Squirrel Awareness Month: Fun Facts, Car Damage, and Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel

October is Squirrel Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to shine a light on one of nature’s most mischievous (and sometimes destructive) little creatures. Squirrels may look cute as they scurry around your yard or leap from tree to tree, but when it comes to cars, these furry daredevils can cause some serious headaches.

Squirrel Facts to Kick Things Off

There are more than 200 species of squirrels worldwide, from tree squirrels to ground squirrels to flying squirrels.
Their teeth never stop growing, which is why they are constantly gnawing — including on things they shouldn’t, like vehicle wiring.
A squirrel’s memory isn’t as sharp as we think. Research shows they forget about 25 percent of the nuts they bury.

So yes, squirrels are entertaining, but they’re also opportunistic little critters.

The Damage Squirrels Can Do to Cars

If you’ve ever popped the hood only to find chewed wires or mysterious nests, chances are a squirrel has been at work. Here are some of the most common ways squirrels damage cars:

Chewing Wiring Harnesses: Squirrels’ teeth can slice right through wiring, leading to electrical issues, warning lights, or a no-start situation.
Building Nests: They love making cozy homes under the hood, especially near warm engines.
Gnawing on Hoses: Vacuum lines and fuel hoses can fall victim to their chewing habits.
Clogging Air Intakes: Acorns and nesting material can block airflow and reduce performance.

Even small damage can snowball into bigger problems if it isn’t caught early. That’s why at Harrell & Beverly, we always check for critter-related issues during testing and evaluation.

What You Can Do

If you suspect squirrel damage in your car, don’t ignore it. Strange electrical gremlins, odd smells, or mysterious warning lights could be more than just coincidence. Schedule a visit with us and we’ll inspect your vehicle, check for signs of critter activity, and make sure everything is safe and road-ready.

A Local Favorite: Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel

We can’t talk about squirrels in Sanford without mentioning our favorite celebrity, Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel! This world-famous squirrel has been delighting audiences for decades, and believe it or not, her story even ties back to our shop.

Twiggy’s family trusts Harrell & Beverly to help take care of her tour bus. That means when she’s traveling to shows, she does so safely and reliably. It’s one of the more unique vehicles we’ve had in our bays, and we’re proud to play a small role in supporting such a beloved local icon.

Final Thoughts

Squirrels are part of life here in Central Florida — fun to watch, but sometimes tough on our vehicles. During Squirrel Awareness Month, take a moment to appreciate these clever animals, but also keep an eye out for the damage they can leave behind.

And if you ever spot Twiggy doing her waterskiing tricks, remember that behind the scenes, Harrell & Beverly is keeping her tour bus in tip-top shape.

Looking for an auto repair shop in Sanford that can handle everything from wiring gremlins to transmission repairs? Give us a call at 407-322-8415.