Squirrels are generally not considered a significant threat to humans. While interactions can occur, serious dangers are rare. This discussion explores contexts where squirrels might pose a risk, offering a balanced perspective.
Health Risks Associated with Squirrels
Squirrel bites represent the most common direct physical interaction that could lead to danger. These bites are typically defensive, occurring when squirrels feel threatened, such as during attempts to feed them by hand or capture them. If a squirrel bite occurs, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately. Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment, and seek medical attention for deeper wounds or infection risk.
Rabies in squirrels is extremely rare. While squirrels, like all warm-blooded mammals, can theoretically contract rabies, reported cases are almost non-existent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates minimal reports of rabid squirrels, primarily due to their solitary and arboreal behavior, which minimizes exposure to rabid animals. If a squirrel were attacked by a rabid animal, it would most likely not survive long enough for the disease to incubate and manifest.
Other diseases can be transmitted from squirrels to humans, but such instances are highly improbable and usually involve unusual circumstances. These include leptospirosis, which spreads through infected animal urine, or tularemia, a bacterial illness contracted through bites from vectors or direct contact with infected animals. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can also spread through direct contact with an infected squirrel. However, transmission to humans is rare and often linked to handling sick or dead animals or through vectors like fleas and ticks carried by squirrels.
Squirrels and Property Damage
Squirrels possess continuously growing incisor teeth, necessitating constant chewing to keep them at a manageable length. This behavior often leads them to gnaw on various materials, including electrical wires, which can result in exposed wiring and create a fire hazard. Beyond electrical systems, their chewing can damage wooden structures like eaves, siding, and decks, and even plastic pipes.
Squirrels often seek shelter in attics, walls, and chimneys, where they build nests using insulation. They tear apart insulation to create suitable nesting sites. This activity can damage the insulation’s structure, reduce its effectiveness, and lead to higher energy costs. The presence of nesting squirrels can also result in soiled areas with droppings and urine, which can contaminate insulation and lead to odors.
In gardens and yards, squirrels can cause problems for homeowners due to their foraging habits. They may dig up newly planted seeds or bulbs and consume ripening fruits and vegetables. Squirrels also frequently raid bird feeders, eating seeds intended for birds and sometimes damaging the feeders. Additionally, they can strip bark from trees, particularly young ones, which may stunt growth or even kill the tree.
Safe Coexistence and Prevention
Minimizing direct interaction with squirrels prevents potential issues. Feeding squirrels can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, potentially leading to increased boldness or reliance on human-provided food sources. Instead, observe them from a distance, allowing them to forage naturally.
Securing your home effectively prevents squirrels from gaining entry. Sealing potential entry points, such as small holes in siding, soffits, and fascia, with durable materials like steel mesh or metal flashing is important. Chimneys should be capped and damaged screens repaired to block common access routes. Trimming tree branches away from the house can also reduce their ability to reach roofs and other entry points.
Protecting outdoor property involves various deterrent methods. Fencing can help safeguard gardens, especially if the fence extends several inches below ground to prevent digging. Repellents containing ingredients like capsaicin or peppermint oil, or predator urine scents, can deter squirrels from plants, though they may require reapplication after rain. Squirrel baffles on bird feeders can make it more challenging for squirrels to access the seeds.
If a squirrel enters your home, it is often possible to encourage it to leave humanely. Create an escape route, such as opening a window or door to the outside, and leave the area undisturbed; this can prompt the squirrel to exit on its own. For persistent issues or suspected illness, contact animal control or a professional wildlife removal service. These professionals can safely and humanely remove the animal and address any damage, ensuring the situation is handled effectively.