Squirrels can quickly turn from charming wildlife to frustrating pests when they make their way into your home. Whether they’re nesting in your attic, walls, or chimney, squirrels can cause significant damage, from chewing on wires to disrupting insulation. If you’ve discovered that squirrels have taken up residence, getting them to move out can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can encourage these critters to leave and take steps to prevent them from returning.
Signs Squirrels Are Already Inside Your Home
If you suspect that squirrels have made their way into your home, it’s important to look for clear signs of their presence. These small but persistent creatures can cause a lot of damage, and identifying the problem early is key to preventing a full-blown infestation. Here are some common indicators that squirrels are living inside your house.
Unusual Noises in the Attic or Walls
One of the first signs that squirrels have invaded your home is hearing strange noises coming from your attic, walls, or ceilings. Squirrels are most active during the early morning and late evening hours, so if you hear scurrying, scratching, or even gnawing sounds during these times, it’s likely a squirrel or several have taken up residence. These noises are caused by the squirrels moving around in search of food or trying to get comfortable in their new nesting spots.
If you hear these noises consistently, especially at dawn or dusk, you should investigate further. Squirrels typically enter homes through small gaps or cracks in the roof or walls, so they may be getting in through unnoticed entry points. The presence of such sounds is an important indicator that a squirrel problem could be developing, and addressing it sooner rather than later will help you avoid more significant damage.
Visible Damage to Property
Another clear sign of a squirrel infestation is visible damage around your home. Squirrels have a tendency to chew on various materials, including wood, insulation, and wires, in order to sharpen their teeth or create nests. If you notice gnaw marks on beams, wires, or insulation, it’s likely that squirrels have been active in the area. Chewed-up electrical wires can be particularly concerning as they can pose a fire hazard, making it even more critical to address the issue quickly.
Squirrels also damage roof shingles, soffits, and vents when trying to gain access to your home. If you find holes or loose shingles, it may be a sign that squirrels have found their way in. Checking the attic and surrounding areas for signs of damage is an essential part of identifying an infestation and understanding the severity of the problem.
Related: Are Squirrels Hard to Get Rid Of?
Droppings and Nesting Materials
Finding squirrel droppings is a major red flag that you have an active infestation. Squirrel droppings are small, cylindrical, and dark in color. These droppings can be found near the areas where the squirrels are nesting or traveling, such as in your attic, walls, or around entry points. The presence of droppings can also attract other pests, so it’s crucial to clean up the area as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
In addition to droppings, squirrels will often build nests made from shredded materials like insulation, fabric, or even paper. These nests are typically hidden in secluded areas, such as behind walls, in attics, or inside chimneys. If you come across piles of shredded material or notice nests, it’s a clear sign that squirrels have settled in and need to be removed promptly.
Steps to Encourage Squirrels to Leave
Once you’ve identified that squirrels have made themselves at home in your house, the next step is to encourage them to leave safely and humanely. Squirrels are persistent, but with the right strategies, you can convince them to relocate without causing harm. Here are some effective methods to encourage squirrels to vacate your home.
Install One-Way Doors
One of the most humane and effective methods for getting squirrels to leave is by installing a one-way door. This device allows squirrels to exit the house but prevents them from re-entering. Typically, a one-way door is placed over the entry point, and when squirrels try to get back inside, they can’t get through. This method ensures the squirrels are not trapped inside, which could cause more damage or stress them out, but also guarantees that they won’t return once they leave.
Once the one-way door is in place, leave it for a few days to give the squirrels time to leave. Make sure to monitor the area regularly to ensure no squirrels are trapped or lingering inside. After all the squirrels have exited, you can safely seal up the entry point to prevent future invasions. This method is both effective and stress-free for the squirrels.
Use Squirrel Repellents
If you want to make your home less inviting to squirrels, using repellents is a great option. There are various commercial repellents available that use smells and tastes that squirrels dislike, such as peppermint oil or garlic. These repellents can be sprayed around areas where squirrels are likely to frequent, such as entry points, attics, and chimneys. The strong scents help deter squirrels from staying in the area and encourage them to move elsewhere.
While repellents can be effective, they should be used in conjunction with other removal methods. Squirrels are resourceful and can adapt to certain smells over time. Therefore, it’s a good idea to rotate different types of repellents to prevent squirrels from becoming accustomed to a single scent. This multi-faceted approach will make your home even less appealing to squirrels.
Create a Less Comfortable Environment
Squirrels are drawn to warm, quiet, and safe spaces, especially when they’re nesting. To encourage them to leave, you can make their environment less comfortable. Start by reducing the food and water sources around your home. Squirrels will stay where there’s an easy meal, so removing bird feeders, sealing trash cans, and cleaning up fallen fruits or nuts will make your home less enticing.
Another effective method is to introduce bright lights and loud noises in areas where squirrels are nesting. You can use motion-activated lights or radios to create an environment that squirrels find unsettling. While this approach may take time, the discomfort will encourage squirrels to seek shelter elsewhere. Just be sure to monitor the area to make sure all the squirrels have left before you seal any access points.
Preventing Squirrels from Returning
After successfully removing squirrels from your home, the next step is to ensure they don’t come back. Prevention is key to avoiding future infestations, and it begins with securing potential entry points. Squirrels are expert climbers and can fit through surprisingly small gaps, so it’s crucial to inspect your home for any openings. Check the roof, attic vents, chimneys, and any cracks in the foundation. Use durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth to seal these gaps, as squirrels can chew through wood and softer materials.
Another effective prevention strategy is modifying your property to make it less attractive to squirrels. Trim back tree branches that overhang your roof or near windows, as these serve as bridges for squirrels to access your home. Consider installing squirrel-proof bird feeders or placing them away from your house to remove a food source. Reducing food availability is a critical part of keeping squirrels from returning.
Finally, be proactive about maintaining your property. Regularly inspect the areas where squirrels have previously entered, paying close attention to areas that might be prone to wear or damage. Promptly repair any holes or signs of damage, especially after storms or other weather events. By consistently reinforcing your home’s defenses, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of future squirrel invasions.
When to Call a Professional
While there are several methods to remove squirrels on your own, there are times when calling a professional wildlife removal service is the best course of action. If you’re dealing with a large infestation, professional help is recommended. Squirrels can quickly multiply, and a minor issue can escalate into a full-blown problem if not addressed early. Professionals have the tools and expertise to handle these situations safely and efficiently, preventing further damage to your property.
Another scenario where calling a professional is essential is when you’ve already tried DIY methods but have not been successful. Squirrel removal can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes, especially if the squirrels are in difficult-to-reach areas like walls or chimneys. Professionals have experience with tricky access points and the right equipment to safely remove squirrels without causing harm to your home or the animals.
Lastly, if the squirrels have caused significant damage to your home, such as chewed wires, insulation, or structural elements, it’s important to call in a professional. Not only will they be able to remove the squirrels, but they can also assess the damage and make necessary repairs. Handling these issues quickly is crucial to avoiding more costly repairs down the line and ensuring your home is safe and secure.
Need Help with Squirrel Removal? Call AAAC Wildlife Removal Phoenix!
If you’re struggling with a squirrel infestation, AAAC Wildlife Removal Phoenix is here to help. Our expert team specializes in safe and humane squirrel removal, ensuring that your home is secure and pest-free. From identifying entry points to sealing them up and providing preventative solutions, we offer comprehensive services tailored to your needs.
Don’t let squirrels cause any more damage—call us today at [Phone Number] or visit [Website URL] to schedule an inspection. We’re dedicated to protecting your home and providing peace of mind, with efficient and reliable squirrel removal services you can trust.
