Protect Your Home This Spring: How Raccoons, Skunks, and Squirrels Can Cause Property Damage in Colorado Springs

As the snow melts and the flowers begin to bloom, Colorado Springs experiences a beautiful transformation. But with the arrival of spring, local wildlife also begins to emerge from their winter slumber, and some of these creatures can pose a threat to your property. Among the most common culprits are raccoons, skunks, and squirrels. While these animals are part of the ecosystem, they can cause significant damage to homes and businesses if they decide to make your property their home. Protect your home this spring by knowing what signs to look for.

Raccoons

Raccoons are notorious for their ability to adapt to urban environments, and spring is when they are most active. As temperatures rise, raccoons leave their dens in search of food and shelter. Unfortunately, this often leads them to seek refuge in attics, basements, and other hidden spaces in homes.

Raccoons can cause a range of damages, including:

• Damaging Roofs and Attics: Raccoons are skilled climbers and can easily access your attic through damaged or poorly sealed vents, chimneys, or gaps in the roof. Once inside, they may tear up insulation, chew through wires, and even damage the structure as they try to create a nest for themselves.
• Contaminating Spaces: As raccoons often carry diseases like rabies, they can leave behind dangerous waste. Their feces and urine can spread harmful bacteria and parasites, contaminating your attic and posing health risks to you and your family.
• Breaking into Trash Cans: Raccoons are omnivores and can be attracted to garbage. If you don’t properly secure your trash cans, they’ll scatter debris across your yard, creating a messy and unsanitary environment.

Skunks

Skunks are another springtime nuisance. While their pungent spray is enough to send most people running in the other direction, their presence around your property can cause serious issues. Skunks typically seek shelter under decks, porches, and sheds, where they create burrows to nest in.

Skunks can cause the following damage:

• Burrowing and Digging: Skunks are known for digging up lawns in search of insects, grubs, and small animals. This can result in unsightly holes throughout your yard, damaging your landscaping and potentially causing harm to your garden.
• Infiltrating Under Structures: Like raccoons, skunks love to make their home in the secluded spaces beneath your home, shed, or deck. If they establish a den in these areas, it can be challenging to get rid of them, and they can cause damage to insulation and wiring as they nest.

Squirrels

Squirrels are a familiar sight in Colorado Springs, especially in the spring when they become more active. While they might seem harmless, these small, furry creatures can wreak havoc on your property if they decide to move in.

Squirrels are known to:

• Chew on Wires and Insulation: Squirrels have sharp teeth that they use to gnaw on anything in their path. This includes electrical wires, which can lead to costly repairs and even fires if left unchecked. They can also chew through insulation, leading to higher energy costs as your home loses heat or air conditioning.
• Damage Roofing and Vents: Squirrels can easily access roofs and attics through small gaps or holes. Once inside, they can chew through the roof structure, vents, and insulation, which can lead to leaks and significant damage to the integrity of your home.
• Create Nests in Unwanted Places: Squirrels may build nests in attics, chimneys, or even walls. These nests can block vents or cause water damage as they interfere with proper airflow, leading to mold growth and other issues.

Protect Your Home This Spring: Preventing Damage from Wildlife

Springtime wildlife can be charming in nature, but when they start invading your property, they can quickly become a problem. To prevent raccoons, skunks, and squirrels from damaging your home, it’s important to take action early:

1. Seal Entry Points: Ensure that all vents, chimneys, and gaps in the roof are properly sealed. This will help prevent wildlife from entering your attic or walls.
2. Secure Trash: Keep trash cans tightly sealed and store them in areas that are difficult for animals to access.
3. Trim Trees and Bushes: Cut back overhanging branches that could provide access to your roof or attic.
4. Inspect for Signs of Damage: Look for signs of wildlife activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or strange noises in your attic or basement. Early detection can save you from costly repairs.
5. Call a Pest Control Professional: If you suspect that wildlife has already taken residence on your property, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can safely and humanely remove these animals and help prevent further damage.

Springtime in Colorado Springs brings new life to the area, but it also marks the beginning of wildlife activity. Raccoons, skunks, and squirrels can cause a variety of issues for homeowners and business owners alike. By taking preventative measures and acting quickly, you can protect your home this spring and avoid the costly damages these animals can cause.

If you’re dealing with wildlife on your property, contact us today to schedule a professional inspection and keep your home safe this spring!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.