Wildlife Removal Company

Squirrels: The Mischievous, Agile Creatures in Our Backyards

Squirrels are a common sight in many backyards, parks, and urban areas. With their bushy tails, quick movements, and playful antics, they seem harmless enough—perhaps even endearing. However, these creatures can become serious pests when they start invading your attic or garden. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of squirrels, why they may find their way into your home, and how to prevent or deal with squirrel infestations.

1. Squirrel Species and Habits

There are over 200 species of squirrels across the world, but the most common types we encounter are tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels.

• Tree squirrels are the ones we most often see darting through tree branches or scurrying along power lines. They’re excellent climbers and are highly adaptable to urban and suburban environments.
• Ground squirrels tend to stay on the ground, living in burrows and often causing problems by digging up yards and gardens.
• Flying squirrels, despite their name, don’t technically fly but glide through the air using a membrane between their limbs. They’re nocturnal, which makes them harder to detect, but they can also cause damage if they invade your home.

Squirrels are primarily herbivores, feeding on seeds, nuts, fruits, and sometimes fungi. However, their love for nuts makes them skilled at finding ways into homes, especially during the colder months when they seek shelter and food.

2. Why Squirrels Seek Shelter in Homes

As the weather gets colder, squirrels may look for a warm, cozy place to nest. Your attic, roof spaces, or even walls are attractive to squirrels because they provide warmth, safety from predators, and access to areas where food can be stored. A single pair of squirrels can have multiple litters in a year, with each litter producing several babies. This can lead to a rapid increase in the population in your home.

Some common signs that squirrels may have moved in include:

• Scratching or scampering noises: Squirrels are most active at dawn and dusk, so if you hear noises in your attic or walls during these times, it’s a strong sign they’ve taken up residence.
• Nesting materials: Squirrels often use insulation, leaves, and other soft materials to build nests in hidden corners.
• Chewed wires or insulation: Squirrels are notorious for gnawing on things to keep their teeth trimmed. They may chew through electrical wires, which can lead to fires or other damage.

3. The Damage Squirrels Can Cause

While squirrels might seem cute, their presence in your home can result in serious damage:

• Fire Hazards: Squirrels chew through wires, often in your attic, which can lead to short circuits, electrical fires, or power outages.
• Structural Damage: Their gnawing on wood, insulation, and roofing materials can weaken the structure of your home.
• Contamination: Squirrel droppings, urine, and nests can lead to contamination. Squirrels may also carry diseases like leptospirosis, tularemia, and parasites such as fleas and ticks.
• Chewed Furniture and Belongings: Squirrels may also chew on items in your attic, such as furniture or stored goods, causing additional damage.

4. How to Prevent Squirrel Infestations

Preventing squirrels from entering your home is much easier than dealing with an infestation once it’s occurred. Here are a few tips to keep squirrels out of your home:

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any potential entry points, such as gaps in the roofline, chimneys, vents, or windows. Seal these gaps with durable materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or caulk.
• Trim Trees and Branches: Squirrels can leap from tree branches to rooftops, so keep branches trimmed at least 10 feet from your home.
• Remove Food Sources: Don’t leave pet food outside, and secure trash bins. If you have bird feeders, use squirrel-proof models or remove them during the winter.
• Close Attic Vents: Ensure that your attic vents are secure and fitted with mesh to keep squirrels out.

5. What to Do if You Have a Squirrel Infestation

If you suspect you have squirrels in your attic or walls, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further damage. Here’s what you can do:

• Contact a Professional: While DIY methods like traps and repellents can work in some cases, it’s often best to hire a wildlife removal professional. They will be able to safely and humanely remove the squirrels, as well as locate and seal entry points to prevent future infestations.
• Eviction: A professional will safely evict the squirrels, ensuring that no babies are left behind and that the squirrels aren’t harmed during the process.
• Repairs and Clean-Up: After removal, the technician will inspect your home for damage and make necessary repairs. They may also clean and disinfect the area to prevent health risks.

6. Humane Squirrel Removal

At Wildlife Removal Hartford City, we prioritize humane and effective squirrel removal methods. Our expert technicians understand the behavior of squirrels and use safe, humane traps to relocate them to a more suitable environment. We also ensure your home is thoroughly inspected and sealed to prevent future invasions.

7. Final Thoughts

Squirrels are fascinating animals, but when they invade your home, they can quickly become a nuisance. Taking steps to prevent squirrel infestations and addressing problems early can save you time, money, and potential safety hazards. If you’re dealing with a squirrel problem, don’t wait—contact Wildlife Removal Hartford City today for professional, humane squirrel removal and prevention solutions.

Your home and business deserve to be free from these pesky intruders!