Cracks in the attic. Strange sounds in the ceiling. A flutter of fur vanishing into the eaves. At first, you might think it’s cute—or maybe not even worth your attention. But those squirrels you’re spotting around your roofline aren’t just harmless visitors. When they move into your attic, crawlspace, or walls, they bring along a host of hidden dangers—and in North Carolina, squirrel infestations are more common than you might think.
If you’re hearing scampering overhead or spotting insulation spilling out from the soffits, don’t wait. Here’s what you need to know about why having squirrels in your home is far more destructive than most people realize—and why it’s so important to get them out quickly and professionally.
Squirrels Are Not Just Nuisances—They’re Destructive Rodents
Squirrels may look fluffy and fun, but beneath the cuteness lies the behavior of a rodent with serious damage potential. Like all rodents, squirrels have teeth that never stop growing—and to keep them filed down, they chew. Constantly.
In your home, this chewing habit can lead to dangerous and costly consequences. Here are a few things North Carolina homeowners should know:
- Electrical Fires: One of the biggest risks with a squirrel infestation is their tendency to gnaw on wires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, rodents cause up to 25% of all house fires that start from unknown causes, with squirrels being a frequent culprit.
- Roof and Structural Damage: Squirrels in the attic will chew through wood, insulation, and even structural beams to create nests or access food. In North Carolina, where winters can drive squirrels inside in search of warmth, many homeowners find that by spring, their attic has suffered thousands of dollars in damage.
- Water Leaks and Mold: By chewing through roof vents and soffits, squirrels can create weak points where rainwater seeps in. Combined with insulation damage, this can lead to dangerous mold growth and weakened structural integrity.
In short, a squirrel infestation doesn’t just create noise—it actively threatens your home’s safety.
The Hidden Risks of a Squirrel Infestation
Most people don’t associate squirrels with disease, but they should. When squirrels make your home their home, they bring with them droppings, parasites, and pathogens that can seriously affect your family’s health.
Here’s what makes squirrel infestations especially risky in North Carolina homes:
- Urine and Feces Contamination: Like raccoons or rats, squirrels leave waste in your attic or crawlspaces, which accumulates over time. This waste can contaminate insulation, wood, and drywall, and the ammonia odor alone can be overwhelming. Worse, it can lead to respiratory illnesses if spores become airborne.
- Parasites and Mites: Squirrels are often hosts to fleas, ticks, and mites. Once inside your home, these pests don’t just stay in the attic—they can make their way into your living areas, biting pets and family members alike.
- Salmonella and Leptospirosis: Though less commonly associated with squirrels than rats, these rodents are still capable of carrying diseases that can be transmitted through droppings or direct contact.
If you suspect even a small squirrel infestation, don’t assume it’s just a noise problem. The health risks to your family can escalate quickly.
North Carolina’s Squirrel Problem Is Worse Than You Think
If you live in Charlotte, Matthews, Cornelius, or anywhere across central and western North Carolina, squirrel problems are not rare. In fact, they’re on the rise.
Why? Several factors unique to our region contribute to higher-than-average squirrel infestation rates:
- Abundant Hardwood Trees: North Carolina’s tree canopy—especially oak, hickory, and walnut—makes for the perfect squirrel habitat. When acorn supplies run low or temperatures drop, they look to your attic for shelter.
- Rapid Suburban Expansion: As new neighborhoods are developed, squirrels are displaced from their natural nesting grounds and look to homes and garages to fill the void.
- Warm Winters: Mild winters in the Carolinas allow for longer breeding seasons. Squirrels can have two litters per year, meaning an attic population can grow fast if left unchecked.
And it’s not just rural or wooded properties that are at risk. Homeowners in suburban developments like Ballantyne, Huntersville, or Mooresville regularly report squirrel infestations—especially in older homes where roof vents or fascia are more easily compromised.
What’s the Real Cost of a Squirrel Infestation?
Let’s talk dollars and cents. Most homeowners don’t realize just how much a squirrel infestation can cost until the damage is done:
- Insulation replacement: $2,000–$5,000
- Electrical rewiring: $1,000–$4,000+
- Roof and soffit repair: $500–$3,000
- Decontamination and odor removal: $1,000–$3,000
These costs often aren’t covered by insurance—especially if the infestation was ongoing or deemed preventable. The longer squirrels stay, the more damage they’ll do.
Act Now Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve heard scratching in your walls or found signs of a squirrel’s presence in your attic, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. A squirrel infestation won’t go away on its own—and DIY solutions can often make the problem worse or even illegal, depending on state regulations. Don’t wait for a squirrel problem to escalate—call Varmint Gone today at 888-391-3330 or schedule an inspection online with our specialists to assess your squirrel situation.
Varmint Gone is a licensed, insured, and local veteran-owned wildlife removal company. We have provided fast and reliable squirrel removal services to homeowners since 1983. With our expertise, you can effectively keep squirrels out and protect your property from further damage.
Interested in hearing from our satisfied customers? Check out our reviews online for Varmint Gone Matthews or Varmint Gone Cornelius and see how we’ve helped homeowners just like you!
Your home is your biggest investment—don’t let a squirrel infestation silently destroy it from the inside out. Trust the pros. Trust Varmint Gone.
