What Damage Do Squirrels Cause?
Squirrels are one of the most prevalent pests in the United States, and they can cause damage to a house in multiple ways. One of the most common is by chewing on electrical wiring. This damage can lead to short circuits and even fires. Squirrels can also damage roofing and soffits by gnawing on them, and they can damage gutters by blocking them with nesting materials. In addition, squirrels can spread disease by contaminating food sources and saliva. As a result, it's important to take steps to protect your home from these furry pests.
How Can Squirrels Cause House Fires
Squirrels are often considered to be pesky creatures that invade gardens and steal bird food, but did you know that they can also cause house fires? It may seem unlikely, but it's true. Squirrels are attracted to the heat and sparks of electrical wires, and they have been known to chew through insulation in order to get to the metal core. This chewing can damage the wires and create a fire hazard. In addition, squirrels often build their nests in attics and chimneys, where they can easily come into contact with exposed wires. As a result, it's important to be diligent about squirrel proofing your home if you want to avoid a potentially disastrous house fire.
How Many House Fires Are Caused By Squirrels?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, house fires caused by squirrels are relatively rare. In fact, from 2013 to 2017, there were an average of only 500 house fires per year that squirrels started. This is a relatively small number when compared to the total number of house fires in the United States, which averaged around 350,000 per year during the same time period.
However, it's important to note that house fires caused by squirrels can be particularly devastating. This is because they often start in attics or chimneys, where they can spread quickly and cause significant damage. As a result, it's important to be aware of the potential risks posed by these furry critters and take steps to prevent them from entering your home.
Why Do Squirrels Eat House Wiring?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, house fires caused by squirrels chewing on electrical wiring are a real and present danger. In fact, these so-called " arsonists of the animal kingdom" are responsible for an estimated 25% of house fires each year. But why do squirrels (and other rodents) have such a destructive appetite for house wiring?
There are a few reasons. For one, rodents' teeth are always growing, so they need to gnaw on hard objects to keep their teeth trim. Unfortunately, house wiring is the perfect size and consistency for them to chew on.
Additionally, the insulation on electrical wires contains a substance called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. When chewed, this smells similar to fresh331 Cut Grass - an irresistible scent for most squirrels. Finally, chewing on wires gives squirrels a much-needed source of calcium - an essential nutrient for their health.
So, why do squirrels chew house wiring? While it may seem like mindless destruction to us, for squirrels it's simply a matter of following their natural instincts. If you have a squirrel problem you should probably call an animal removal company.
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