How to Effectively Remove Squirrels from Your Home
Squirrels might seem like cute and harmless creatures, but when they infest your home, they can cause a lot of damage. They can chew through electrical wiring, insulation, and even wooden beams, putting your property and safety at risk. If you have a squirrel problem, you need to address it as soon as possible. In this article, we will guide you through the steps you can take to effectively remove squirrels from your home.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Before you attempt to remove squirrels from your home, you need to understand their behavior. Squirrels are diurnal animals, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. They have a strong sense of smell and are attracted to food sources, such as bird feeders, gardens, and garbage cans. Squirrels are also excellent climbers and can easily scale walls and trees to access your home.
Did you know that squirrels have a natural instinct to hoard food? They do this to prepare for the winter months when food is scarce. This behavior can cause problems when squirrels try to hoard food in your attic or walls. The food can attract other pests, such as insects and rodents, which can cause further damage to your home.
Identifying Signs of Squirrel Infestation
The first step in removing squirrels from your home is to identify whether or not you have an infestation. Signs of squirrel infestation include scratching or scurrying noises in your attic or walls, chewed wires or insulation, and droppings. If you notice any of these signs, you likely have squirrels in your home.
It’s important to note that squirrels can carry diseases, such as salmonella and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with their urine and feces. If you suspect that you have a squirrel infestation, it’s important to take precautions and wear protective gear when attempting to remove them.
Common Squirrel Entry Points
Squirrels can gain entry to your home through a variety of means. Common entry points include holes in roofs or walls, uncapped chimneys, and open vents. Squirrels can also gain access to your attic through trees that are close to your home. Once they enter your home, they can cause a lot of damage.
Squirrels have strong teeth and jaws, which they use to chew through wood, plastic, and even metal. This can cause significant damage to your home’s structure and can be costly to repair. It’s important to identify and seal off any potential entry points to prevent squirrels from entering your home.
Squirrel Nesting Habits
Squirrels are known for building nests, which can cause problems if they are built in your attic or walls. Squirrels prefer to build nests in warm and dry locations, so your attic might be an ideal location. You can identify a squirrel nest by looking for piles of leaves, twigs, and other materials.
It’s important to remove any squirrel nests from your home as soon as possible. The nests can attract other pests, such as insects and rodents, and can also cause damage to your home’s insulation and wiring. If you’re unsure how to safely remove a squirrel nest, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service.
Prevention and Deterrent Methods
Prevention is always better than the cure when it comes to squirrel infestations. Squirrels are known for their agility and can easily climb trees and jump from branches to access your home. Once they find a way in, they can cause significant damage to your property. Here are some prevention and deterrent methods that can help you keep squirrels out of your home:
Sealing Entry Points
The first step in prevention is to seal off all the entry points that squirrels can use to access your home. Squirrels can fit through small openings, so it’s essential to inspect your home thoroughly for any gaps or holes. You can use materials like steel wool, wire mesh, and caulk to seal any holes or gaps. Pay special attention to areas where pipes and wires enter your home, as these are common entry points for squirrels.
It’s also important to trim any tree branches that are close to your roof or windows. Squirrels can use these branches as a bridge to access your home. By trimming the branches, you make it more difficult for squirrels to reach your home.
Squirrel-Proofing Your Garden
If you have a garden, you may have noticed that squirrels can be a nuisance. They can dig up bulbs, eat fruits and vegetables, and even damage plants. You can take steps to discourage squirrels from entering your property. One effective method is to plant squirrel-proof plants that they find unappealing. Examples of squirrel-proof plants include daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths.
You can also use bird feeders that are designed to be squirrel-proof. These feeders have mechanisms that prevent squirrels from accessing the birdseed. Additionally, you can use mesh netting to cover your garden beds and protect your plants from squirrels.
Using Natural Deterrents
There are numerous natural repellents that you can use to discourage squirrels from entering your home. Some effective examples include peppermint oil, hot peppers, and vinegar. These repellents are safe for humans and pets and have a strong scent that squirrels dislike.
You can also use motion-activated sprinklers to deter squirrels. These sprinklers detect motion and spray water, scaring off squirrels. Another option is to use ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds that squirrels find unpleasant.
In conclusion, prevention and deterrent methods are essential to keep squirrels out of your home. By sealing entry points, squirrel-proofing your garden, and using natural deterrents, you can protect your property from these pesky rodents.
Humane Squirrel Removal Techniques
If you already have a squirrel infestation in your home, you need to take steps to remove them humanely. Here are some techniques that you can use:
Live Trapping and Relocation
You can use live traps to catch squirrels and then relocate them to a more appropriate location, such as a wildlife reserve or park. Live traps are designed to catch squirrels without harming them, making them a humane option.
Using One-Way Exclusion Doors
Another effective method is to use one-way exclusion doors. These doors allow squirrels to exit your home but prevent them from re-entering. Once all the squirrels have left, you can seal off the entry points to prevent re-entry.
Encouraging Squirrels to Leave with Repellents
You can also encourage squirrels to leave your home by using repellents that make living conditions uncomfortable for them. Some effective repellents include bright lights, loud noises, and unpleasant smells.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a severe squirrel infestation, it is best to call a professional wildlife removal service. Professional wildlife removal services have the experience, tools, and knowledge necessary to handle severe infestations safely and humanely. Before hiring a professional, assess the severity of the infestation and research the legal considerations and regulations in your area.
Finding a Reputable Wildlife Removal Service
When looking for a wildlife removal service, look for a company that has experience dealing with squirrels specifically. Read reviews and ask for referrals from friends and family to find a reputable service.
In conclusion, squirrel infestations can cause significant damage if left unaddressed. By understanding squirrel behavior, taking preventative measures, and using humane removal techniques, you can effectively remove squirrels from your home. If you have a severe infestation, it is best to call a professional wildlife removal service to handle the problem safely and humanely.