When June rolls around, warmer weather isn’t the only sign of summer. It’s also prime time for increased squirrel activity, as mother squirrels prepare nests for their soon-to-arrive litters. If squirrels decide your home is the perfect spot for their nurseries, you might be dealing with uninvited roommates and the damage they bring. Knowing the signs of a squirrel infestation and understanding the risks can save your home from costly repairs and give you peace of mind.
Before squirrels make their presence fully known, there are subtle signs you can look out for. Identifying these early can help you take action before the problem escalates.
Do you hear scratching, scampering, or scurrying noises overhead? These sounds often come from squirrels running around in your attic or walls. They’re most active during the early morning and late evening hours, coinciding with their feeding habits.
Squirrels need access points to make their way into your home. Look out for holes along the roofline, chewed vents, or damaged soffits. Entry points can also include loose shingles or gaps around chimneys.
Finding small, dark droppings in your attic or near suspected entry points is another telltale sign of a squirrel infestation. Squirrel droppings are similar in appearance to those of rats but are slightly larger. Spotting these could indicate an ongoing infestation.
Squirrels are relentless chewers. If you notice torn insulation, gnawed wooden beams, or chewed wires, squirrels might already be making your attic their home.
Lingering odors in your attic or walls could result from squirrel activity. Nesting materials, droppings, and even carcasses can create an unpleasant smell in your home.
Squirrels may look cute when they’re darting through your yard, but the damage they can cause inside your home is anything but adorable. Here’s why it’s crucial to address squirrel activity quickly.
Squirrels chew on wood, insulation, and other structural materials as they create their nests. Over time, this damage can weaken your home’s foundation, making repairs expensive and time-consuming.
One of the biggest risks of a squirrel infestation is their tendency to chew on wiring. This behavior can strip wires of their protective coating, leading to short circuits or even electrical fires.
Squirrels can carry diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and ticks that transmit Lyme disease. Their droppings and urine can also lead to mold outbreaks or respiratory issues if left unchecked.
Squirrels often gnaw on roofs and shingles to create entry points into your attic. This can leave your home vulnerable to water leaks, weather damage, and further pest infestations.
The good news? You can take steps to protect your home and address squirrel activity before it spirals out of control. Here’s how:
Inspect your roofline, vents, and other potential entry points for any gaps or damage. Use steel mesh or professional-grade sealants to block these areas. Remember that squirrels are persistent, so the materials you choose should be durable and chew-proof.
Keep tree branches trimmed at least six to eight feet away from your roof. Squirrels often use branches as bridges to access your attic.
Make sure you’re not unintentionally inviting squirrels onto your property. This includes securing trash bins, removing bird feeders close to the home, and keeping pet food indoors.
A securely installed chimney cap or vent cover can help prevent squirrels from entering through these vulnerable areas. Be sure to choose covers designed to withstand their chewing habits.
When squirrels are already inside your home, one-way doors allow them to exit but prevent them from reentering. For humane solutions like this, consulting a wildlife control professional is highly recommended.
Do you suspect a squirrel infestation in your home? Take action today! Contact a humane wildlife control professional to protect your home from these unwelcome guests. With the right help, you can keep squirrels where they belong—in nature, not your attic.
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