc on your residential property, particularly on your roof and in your attic.
Living in harmony with nature is a beautiful concept, but sometimes, wildlife can encroach upon our living spaces, causing significant damage and disruption. One such creature that often wreaks havoc on residential homes is the seemingly innocent squirrel. While these small, furry animals may appear harmless, their invasion can lead to extensive damage to a home’s roof and attic. In this blog, we will explore the detrimental effects of invading squirrels on residential properties, including the destruction of insulation, walls, and roof structures. We will also highlight the importance of professional wildlife control mitigation, as homeowners need to not only remove the rodents but also restore the affected areas to their original condition.
The Insidious Attack on Insulation
A well-insulated home is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency and comfortable living conditions. Unfortunately, squirrels can turn your insulation into their personal playground. These agile creatures can shred and displace insulation material as they scurry around the attic, leaving it compromised and ineffective. The loss of insulation diminishes the home’s ability to retain heat during winters and cool air during summers, resulting in higher energy bills and discomfort for the occupants. Moreover, damaged insulation may lead to moisture buildup and mold growth, posing health risks to the residents.
Walls and Roof: Victims of Squirrel Incursions
Squirrels are relentless in their pursuit of shelter and food, and once they gain access to your attic, they can wreak havoc on your walls and roof. These pests have a natural inclination to gnaw on various materials, including wood, which poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of your home. The squirrels’ incessant chewing can lead to extensive damage to roof decking, fascia boards, soffits, and chimney siding, creating openings that allow water infiltration, compromising the roof’s stability. We recently encountered a terrible situation where a squirrel literally chewed through Chimney Siding, compromising the entire structure and creating a huge mess in the process (see image above).
Shingles Peeled and Decking Chewed
Equally destructive was a recent scenario where a squirrel created tons of damage underneath a rather large section of roof tiles, which required a complete restoration of the area (see image above). One of the most distressing sights for homeowners is finding their roof shingles peeled up and chewed by squirrels. Squirrels have strong teeth capable of gnawing through asphalt, wood, and even metal, making your roof vulnerable to leaks and other weather-related damages. Once the shingles are compromised, rainwater can seep into the underlying layers, causing rot, mold growth, and potential structural damage. In addition, squirrels may chew through the roof decking, exacerbating the issue and requiring costly repairs.
The Troublesome Attic Invasion
What happens when you have a squirrel in your attic? Once squirrels are in the attic, squirrels can transform it into a chaotic playground. They are notorious for creating entry points by tearing holes in roof soffits and fascia. These openings not only provide easy access for squirrels but also serve as gateways for other pests like birds and bats. The presence of these unwanted visitors can lead to further damage and health hazards. Furthermore, squirrels may chew through electrical wiring, posing a fire risk, and damage personal belongings stored in the attic.
Gutter Woes and Potential Home Invasion
As squirrels navigate the exterior of your home, they often target gutters as potential nesting sites. Their constant activity can damage gutters, causing them to detach or clog, leading to water overflow and potential water damage to your home’s foundation. Additionally, if squirrels find openings or vulnerabilities in the roof or walls, they may venture into your plumbing, HVAC ducts, and living space, wreaking havoc and putting your home’s safety at risk.
Thomas Wildlife Control: The Solution to Restoration & Repair
When dealing with squirrel infestations, it is essential to enlist the services of professional expert wildlife control, such as Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing. Beyond mere removal, our specialists understand the importance of comprehensive restoration. Our skilled technicians assess and repair the damaged areas, ensuring that your walls, roof, and attic are restored to their pre-infestation condition. We are fully licensed and certified to perform complete roof repairs. We are able to remove all rotted and molded sections of your roof and restore it to its original condition. To prevent future invasions, Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing employs effective measures, such as sealing entry points and installing mortar sections of tiles on the roof to isolate vulnerable areas.
The bottom line
The invasion of squirrels in residential homes can have devastating consequences, causing damage to insulation, walls, roofs, and other vital components of your property. Recognizing the signs of infestation and taking prompt action is crucial to prevent further deterioration and costly repairs. Remember, professional wildlife control services like Thomas Wildlife Control & Roofing not only eliminate the invading rodents but also restore your home to its original state. By addressing the root cause and implementing preventive measures, you can safeguard your home from future squirrel incursions and enjoy a peaceful and secure living environment.
