Squirrels may look cute when you see them running in the yard, but inside your home, they cause problems. They chew wires, tear up insulation, and make noise in attics. When the weather changes, squirrels search for warm places to nest.
If your home has gaps or weak spots, you’d bet that they’ll find them.
Preparing now against squirrels and learning what attracts wildlife to your yard helps keep your home safe and quiet.
Why Squirrels Target Homes
Squirrels want shelter, food, and safety. Trees lose leaves, and the temperature drops. Attics, soffits, and crawl spaces become perfect nesting spots. Squirrels squeeze through small holes, sometimes just a couple of inches wide. They use their teeth to make openings bigger.
Once inside, squirrels:
- Build nests from insulation, paper, and fabric
- Chew on wood, wires, and pipes
- Leave droppings and urine that damage ceilings and walls
- Make scratching and running noises, mostly at dawn and dusk
If you hear these sounds or see signs of squirrel activity, act quickly. Squirrels can cause expensive repairs if ignored.
Inspect Your Home’s Exterior
Begin by taking a walk around your house. Look for:
- Gaps in rooflines and soffits
- Loose or missing shingles
- Open vents or uncapped chimneys
- Gaps around attic windows or eaves
- Branches touching the roof
Squirrels climb well. Overhanging branches give them a bridge to your roof. Trim back trees and shrubs so nothing touches your house.
Seal Entry Points
Check every possible entry point. Squirrels only need a small gap. Use strong materials to block access:
- Metal flashing for roof edges and soffits
- Hardware cloth over vents and chimneys
- Steel wool for small gaps around pipes and cables
Don’t use foam or soft caulk alone-squirrels chew right through. Focus on durability.
Protect Attics and Crawl Spaces
Attics attract squirrels. They’re warm, quiet, and full of nesting material. Here’s how to make your attic less inviting:
- Store items in sealed plastic bins, not cardboard
- Keep insulation covered or protected
- Fix leaks and dry out damp areas
- Use bright lights or noise to discourage nesting
If you find droppings, nests, or chewed wires, act fast. Squirrels move in quickly and can be hard to remove.
Remove Food Sources
Squirrels come for shelter, but food keeps them close. Remove temptations:
- Don’t leave pet food outside
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders
- Clean up fallen fruit or nuts from your yard
- Keep trash bins closed and secure
If you have a garden, harvest ripe produce promptly. Squirrels remember easy meals.
What to Do If Squirrels Get Inside
If you hear noises or see signs of squirrels indoors, don’t try to trap or handle them yourself. Squirrels bite and scratch when scared. They also hide in hard-to-reach places. Here’s what works:
- Block off the room or attic to keep squirrels from spreading
- Don’t seal exits if you think animals are still inside
- Call a professional for humane removal and inspection
Professionals use safe traps and exclusion devices that let squirrels leave but not return. They also check for babies-removing them safely and reuniting families outside.
Humane Removal and Exclusion
Experts use proven methods to remove squirrels without harm. The process includes:
- Careful inspection to find every entry and exit point
- Setting one-way doors or live traps
- Checking for nests and young squirrels
- Sealing all entry points after removal
- Cleaning and sanitizing affected areas
This approach keeps squirrels safe and protects your home from repeat problems.
Repair and Restore
After squirrels are gone, check for damage. Squirrels often chew wires, which can start fires. They also ruin insulation and leave droppings. Professionals offer:
- Repairs for chewed wood, wires, and insulation
- Cleaning and deodorizing to remove odors and bacteria
- Advice on keeping your home squirrel-free
Quick repairs prevent new problems and restore your peace of mind.
Prevent Future Problems
Once your home is squirrel-free, keep it that way:
- Inspect your home every season for new gaps or damage
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the house
- Store food and trash securely
- Use metal or heavy-duty materials for repairs
Consistency keeps squirrels outside, where they belong.
Why Professional Help Matters
You can do a lot against squirrels, but at the same time, you can only do so much. Squirrels are persistent and clever. You need help.
Professionals know how to find every entry point, remove animals safely, and prevent future issues. They use proven, humane methods that work for the long term.
Stay Ahead of Squirrel Season
Preparing for squirrel season protects your home, your health, and your wallet. Small steps now stop big problems later. Walk your property, seal gaps, and watch for signs. If squirrels move in, act quickly and get help from experts for wildlife removal.
Getting ready for squirrel season is simple but important. Take action now, and you’ll keep your home quiet, safe, and squirrel-free all year.
