Southern Maryland is home to a variety of wildlife, and while raccoons and squirrels are often admired for their cleverness and agility, their presence near homes can lead to serious property damage. From chewing through wires to raiding gardens and invading attics, these animals may seem harmless, but their activities can be costly and even dangerous if left unchecked.
For homeowners in Waldorf, La Plata, Huntingtown, and surrounding South Maryland communities, understanding the ways these critters operate can help with effectively protecting against and preventing infestations.
Common Ways Squirrels & Raccoons Invade Homes
Squirrels and raccoons are opportunistic creatures. Both species are known for their climbing abilities, which allow them to access rooftops, chimneys, and attic vents with ease. While squirrels often enter through small gaps in siding or eaves, raccoons tend to seek larger openings, such as damaged soffits, loose shingles, or even unsecured pet doors.
Once inside, these animals can create nests, chew through insulation, and cause water damage by tearing shingles or disturbing roofing materials. Attics and crawlspaces are common hideouts, providing warmth, safety from predators, and a quiet environment for raising young. Homeowners may not notice their presence until the noise of scurrying or scratching becomes apparent, or until visible damage appears.
Structural Damage: Costly in More than One Way
One of the most concerning aspects of raccoon and squirrel activity is the structural damage they can cause, including:
- Chewed Wiring: Squirrels are notorious for gnawing on electrical wires, which can lead to short circuits, power outages, or even fire hazards. Raccoons may also damage wiring in attics or crawlspaces while searching for nesting material.
- Roof and Siding Damage: Both species can tear shingles, loosen siding, or damage gutters as they gain entry to a home. Even minor roof damage can allow water to seep in, leading to mold growth and further deterioration.
- Insulation and Wall Damage: Nesting behaviors often involve tearing apart insulation or drywall, creating additional repair costs for homeowners.
Understanding these risks highlights the importance of proactive inspections and prompt remediation when wildlife is detected.
Yard & Garden Destruction
Raccoons and squirrels don’t limit their activity to homes—they also raid gardens, bird feeders, and trash bins.
They are notorious for:
- Landscape Damage: Both animals can damage lawns, flower beds, and shrubs while foraging or creating burrows.
- Garden Pests: Squirrels are notorious for digging up bulbs, stealing fruits, and nibbling on vegetables. Raccoons may dig in compost piles, raid vegetable patches, or tip over potted plants while searching for food.
- Trash Disturbances: Raccoons are especially adept at opening unsecured trash cans, scattering garbage, and spreading debris throughout yards. Squirrels may also take smaller scraps, leaving messes in attics, sheds, or under decks.
Regular yard maintenance, secured trash bins, and wildlife deterrents can help reduce these issues, but for persistent problems, professional intervention is often necessary.
Health & Safety Concerns
Beyond property damage, raccoons and squirrels pose significant health risks, including:
- Disease Transmission: Raccoons can carry rabies, roundworm, and leptospirosis, while squirrels may carry hantavirus and salmonella. Contact with contaminated droppings, urine, or nesting materials can spread these diseases.
- Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and mites often hitch rides on these animals, making their way into homes and creating additional infestations for pets and humans alike.
- Allergens: Rodent droppings and dander can exacerbate allergies and asthma, particularly when animals nest in attics or crawlspaces.
These health risks add urgency to addressing wildlife intrusions promptly.
Prevention & Professional Solutions for Unwanted Squirrels & Racoons
For homeowners across Southern Maryland, preventing damage from squirrels and raccoons starts with understanding local behaviors and habitats. Trees close to roofs, accessible attics, and unsealed vents are all potential entry points that should be protected.
Professional pest control and wildlife management services are helpful, providing:
- Comprehensive Inspections — Identifying vulnerable entry points and signs of past activity in attics, garages, and crawlspaces.
- Exclusion Work — Sealing gaps, installing chimney caps, and reinforcing vents to prevent re-entry.
- Humane Removal — Safely capturing and relocating raccoons and squirrels according to local regulations.
- Damage Repair — Cleaning up nesting materials, repairing insulation, and addressing structural damage caused by animal activity.
- Long-Term Monitoring — Offering follow-up visits and ongoing preventive advice to minimize future wildlife encounters.
DIY methods, such as traps or deterrents, can provide temporary relief but rarely address the root causes or prevent repeat infestations. Hiring a professional ensures the safety of both residents and wildlife while protecting property value.
Humane, Effective Wildlife Solutions for Seasonal Intruders
From gnawed wires to ruined gardens, raccoons and squirrels can cause substantial structural and financial harm. To make matters worse, Southern Maryland’s temperate climate, wooded areas, and suburban developments make it an ideal environment for these clever intruders. That is why local homeowners should remain vigilant, inspect potential entry points, and act quickly at the first signs of wildlife.
If you have racoons or squirrels on your property, contact Mike's Pest and Termite Control for expert solutions to wildlife infestations. With local knowledge of seasonal activity, typical entry points, and species-specific behaviors, our technicians are equipped and experienced in protecting homes, families, and landscaping from squirrel and racoon damage. We are ready to provide targeted, humane, and effective interventions to keep your property safe and secure.
Call (240) 349-7436 or contact us online to schedule an inspection and safeguard your property from raccoon and squirrel damage.