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Hi my name is Luis Gonzalez, with another What’s Bugging You podcast.
Squirrels are an adorable and seemingly harmless part of the local wildlife in Wichita, Kansas. However, when these creatures decide to make your home their home, they can quickly become a costly nuisance. Squirrel infestations are a common problem in both suburban and urban areas of Wichita, and they can lead to significant damage to your property, as well as health and safety risks. As temperatures drop and squirrels seek shelter for the winter, homeowners in Wichita may notice signs of squirrel activity, especially in attics and roof spaces. If you’re dealing with squirrels in your home, here’s what you need to know about the damage they cause, the potential costs, and why professional removal is crucial.
Why Squirrels Invade Homes in Wichita
Squirrels invade homes in search of food, shelter, and warmth, especially during the colder months. In Wichita, the abundance of trees such as oaks, walnuts, and other hardwoods provides plenty of natural food sources, but it also encourages squirrels to come closer to homes in search of a safe place to nest. Attics, chimneys, and walls become prime areas for them to seek refuge from the cold.
Squirrels are excellent climbers, and they can easily access your home through roofs, vents, gaps in the roofline, and other small openings. Once inside, they can cause significant damage while trying to establish their nests.
Common Squirrel-Related Damage to Homes
Squirrels can wreak havoc on your home, with the potential for costly repairs. Some of the most common areas affected include:
- Roof and Attic Damage
Squirrels often enter homes through the roof, chewing through soft materials like shingles, vents, and soffits. Once inside the attic, they can chew on electrical wires, insulation, and wooden beams, creating fire hazards and compromising the structural integrity of your home.
Cost of Damage:
The cost to repair damage caused by squirrels in the attic can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the extent of the damage. For example, repairing or replacing insulation, wiring, and rafters can easily cost over a thousand dollars. - Chewing on Electrical Wires
One of the biggest risks posed by squirrels is their tendency to chew on electrical wiring. Squirrel teeth can easily strip the insulation off wires, leaving exposed wires that are highly susceptible to short circuits or even fires. If a fire is caused by squirrel activity, the costs could be catastrophic.
Cost of Damage:
Repairing or replacing electrical wiring due to squirrel damage can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the damage and the complexity of the repair. - Damage to Ductwork
Squirrels also chew through ductwork, both for nesting purposes and simply as part of their natural instinct to gnaw on objects. Damaged ductwork can cause air leaks, reduce energy efficiency, and even expose residents to contaminated air if squirrels have urinated or defecated in the ducts. This could lead to health issues and costly repairs.
Cost of Damage:
Ductwork repairs can range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage and the accessibility of the ducts. - Structural Damage and Wood Rot
As squirrels create nests and tunnels in attics or walls, they may chew through wood, causing structural damage. Additionally, squirrel urine and droppings can lead to wood rot and mold growth, further compromising the integrity of your home.
Cost of Damage:
Structural repairs due to wood rot or chewed wood can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the damage. - Damage to Soffits, Vents, and Chimneys
Squirrels may also damage soffits, vents, and chimney caps in their attempt to get into your home. Once inside, they can tear up insulation and create nesting areas. If left unchecked, this damage can lead to leaks, water intrusion, and further structural issues.
Cost of Damage:
Repairing or replacing soffits, vents, or chimney caps can cost between $200 and $1,500, depending on the materials used and the extent of the damage.
Health and Safety Risks of Squirrel Infestations
Beyond property damage, squirrel infestations pose several health and safety risks. Squirrel droppings and urine can contaminate attic insulation, ducts, and other areas, potentially leading to the spread of diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and tularemia. Additionally, squirrels are known to carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can infest your home and pose risks to your family and pets.
Squirrels can also be a safety hazard. Their presence in attics or walls can make accessing certain areas difficult and dangerous. Furthermore, squirrels can become aggressive if cornered or threatened, and may bite or scratch anyone who tries to handle them.
Why Immediate Professional Removal is Necessary
If you suspect that squirrels have invaded your home in Wichita, it’s important to act quickly. Left unchecked, squirrel infestations can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. Additionally, attempting to remove them on your own can be risky, both in terms of potential injury and the legal issues surrounding wildlife control. In Kansas, squirrels are protected by law, meaning it is illegal to harm or kill them. Professional wildlife removal services ensure that squirrels are removed humanely and safely, without causing harm to the animals or violating any regulations.
A professional pest management company, like Midway Pest Management, can perform a thorough inspection to identify entry points and assess the damage. They will then implement humane trapping and removal methods, followed by sealing up entry points to prevent future infestations.
Additionally, professionals can handle the cleanup and repair work needed after a squirrel infestation. Whether it’s repairing damaged wiring, replacing insulation, or sealing soffits and vents, a professional team will restore your home to its original condition, preventing future issues.
The Cost of Professional Squirrel Removal
The cost of professional squirrel removal can vary depending on the extent of the infestation and damage. On average, squirrel removal services in Wichita range from $300 to $1,000 for trapping and removal. If repairs are needed, the total cost could increase significantly. However, the expense of professional removal is often much less than the cost of extensive repairs from long-term damage caused by squirrels.
Squirrels may seem like a harmless part of the natural world in Wichita, but when they invade your home, they can cause serious damage and pose health risks. From chewing on electrical wires to damaging structural components, the costs of dealing with a squirrel infestation can quickly add up. Immediate professional removal is essential to prevent further damage, ensure your safety, and restore your home. If you suspect a squirrel problem in your home, contact Midway Pest Management today to schedule an inspection and take action before the damage becomes irreparable.