Seeing squirrels in your yard may not seem alarming at first. However, if they continue to come back day after day, they could cause a lot of damage to your home and spread dangerous diseases. And while they prefer to live outdoors, they are also known to sneak into your attic and cause all types of problems in your home.
At Haskell Termite & Pest Control, keeping you and your home safe is our top priority. We have been providing wildlife pest control in Tampa for over 30 years, and we know the best way to keep squirrels out of your yard and away from your home.
The Role Squirrels Play In Our Environment
Squirrels play a big role in creating a healthy ecosystem. These furry creatures are known as the gardeners of the rodent family. They will commonly go from tree to tree, collecting nuts and seeds. Any seed that they can’t eat at that moment, they will bury underground. The squirrel will often forget where it buried the seed, and it will stay in the ground until it grows into a plant or a tree. When they dig in the soil, they are also aerating the ground, which helps the nearby plants receive the oxygen they need to grow.
In addition to eating seeds and nuts, squirrels like to snack on various insects. With such a diverse diet, squirrels can help keep the insect population in check. Many insects they eat are crop-destroying insects, meaning squirrels might be saving the fruits and vegetables from trees and gardens.
Squirrels Can Be Very Problematic For Property Owners
Even though squirrels have ecological benefits, they aren’t the animal you want hanging around your home. While squirrels can attack people and pets, they rarely do. Usually, when you get near a squirrel, they will run away in the opposite direction.
The real problem with squirrels on your property is the damage they can cause to your home. They will chew on the electrical wires and cables around your house, perhaps making your home lose power. They also chew through siding, roofs, and walls to gain access to your home’s attic. Some homeowners have reported seeing damage to their skylights, eaves, and walls.
Five Simple Yet Effective Squirrel Prevention Tips
Squirrels are starting to become more commonly found in residential areas. If you want to prevent squirrels from invading your property, here are five preventative tips you can try:
Don't keep bird feeders in your yard or near your home
Keep a tight lid on your outdoor trash cans
Remove fallen fruit from your yard as soon as possible
Cut back bushes and tree limbs away from your home
Don't leave rotting food or compost out in the open
Squirrels are known for their love of acorns and other tree nuts. But they aren't too picky when it comes to finding a meal. They will eat just about any food, including pet and rotting food. If you want to keep squirrels away from your home, make sure that these wildlife creatures cannot access any food or water around your home.
Contact The Wildlife Experts For The Best Squirrel Control
If you see squirrels in your Tampa yard, don't hesitate to contact us today. At Haskell Termite & Pest Control, we know the best tips and tricks to eliminate, prevent, and control squirrels around your property.