Dangers of Feeding Squirrels

Most people don’t mind squirrels in their yard; in fact, many people think they’re cute and might even leave food out for them. While they aren’t as destructive as their fellow rodents – mice and rats – they can still do a good amount of property damage if they get too comfortable.

The Xceptional Wildlife Removal team advises against feeding squirrels. Like any other pest, leaving food out will only encourage them to settle down nearby – and bring their friends as well. Squirrels may also become aggressive if you consistently feed them and then stop. If you’re dealing with a squirrel problem, count on the Xceptional Wildlife Removal team to handle it.

Why You Shouldn’t Feed Squirrels

As with any other wild animal, it’s important for squirrels to maintain a fear of humans. It’s safer for them and for us if we keep our distance from each other. If a squirrel views humans as “safe,” they’ll start hassling them for food. As we’ll get into shortly, squirrels can transmit disease, and if they’re in close contact with people, the chances get higher.

Hazards Caused By Squirrels

The reason you don’t often hear about people being bitten by squirrels is that it simply doesn’t happen very often. It’s still possible – especially if the squirrels are used to people offering them food. Squirrels can also spread leptospirosis and salmonellosis through their droppings. However, the biggest potential health issue that squirrels bring with them is the parasites they carry on their bodies. Fleas and ticks are known to carry diseases like Lyme disease and plague. 

Similarly to rats and mice, squirrels can cause property damage by gnawing wood, insulation, drywall, and electrical wiring. This last one can even become a fire hazard if left unattended.

What Do Wild Squirrels Eat?

Many squirrel favorites are conveniently located in the average bird feeder – which is why you might have noticed them stealing from them. Nuts, seeds, and grains are easy sources of protein; they also like fungi, fruits, berries, bugs, and more, all of which can be found right in your backyard!

Will Squirrels Eat “People Food”?

Yes – even the foods that are bad for them. Plenty of human foods are toxic to squirrels, such as avocados, onions, garlic, and chocolate. On top of that, squirrels can’t tell that plastic and foil aren’t food; they’ll eat it as well, which can cause deadly digestive problems. So, for their sake as well as yours, it’s best not to let them get used to “people food.”

How to Keep Squirrels Out

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of developing a squirrel problem.

• Use a locking lid on your trash. Like other rodents, squirrels aren’t picky – so the only way to make sure they don’t eat your garbage is to lock them out of it.
• Invest in a squirrel-proof bird feeder. These bird feeders use weight-sensitive perches or smaller openings to keep rodent thieves at bay.
• Rake up fallen leaves. It might not come to mind immediately, but leaf piles are a haven for bugs and a buffet for squirrels.

Like any other rodent control effort, it’s important to focus on deterring squirrels and making your property less attractive to them. That’s always easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation. But if your squirrel problem has gotten out of hand…

Give Xceptional Wildlife Removal a Call for Squirrel Control!

Squirrels are usually harmless, but if they get too comfortable in your yard, they can cause lots of problems. If there are a few too many squirrels on your property, whether at home or at work, you can count on Xceptional Wildlife Removal to handle it. Since we got our start in 1986, the Virginia area has trusted us to deal with all their pest problems. Once we’re on the job, your squirrel problem will be a thing of the past before you know it.

Give us a call to get started with a free quote!