Squirrels are one of the most problematic pests in Ohio. The Flying Squirrel is one of the most common, but you’ll also find Grey, Red, and Fox Squirrels wreaking their unique mischievous havoc throughout the state.

How Did Squirrels Become Such A Problem?

It’s ironic that, in some ways, we humans have brought this trouble on ourselves. Did you know that there were very few squirrels in our country once? In the mid-1800s, we intentionally introduced them to our parks and cities to “maintain people’s health and sanity.” Yes, people considered them harmless, charming, fun to watch, and beneficial additions to our neighborhoods. They were even trendy domesticated house pets for a while. That nationwide infatuation did not last long, but the ensuing repercussions certainly did. The average American neighborhood is now overrun with these pesky rodents. In hindsight, it’s easy to look back at that and scratch our heads. What were people back then thinking? Nowadays, we know that they are pests, not pets. While we still concede that they are pretty cute, the extensive, expensive damage they do is decidedly not.

The Damage Squirrels Do

Squirrels are notorious for chewing and cause constant problems with wiring and cables. They cause more power outages than bad weather. It is even more frustrating for homeowners; they love getting into our houses. They are clever little break-in artists, quickly finding their way into eaves, sheds, attics, basements, porches, chimneys, and crawlspaces. They destroy woodwork, insulation, and the essential building structures of our home and wiring. Their destruction doesn’t stop there. They create plenty of problems outside as well. They can rip up lawn furniture and mess up your landscape, damaging lawns, shrubbery, flowers, and gardens. Oh, and speaking of gardens, they’ll take first dibs on your ripening bounty of fruits and vegetables and help themselves long before you have the chance to enjoy them. It’s also comically ridiculous how fast they’ll empty your birdfeeders. 

Diseases Squirrels Carry

Another serious problem with having squirrels around your home is the diseases and parasites they carry, many of which can make us sick. This includes Lyme Disease, Salmonella, Tularemia, and Rabies. There have even been some scientific reports linking them to Leprosy. Worst of all, you don’t have to handle one to be vulnerable. Coming into contact with objects they may have touched is enough to present a viable threat.

Squirrel Deterrents

There are a few tactics you can employ to help deter them. We know they don’t like to frequent areas where predators like dogs and cats might challenge them. Owls also frighten them, so some well-placed decoy figures may be suitable. They also have very acute olfactory senses and don’t like certain odors, including peppermint, pepper, garlic, coffee grounds, cinnamon, and urine. (Although chances are, having the pervasive smell of urine around your home probably doesn’t sound that appealing either) These deterrents only work to a certain extent and, in some cases, not at all. Your best solution when dealing with a problem is to obtain the assistance of a professional wildlife control company.

Choose Matt’s Animal Control

Matt’s Animal Control is the top-rated and most trusted squirrel control and removal specialist in the Miami Valley area. Not only do we humanely remove them, but we are experts at exclusion, which means we have the tools and techniques to keep them from coming back. We can also assist you with clean-up, repairs, and new insulation. Our friendly, experienced staff is standing by and ready to give you the help you need, so please contact us today.