Homeowners in Cleveland are no strangers to wildlife, particularly squirrels. These agile creatures often find their way into homes and cause significant damage. If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation, professional removal is essential to protect both your property and your peace of mind. In this blog, we’ll explore the issues caused by squirrel intrusions, the importance of professional removal, and how Cottom’s Wildlife Removal can address your squirrel problems efficiently and humanely.
Understanding Squirrel Damage
Squirrels may appear harmless, but their presence in your home can lead to a variety of issues. These critters can cause structural damage, create fire hazards, and pose health risks. Understanding the potential destruction they can cause is crucial for recognizing the need for prompt removal.
Structural Damage
Squirrels have a natural instinct to gnaw on objects to keep their teeth sharp and manageable. This behavior can wreak havoc on your home’s structural components. They often chew through wooden beams, siding, and even electrical wiring. Over time, this can compromise the integrity of your home. Additionally, squirrels can create entry points by chewing through attics, soffits, and vents, which not only invites more squirrels but other pests as well.
Fire Hazards
One of the most dangerous risks posed by squirrels is their tendency to chew on electrical wires. This gnawing can strip the wires’ insulation, leading to potential short circuits and, in some cases, fires. Given that many attics and crawl spaces are full of electrical wiring, a squirrel infestation can turn into a critical fire hazard quickly.
Health Risks
Squirrels can also introduce several health risks to your household. They are known carriers of fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Furthermore, their droppings and urine can spread diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella. These health hazards can be particularly concerning if squirrels nest in areas where people frequently inhabit.
The Importance of Professional Squirrel Removal
Addressing a squirrel infestation on your own can be challenging and is often ineffective. Professional removal is the safest and most efficient way to solve the problem. Here’s why turning to experts is crucial for dealing with squirrels.
Expertise and Experience
Professional wildlife removal specialists, like those at Cottom’s Wildlife Removal, have extensive experience dealing with squirrel infestations. They understand squirrel behavior and know where these animals are likely to hide, nest, and cause damage. This expertise allows them to devise effective strategies for removal and prevention.
Safe and Humane Techniques
One of the main benefits of professional squirrel removal is the use of safe and humane techniques. Professionals employ methods that ensure the rodents are captured and relocated without causing them harm. This approach is not only ethical but also helps prevent further issues brought on by inhumane handling.
Comprehensive Solutions
Professionals provide comprehensive solutions that go beyond just removing the squirrels. They inspect your property to find entry points, potential nesting areas, and damage. After addressing immediate concerns, they can offer advice and services to repair and protect your home from future infestations.
How Professional Services Uncover Hidden Problems
While you may notice obvious signs of a squirrel infestation, such as noise coming from your attic or sighting the animals themselves, professionals can uncover hidden issues that might escape your attention. Let’s delve deeper into some of the hidden problems that professionals can identify and address.
Identifying Entry Points
One of the first steps in squirrel removal is identifying how the squirrels are getting into your home. Professionals are trained to spot small holes, gaps, and other vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior that you might miss. They can seal these entry points to prevent further access.
Assessing the Extent of Damage
Damage caused by squirrels isn’t always visible to the untrained eye. Professionals can assess the full extent of the damage, including structural weaknesses and compromised electrical systems. This thorough assessment ensures that all potential hazards are addressed and repaired.
Health Risk Evaluation
Wildlife removal experts can evaluate the health risks associated with the infestation. They can identify contaminated areas and recommend or provide cleaning and sanitation services to ensure your home is safe and healthy once the squirrels are removed.
Why Choose Cottom’s Wildlife Removal?
Cottom’s Wildlife Removal is the #1 provider of squirrel removal services in Northeast Ohio, including Cleveland and its surrounding areas. There are several reasons why homeowners in this region trust us to handle their wildlife problems.
Local Expertise
Being a local provider, we have a deep understanding of the wildlife issues specific to Cleveland. We are familiar with the behavioral patterns of local squirrels and the specific challenges they pose to residents here. This local expertise allows us to offer targeted and effective solutions.
Professional and Comprehensive Services
Our team is dedicated to providing professional and comprehensive services. From the initial inspection to the final repair and prevention measures, we handle all aspects of squirrel removal. We use only the best practices and humane methods to ensure the problem is resolved without harm to the animals.
Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction is at the core of our services. We work closely with our clients to understand their concerns, offer clear communication, and provide customized solutions. Our goal is to ensure that your home is safe and secure from wildlife intrusions.
Tips for Preventing Future Squirrel Infestations
While professional removal is necessary to address an existing problem, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent future infestations. Implementing these proactive measures can minimize the chances of having to deal with a squirrel problem again.
Regular Home Inspections
Conduct regular inspections of your home to check for any signs of damage or potential entry points. Look for gaps around vents, chimneys, and rooflines, and seal any openings you find.
Trim Trees and Overhanging Branches
Squirrels often gain access to homes by jumping from nearby trees. Keep tree branches trimmed back from your house to make it more difficult for them to reach your roof.
Keep Your Property Clean
Remove food sources that may attract squirrels. Keep bird feeders away from the house and store trash and pet food in secure containers. A clean yard is less inviting to wildlife.
Install Squirrel-Proofing Measures
Consider installing squirrel-proofing measures, such as chimney caps and vent covers, to deter squirrels from entering your home. These preventive steps can provide an added layer of protection.
Conclusion
Squirrel damage in Cleveland homes is a serious issue that requires prompt and professional attention. From structural damage and fire hazards to health risks, squirrels can create numerous problems if left unchecked. Professional squirrel removal services, like those offered by Cottom’s Wildlife Removal, provide the expertise and comprehensive solutions needed to address these issues effectively.
If you suspect a squirrel infestation or want to take preventive measures, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert wildlife removal services. Trust Cottom’s Wildlife Removal to protect your home and restore your peace of mind.