Did you know that squirrels are one of the most common rodents found in your backyard? It may seem nice to have the cute company, but when a squirrel is sick, removing them from your home is best. The quicker you can identify the symptoms, the sooner you can protect your family from dangerous diseases.
A sick squirrel isn’t just a threat outdoors—it can also find its way into your attic. Once inside, it may contaminate insulation, chew on wires, or spread illness. That’s why professional squirrel removal from attic spaces is essential when you notice unusual squirrel behavior. By acting quickly, you can reduce the risks of property damage and keep your household safe.
Clear Symptoms of Sickness
Unfortunately, squirrels are susceptible to a number of diseases. How can you tell if a squirrel is sick? Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Discharge from the eyes, mouth, or nose
- Spasms or seizures
- Lesions, rashes, or scabs
- Wheezing, shivering, coughing and or sneezing
These are signs that a squirrel is suffering from disease or infection and should be avoided at all costs.
It’s also important to remember that a sick squirrel can act aggressively when approached. Homeowners should never attempt to trap or handle a squirrel on their own. Contacting experts ensures safe removal without risk of bites, scratches, or disease transmission. Even seemingly harmless behavior, like approaching humans for food, could be a sign of rabies or neurological illness.
Not So Clear Symptoms of Sickness
Even if a squirrel doesn’t show obvious signs, sickness is still a possibility. Other symptoms to look out for include:
- Lethargic behavior
- Weakness
- Skin abnormalities such as bare skin or spots
- Visible tumors
These signs can indicate internal organ infections, skin disease, bacterial infection, and even squirrel pox and also require immediate assistance.
Sometimes these subtle symptoms go unnoticed, especially if the squirrel is nesting inside an attic. Unusual odors, droppings, or scratching noises in the ceiling can be early indicators that a sick squirrel may be living above your home. Calling for a professional inspection can help confirm the problem before it worsens. Homeowners often assume that if they don’t see a sick squirrel directly, there’s nothing to worry about. However, a single infected squirrel in the attic can spread parasites such as fleas or mites throughout the house. These pests can affect pets and people alike, making early intervention even more critical.
Diseases Spread by Squirrels
Squirrels already carry a wide variety of parasites and diseases. Close proximity to a sick squirrel can increase your chances of catching Lyme disease, salmonellosis, rabies and more. Even worse, a sick squirrel can spread its illness to other critters creating an epidemic in a critter-populated area.
Diseases can be transmitted through bites or other forms of direct contact with infected squirrels. There are even some diseases, such as tularemia, typhus, and the bubonic plague that causes petechial rashes, fever, and even liver and kidney failure.
When squirrels invade attics, the risks multiply. Their droppings can contaminate air ducts and insulation, creating long-term health hazards for families. That’s why squirrel removal from attic infestations should be handled quickly by trained specialists who can disinfect and restore affected spaces.
Many homeowners underestimate how serious squirrel-borne diseases can be. Rabies, for example, can be fatal if not treated immediately. Even minor scratches or bites should be checked by a medical professional. This is why safe, humane removal by experts is the only reliable way to protect your family and pets from exposure.
Importance of Removing Sick Squirrels from Your Home
The safest step to take after spotting a sick squirrel is to contact our experts. Critter Control® of Tampa cares for the safety of your family and your home. Our expert technicians have experience in safely removing squirrels and other nuisance critters in your backyard to give you peace of mind. Ready to keep your home safe from sick squirrels? Call us today for a free consultation.
Beyond backyard encounters, we also specialize in attic restoration after squirrel infestations. From sealing entry points to cleaning and sanitizing affected areas, our team provides complete solutions that stop the spread of disease and prevent future invasions.
If ignored, sick squirrels in your home can quickly multiply into a larger infestation. Female squirrels reproduce twice a year, and if one is infected, her offspring may also carry diseases. This makes fast intervention not only a safety measure but also a long-term cost-saving solution.
What to Do if You Suspect a Sick Squirrel in Your Attic
If you hear scratching or notice insulation damage, avoid entering the attic yourself. Instead, schedule a professional inspection right away. Our team at Critter Control® of Tampa offers same-day services to remove sick or nuisance squirrels before they cause further damage. Quick action not only protects your property but also safeguards your family’s health.
Attempting DIY removal often results in squirrels becoming trapped inside walls, spreading contamination further. Inexperienced handling also increases the risk of bites, which can transmit rabies or other infections. Professional wildlife experts are trained to humanely remove squirrels and ensure that all contaminated areas are properly cleaned.
Preventing Future Squirrel Problems
Once sick squirrels are removed, prevention becomes the next step. Homeowners can reduce the risk of future infestations by:
- Sealing holes, vents, and cracks in the roof or siding
- Trimming tree branches that give squirrels access to the roof
- Installing chimney caps and vent covers
- Scheduling seasonal attic inspections
Taking these precautions can make your home less inviting to squirrels and other wildlife. Prevention not only saves you money in the long run but also helps protect your family’s health by reducing exposure to rodents and the diseases they carry.
