Removal of Squirrels in the Attic – Causes, Risks, and Effective Prevention
Introduction
Ontario is jam-packed with squirrels…Eastern Gray Squirrels, tree squirrels, and other squirrel species. Finding squirrels or hearing squirrel activity in the attic is a common problem for homeowners. These wild animals seek warmth and shelter, especially during early spring, when they give birth to baby squirrels. If left unchecked, a squirrel infestation can lead to health hazards, property damage, and potentially even a fire if they happen to chew electrical wires.
How Squirrels Gain Access to the Attic
Squirrels can easily gain access to an attic entrance by chewing entry points in such areas as roof vents, gaps in roofing material, or damaged wooden fascia boards. They often use tree branches from nearby trees to reach the roof. Once there, they can chew entries into the roof to get inside. For the squirrel removal process to work, identifying where all the entry holes are is the only answer to removing squirrels and stopping them from gaining access again.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
If you hear noises like scratching noises or scurrying sounds coming from above, you might have squirrels living in your attic. Other signs include squirrel droppings, nesting material, and gnawed wood or insulation. If you spot these indicators, it’s time to take action before the problem worsens.
The Risks of Squirrels in the Attic
A squirrel problem can cause serious damage to your home. Chewed electrical wires can become a fire hazard, potentially leading to house fires. Squirrels living in the attic can also destroy insulation, soffits, and wood, weakening the structure. Do not close or cover up an obvious looking entry point, you could trap inside and kill any squirrels living in there, coincidentally the presence of a dead squirrel can create a horrendous odor, making the attic unbearable. Babies can be removed and an exclusion door can be set for the mom.
The Danger of Baby Squirrels in the Attic
A female squirrel often chooses an attic as a safe place to raise her baby squirrels. Removing a mother squirrel without considering her young can lead to trapped squirrels dying inside, causing additional problems. Ensuring that all the squirrels are safely removed is essential for ethical and effective wildlife removal.
How to Evict Squirrels from the Attic
The best way to evict squirrels is by using a one-wa exclusion door, which allows them to leave but not return. We use a repeater exit-only door that evicts one squirrel at a time. When they exit the door, they are free outside, and if done correctly, this method ensures that other squirrels can also exit without re-entering.
DIY Deterrents and Prevention Methods to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic
Homeowners can use squirrel repellents such as apple cider vinegar, ammonia, or predator urine to drive squirrels away. Placing bright lights in the attic can also help deter squirrels. Covering openings with a strong wire mesh (do not use chicken wire) and sealing them with other strong materials ensures that entry spots are sealed shut permanently. Don’t place any rat poison up in the attic either, most squirrels won’t go near it or eat it.
Preventing Future Squirrel Infestations
To prevent squirrels from returning, it’s important to remove attractants. Secure bird feeders and store bird seed in airtight containers. Regularly inspect the attic for any squirrel damage and seal any entry hole before new squirrels move in. Addressing these factors can prevent repeat infestations.
When to Call a Squirrel Removal Professional
If DIY methods fail, hiring a wildlife removal professional is the safest option. The experts at Affordable Wildlife Control use humane methods such as wire meshing areas and setting one way doors to evict and relocate squirrels. They can inspect the attic for any squirrel damage such as any chewed or exposed wires, any feces or urine left behind, etc. They also check for remaining baby squirrels and make sure all the entry holes are closed to prevent re-entry from them or other animals. We do not set live traps or cage traps to get rid of squirrels, once they are evicted from your premises, they will go on their way.
Conclusion
Dealing with a squirrel infestation requires a proactive approach. Whether using DIY solutions or seeking help from wildlife control services, the key is to get rid of squirrels safely, humanely, and effectively. Taking preventive measures will protect your home from future invasions, ensuring peace of mind.
