If you’ve noticed unusual sounds in your attic—scratching, scurrying, or even chirping—it’s likely that squirrels have made their way into your home. While squirrels can be charming little creatures outside, when they invade your attic, they can quickly become a nuisance, causing damage and posing potential health risks. At Critter Control of SW Missouri, we understand the importance of safe and humane wildlife control, and we’re here to help you with expert tips for removing squirrels and preventing future infestations.
Why Are Squirrels in Your Attic?
Squirrels typically seek shelter in attics to escape predators, find warmth, and create nests for raising their young. Attics provide a perfect hideaway with plenty of insulation, small spaces to hide, and easy access to entry points. Once inside, squirrels may cause damage by chewing on electrical wiring, insulation, and structural materials. In the colder months, they may also invade homes in search of food.
Signs You Have Squirrels in the Attic
Before you start hearing them scurry around, there are several signs that can alert you to the presence of squirrels in your attic:
- Noises: Scratching, scampering, or thumping sounds, especially during early mornings or late evenings, can be signs of squirrels.
- Visible Damage: Squirrel teeth are sharp and they love to chew. Look for chew marks on electrical wires, beams, and insulation.
- Droppings: Squirrel droppings are often found around areas they frequent, and their feces can carry diseases like leptospirosis or salmonella.
- Nests: Look for signs of nesting material—shredded insulation, leaves, twigs, or even fabric.
Safe and Humane Squirrel Removal
While squirrels may seem harmless, it’s important to address an infestation quickly to prevent further damage and avoid safety risks. Here’s a safe and humane approach to squirrel removal:
Contact a Professional Wildlife Control Service: Handling a squirrel infestation requires knowledge of local wildlife laws and effective removal techniques. At Critter Control of SW Missouri, our experienced team uses humane traps and exclusion methods to safely relocate squirrels. We also ensure that no animals are left behind.
Seal Entry Points: The first step in safe removal is to identify how squirrels are entering your attic. Our experts will thoroughly inspect your home to find holes, gaps, or damaged areas around vents, eaves, or chimneys. We’ll seal up these entry points to prevent future access.
Live Trapping and Relocation: We use safe, non-lethal traps to capture squirrels and relocate them to a safe environment away from your home. Relocation is done in accordance with local laws to ensure the squirrels are released in an appropriate area.
Eviction: If necessary, we may employ a process called "eviction," which encourages the squirrels to leave on their own. This method involves temporarily installing one-way doors that allow the squirrels to exit but not re-enter.
Examine for Babies: If the squirrels are nesting, they may have young ones with them. It’s critical to wait until the babies are old enough to leave the nest before performing removal to avoid separating them from their mother. We’ll assess the situation and guide you through the safest timeline for removal.
Preventing Future Squirrel Infestations
After your attic is clear of squirrels, the next step is to ensure they don’t return. Prevention is key to keeping your home safe and secure from wildlife.
Seal Gaps and Cracks: Ensure all potential entry points are sealed. This includes gaps around vents, rooflines, chimneys, and fascia boards. Pay attention to areas where wires and pipes enter your home, as these can be easy entry points for squirrels.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches: Squirrels are expert climbers and will use tree branches as bridges to your roof. Trim any tree branches that extend too close to your home, especially those that lead to the roofline or attic vents.
Install Squirrel Barriers: Consider installing squirrel-proof mesh or barriers over entry points, vents, and chimneys. These prevent squirrels from accessing these areas while still allowing for ventilation.
Keep Your Home Clean: Squirrels are often attracted to food sources. Keep pet food, bird seed, and trash securely stored and away from the exterior of your home. Consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders if you enjoy feeding birds.
Inspect Regularly: Make it a habit to check your attic and roof for signs of new damage or possible entry points. The earlier you catch any issues, the easier it will be to fix them before they become a bigger problem.
Why Choose Critter Control of SW Missouri?
At Critter Control of SW Missouri, we are committed to providing humane, effective wildlife control services. Our team of experts is trained to handle squirrel removal and prevention with the utmost care, using the latest techniques and safety protocols. We believe in solving the root cause of wildlife infestations and offer comprehensive services to ensure that your home stays squirrel-free for years to come.
While squirrels may be cute in nature, they can cause significant damage when they invade your attic. Safe and humane removal, along with effective prevention strategies, can protect your home from these furry intruders. If you suspect squirrels in your attic, don’t hesitate to call Critter Control of SW Missouri. Our trained professionals are ready to safely remove the squirrels and ensure your home is secure from future infestations.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn more about our squirrel removal and prevention services!