Wildlife Control

Introduction

Squirrels are common attic invaders in Mississauga, where both grey squirrels and red squirrels make their homes in our homes. Once inside, they can do damage by chewing on electrical wires, tearing attic insulation and creating a fire hazard. Removing squirrels requires effective methods that comply with local laws and humane removal. This guide will cover how to get rid of squirrels, prevent re-entry and protect your home from future infestations.

Squirrel Behaviour

Squirrels are very adaptable and smart creatures that can thrive in any environment. They are attracted to warm, secure and secluded spaces, that’s why attics and lofts are their favorite nesting spots. Understanding their behavior is key to deterring squirrels. Squirrels are most active during dawn and dusk and hibernate during winter months. They are also great climbers and can climb through crawl spaces and wall voids.

Signs of Squirrel Activity in the Attic

Hearing scratching, scurrying or chewing noises in the attic is a clear sign of a squirrel problem. Squirrels like to build their nests in quiet, warm spaces, often in a back corner of the attic. Visible entry points, damaged fascia boards and a squirrel nest made of twigs and insulation is a sign of an infestation. Droppings, strong odors and chewed wooden beams or wires are other warning signs that need immediate attention.

How Squirrels Get Into Attics

Squirrels can get into attics through:

• Gaps and holes in the roof, eaves and vents
• Damaged or loose fascia boards
• Unscreened vents and chimneys
• Tree branches that touch or overhang the roof
• Weak or damaged soffits

Squirrels can also chew through wood, plastic and metal to get into the attic. It’s important to inspect your home’s exterior regularly to identify potential entry points and seal them to prevent squirrel infestations.

How to Remove Squirrels from Attic

Locate and Seal Entry PointsSquirrels enter through small gaps in the roof, soffits or fascia boards. A thorough inspection is necessary to identify all entry points. Once the squirrels are removed, sealing these gaps with wire mesh, metal flashing or sheet metal can prevent them from re-entering.

Squirrel Repellents

Natural repellents like cider vinegar, cayenne pepper and predator urine can deter squirrels from staying in the attic. Squirrels don’t like strong odors, so soaking cotton balls in cider vinegar and placing them near the nest can encourage them to leave. Commercial repellents in a spray bottle can also be applied around entry points to make the area unappealing.

Bright Lights and Loud Noises

Using a strobe light or bright lights in the attic can make it uncomfortable for squirrels. Playing a loud radio, especially on a talk station can further disturb them and encourage them to vacate the space.

Trapping and Relocating Squirrels

A squirrel trap can be used to catch a trapped squirrel but handling wildlife requires caution. Using a live trap is a humane option and protective gloves should be worn when dealing with caught animals. If baby squirrels are present, it’s important to wait for the mother squirrel to move them or seek professional assistance to avoid separating them.

Humanely Removing Squirrels

If you have a squirrel infestation in your attic, it’s essential to remove them humanely. Here’s how:

• Identify the entry point and seal it to prevent re-entry
• Use a humane squirrel trap or contact a professional wildlife removal service
• Release the trapped squirrel at least 3 miles away from your home to prevent re-infestation
• Clean and disinfect the attic to remove any squirrel droppings or urine

Also consider the time of year and the presence of baby squirrels. Mother squirrels often nest in attics during spring and summer months and it’s important to remove the whole family to prevent re-infestation.

Preventing Squirrels from Returning

Remove Food Sources

Squirrels are often attracted to bird feeders, bird seed and unsecured food sources around the property. Relocate feeders away from the house or switch to squirrel-proof designs can help stop squirrels from getting too close. Pet food left outside may also attract wildlife so securing it can deter unwanted visitors.

Trim Tree Limbs and Install Barriers

Tree limbs provide access to the roof making it easier for squirrels to find entry points. Trimming branches that overhang the house can reduce the risk of squirrels climbing onto the roof. Installing physical barriers such as chimney caps, wire mesh and sheet metal around vents and other potential entry points can prevent them from getting in.

Squirrel Proofing Your Home’s Exterior

Squirrel proofing your home’s exterior is the best way to prevent squirrel infestations. Here’s how:

• Inspect your home’s exterior regularly to identify potential entry points
• Seal gaps and holes with heavy-duty wire mesh or metal hardware cloth
• Trim tree branches that touch or overhang the roof
• Install squirrel proof vents and chimneys
• Use a squirrel repellent or deterrent to discourage squirrels from approaching your home

Squirrel Proof Vents and Chimneys

Squirrel proof vents and chimneys is an effective way to prevent squirrels from entering your home. Here’s how:

• Install a squirrel proof vent cover or guard to prevent squirrels from entering through vents
• Use a chimney cap or screen to prevent squirrels from entering through the chimney
• Install a squirrel proof chimney liner to prevent squirrels from climbing up the chimney
• Use a squirrel repellent or deterrent to discourage squirrels from approaching your home

By following these steps you can prevent squirrel infestations and protect your home from damage.

Dangers of Attic Squirrels

Squirrels pose many risks once inside a home. Their constant gnawing can damage electrical wiring creating a fire hazard. Chewing on wooden beams and insulation can cause structural damage over time. Their presence can also attract other pests like insects or rodents which can worsen the infestation. Addressing a squirrel problem early can prevent costly and dangerous issues.

When to Call a Professional

If eviction methods don’t work or if a mother squirrel and baby squirrels are involved, professional help may be needed. The pest control industry offers humane squirrel removal services to ensure safe relocation of attic squirrels. Experts can also identify potential entry points and recommend long-term prevention strategies to stop squirrels from coming back.

Conclusion

Removing squirrels from an attic requires a multi-step approach of sealing entry points, using natural repellents and physical barriers. By trimming tree limbs and securing bird feeders homeowners can prevent future problems. When it gets too tough to do it yourself, professional squirrel removal services is the safe and effective solution to keep your home squirrel free.