Squirrel Control Services In Toronto
Removing squirrels from roofs and attics is a common problem for homeowners. Squirrels search for warm spaces to nest and can cause serious damage to your property and expose health risks to you and your family. They gain access by chewing holes or entry spots in your roof vents, or your soffit, your side vents, etc. Their presence in your attic or your walls could indicate a strong smell of squirrel poop in your house. The squirrel feces can carry parasites so any contamination in your attic needs to be cleaned up. Take action fast when you have a squirrel infestation to prevent long term damage and other hazards.
Why Squirrels Invade Your Attic
Common Squirrel Species Found in Homes
The most common squirrel species in urban areas are the Eastern Gray squirrel and the red squirrel. Well adapted to city life, these clever rodents instinctively seek safety and shelter as part of their nesting habits. Squirrels look for secluded places to raise their young, and attics are the preferred choice. Both the Eastern Gray squirrel and the red squirrel can have up to two litters of babies a year, one in the early spring and another in late summer, early autumn.
How Grey Squirrels Get into Roofs
Squirrels are excellent climbers and can chew through soft or hard materials to make entry points. They can climb up exterior walls of your house, they can jump from nearby trees. They target weak areas such as roof vents, gable vents and crawl spaces. Over time they enlarge these holes making it easier for other animals to get in. Homeowners should check for potential entry points regularly to prevent squirrels from becoming an issue. When squirrels tend to live in their natural habitat, they chew on tree barks or branches to keep their teeth filed and sharp. But a squirrel in your attic will chew on wooden beams and could gnaw on electrical wires, potentially causing a house fire.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
Noises and Visible Damage
Hearing scurrying sounds in the attic, walls or ceiling means squirrels are living inside. They are active during the day and can be heard running, scratching and chewing. Their constant gnawing can cause significant damage to electrical wiring, wood beams and insulation.
Squirrel Droppings and Parasites
Squirrel droppings found in the attic or near other potential entry points outside is a sign of an infestation. Their poop can carry bacteria and parasites that are harmful to humans and pets. A thorough inspection is needed to remove droppings and disinfect affected areas.
Wildlife Control
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Humane Squirrel Removal Methods
Safe and Effective Squirrel Removal
Humane squirrel removal means using humane methods such as a one way door over the main entry and covering up any other entry points. The one way door allows the squirrels to exit but not re-enter. This one way door is then later removed and the entry point is closed up.This method is very effective for removing squirrels when combined with sealing off weak points around the home.
Handling Baby Squirrels
If there are baby squirrels present extra care must be taken. Baby squirrel removal should be done professionally to ensure they are safe. If a nest is found give the mother time to move her squirrel babies before sealing the entry points.
Squirrel Proofing and Prevention
Find and Seal Entry Points
A thorough inspection should be done to find and seal entry points. Using wire mesh to reinforce gable vents, exhaust vents and other weak areas will keep squirrels out. If they have chewed through a hole, repair the damage with strong materials and they won’t be able to get back in.
Deter Squirrels with Natural Repellents
To deter squirrels homeowners can use repellents that create an unpalatable taste or strong smell. Rags soaked with apple cider vinegar or ammonia, citrus peel, sprinkling cayenne pepper around flower beds, attic openings and bird feeders – all of these can make the area less appealing. Removing food sources like unsecured trash and sweeping up excess birdseed from bird feeders will also keep squirrels away.
Prevention
Regular Home Maintenance
Regular inspections are key to preventing squirrels from coming back. Trimming trees that overhang the roof reduces access and reinforcing weak spots of the home with a strong wire mesh will stop future infestations. Addressing squirrel issues quickly will prevent costly repairs.
Professional Squirrel Removal Services
For severe infestations, squirrel removal services provide the solution. Wildlife Removal Toronto professionals specialize in effective squirrel removal, performing a comprehensive inspection of your house, protecting vulnerable areas, and using humane methods to keep homes safe. Taking immediate action and hiring professionals will ensure the well being of the squirrels living in your roof, that the infestation is resolved so they cannot gain achess, and that there is no further damage done to your house.
Conclusion
Removing squirrels from roofs requires quick action to prevent damage and health risks. Whether it’s baby squirrel removal, a full blown squirrel infestation or repeated invasions, taking the right steps to squirrel proofing your house and dealing with the issue promptly is crucial. Using humane squirrel removal services and methods, sealing potential entry points and working with pest control experts will help homeowners get squirrels out of their house and prevent future problems.
