Squirrels In Attic? Get Rid Of Them & Prevent Re-entry!
Understanding the Squirrel Problem
Okay, guys, let's dive into the nutty world of squirrels in the attic. It's a common problem, and if you're dealing with it, you're definitely not alone. Understanding why these furry critters decide to move into our homes is the first step in getting rid of them and preventing a repeat performance. Squirrels, especially gray squirrels and flying squirrels, are resourceful creatures always on the lookout for safe and cozy spots to nest. Your attic, with its warm insulation and sheltered environment, can seem like the perfect five-star hotel to them. Think about it from their perspective: it's dry, out of the elements, and usually free from predators. Attics offer squirrels a secure place to raise their young, store food, and hunker down during harsh weather. This is why they're so persistent once they've set up shop.
Squirrels are most likely to invade your attic during two main periods: late winter/early spring and late summer/early fall. These are their breeding seasons, and finding a safe nesting site becomes a top priority. During these times, female squirrels are actively searching for secure locations to give birth and raise their litters. The allure of a warm, insulated attic is simply too strong to resist. But it's not just about breeding; squirrels also seek shelter from extreme temperatures. In the heat of summer, an attic can provide a relatively cooler escape, while in the winter, it offers crucial protection from the cold. So, when you see those squirrels scampering around your roofline, remember they're not just causing mischief; they're trying to survive and thrive. Understanding this helps us approach the problem with a bit more empathy, even as we're plotting their eviction. Remember, our goal isn't to harm these creatures but to humanely encourage them to find a more suitable home, away from our attics.
Identifying Squirrel Activity in Your Attic
So, how do you know if you've got squirrels throwing a party in your attic? Well, there are a few telltale signs that these uninvited guests have moved in. The first, and often most obvious, clue is the noise. Squirrels are not exactly quiet tenants. You might hear scratching, scampering, and chewing sounds, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when they are most active. These noises can be quite distinct and persistent, making it clear that you're not just dealing with a mouse or a bird. Listen closely, and you'll likely be able to pinpoint the general area where the activity is happening. This can be a big help in locating their entry points later on.
Another key indicator is the presence of droppings. Squirrel droppings are small, dark, and pellet-shaped, similar to those of rats but often a bit larger. If you find these in your attic, especially near potential nesting areas or along travel routes, it's a strong sign that squirrels are present. You might also notice a musky odor, which can become quite noticeable if the infestation is significant. Squirrels are not the tidiest of creatures, and their nests can accumulate urine, feces, and food debris, leading to a less-than-pleasant smell. Keep your nose on high alert for any unusual or musty odors coming from your attic or ceiling.
Visual evidence is another piece of the puzzle. Look for signs of physical damage, such as chewed wires, gnawed wood, or torn insulation. Squirrels have a natural instinct to chew, and they'll often gnaw on anything they can get their teeth on, including electrical wiring, which poses a serious fire hazard. You might also find nests made of leaves, twigs, paper, and other materials. These nests are usually located in secluded areas of the attic, such as corners, behind stored boxes, or within the insulation. Finally, keep an eye out for entry points. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, as little as 3 inches in diameter. Inspect your roofline, vents, eaves, and any other potential access points for gaps or holes. Look for signs of chewing or scratching around these areas, which can indicate that squirrels have been using them to get in and out.
Immediate Steps: Getting Squirrels Out
Alright, so you've confirmed you have squirrels in your attic. Time to act fast! The first thing you need to do is figure out how they're getting in. A thorough inspection of your home’s exterior is crucial. Look for any holes or gaps, especially around the roofline, vents, chimneys, and eaves. Squirrels are crafty little guys and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, sometimes as small as a few inches. Once you've identified the entry points, resist the urge to seal them up immediately. Why? Because you could trap squirrels inside, which is not only inhumane but can also lead to some serious problems, like dead animals in your attic. Instead, focus on getting them out first.
One of the most effective ways to encourage squirrels to leave is to make the attic an unpleasant place to be. This involves using a combination of deterrents that will irritate them without causing harm. Bright lights are a great starting point. Squirrels prefer dark, secluded spaces, so shining bright lights in the attic can disrupt their nesting habits and make them feel exposed. You can use work lights or even a few strategically placed lamps. Loud noises are another deterrent that can be quite effective. A portable radio tuned to a talk radio station can create a constant stream of human voices, which squirrels typically avoid. You can also use ultrasonic sound devices, which emit high-frequency sounds that are irritating to squirrels but inaudible to humans.
In addition to lights and sounds, consider using scent-based repellents. The market offers a variety of squirrel repellents, many of which contain natural ingredients like peppermint oil, capsaicin (the stuff that makes chili peppers hot), or predator urine. These scents can be very unpleasant to squirrels and encourage them to relocate. You can also make your own repellent by soaking cotton balls in peppermint oil and placing them around the attic. Remember, the goal is to create an environment that is so uncomfortable that the squirrels will want to leave on their own. Be persistent and consistent with your efforts, and they'll eventually get the message. And of course, never use poisons or lethal traps. These methods are inhumane and can also pose a risk to other animals and even humans.
Long-Term Prevention: Keeping Squirrels Out for Good
Okay, so you've successfully evicted the squirrels from your attic. Fantastic! But the job's not done yet. The real key to solving this problem is preventing them from coming back. Squirrels are persistent creatures, and if they found your attic appealing once, they're likely to try again. So, let's talk about some long-term strategies to keep your attic squirrel-free for good. The most crucial step in preventing re-entry is to seal up all those entry points. Remember the thorough inspection you did earlier? Now's the time to put that information to good use. Use sturdy materials like metal flashing, hardware cloth, or caulk to seal any holes or gaps you found. Pay special attention to areas around the roofline, vents, chimneys, and eaves. For larger openings, you might need to use a combination of materials to ensure a secure and lasting barrier.
One-way exclusion doors are another excellent option for sealing entry points. These devices allow squirrels to exit your attic but prevent them from getting back in. They're essentially small, squirrel-sized doors that swing outward but not inward. You can install them over the main entry points the squirrels were using. Leave the exclusion doors in place for several days to ensure that all the squirrels have left, and then you can seal up the entry point permanently. It's a humane and effective way to ensure that no squirrels are trapped inside.
Maintaining your property is also essential for long-term squirrel prevention. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof. Squirrels are acrobatic, and they can easily jump from tree branches onto your roof. By trimming these branches, you eliminate a major pathway into your attic. Clear away any debris or vegetation that is close to your house. Things like piles of wood, overgrown bushes, or ivy climbing up your walls can provide squirrels with cover and easy access to your home. Regularly inspect your roof and attic for any signs of damage or new entry points. Catching problems early can prevent a full-blown infestation down the road.
Finally, consider using squirrel-resistant building materials when making repairs or renovations. Things like metal flashing, hardware cloth, and solid wood are more difficult for squirrels to chew through than materials like plastic or soft wood. By making your home less inviting and accessible to squirrels, you significantly reduce the chances of future infestations. Prevention is always better than cure, and a little bit of effort now can save you a lot of headaches (and noises in the attic) later on.
When to Call a Professional
Okay, so you've tried the DIY methods, but those pesky squirrels are still causing trouble? Or maybe the thought of climbing around in your attic just isn't appealing? That's perfectly okay! Sometimes, the best course of action is to call in the professionals. Professional wildlife removal services have the expertise, experience, and equipment to handle even the most stubborn squirrel infestations. They can accurately assess the situation, identify all entry points, safely remove the squirrels, and implement effective prevention strategies.
There are certain situations where calling a pro is particularly advisable. If you suspect a large infestation, it's often best to leave it to the experts. A large number of squirrels can mean a lot of damage and a lot of mess. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to handle these situations efficiently and safely. If you're uncomfortable working in tight spaces or at heights, attempting to remove squirrels yourself can be risky. Attics can be hot, dusty, and filled with hazards like exposed wires or weak flooring. Professionals are trained to work in these environments safely.
If you've tried DIY methods and they haven't worked, it's time to call in the pros. Continuing to try the same things over and over again isn't likely to get you the results you want. Professionals can assess the situation from a fresh perspective and develop a customized plan to get rid of the squirrels for good. If you're dealing with a particularly challenging situation, such as squirrels nesting in hard-to-reach areas or a complex entry point, a professional is your best bet. They have the tools and techniques to tackle even the most difficult infestations.
When you hire a wildlife removal service, make sure they use humane methods. You want to get rid of the squirrels, but you also want to do it in a way that is safe and ethical. Ask the company about their methods and make sure they align with your values. Don't hesitate to get multiple quotes from different companies before making a decision. This will give you a better sense of the average cost and allow you to compare services. And finally, be sure to check the company's credentials and reviews. You want to hire a reputable and reliable service that will get the job done right. Remember, a professional can provide peace of mind and ensure that your squirrel problem is resolved effectively and humanely.
