Squirrels may look cute and harmless, but when they invade your home, they quickly become a big problem. Whether it’s chewing through wires, nesting in attics, or digging up your garden, squirrels are far from the ideal housemates. Scarborough residents, in particular, are noticing a rise in squirrel activity, with these pesky rodents finding their way into homes and businesses more often than ever before.
Understanding how squirrels are getting into your home is the first step in protecting your property. In this, we’ll explore the common ways squirrels enter homes and share tips on how to stop them using squirrel removal Scarborough methods and squirrel pest control strategies.
Why Squirrels Are Invading Your Home
Before diving into how to stop them, let’s first understand why squirrels are so eager to get inside your home. The main reason squirrels invade homes is for shelter and food. During colder months, they seek warm, safe spaces to nest and hibernate. If your attic or walls offer a quiet, protected environment, it makes for an ideal location.
Another reason squirrels make their way indoors is to find food. If there’s a steady food source around your property—such as bird seed, fallen fruit, or access to garbage—squirrels will be attracted to it. Their keen sense of smell often leads them right to your doorstep.
Common Ways Squirrels Are Entering Your Home
Squirrels are persistent little creatures and will find any possible way to sneak into your home. Here are some of the most common entry points:
1. Gaps in the Roof and Walls
Squirrels are excellent climbers, and they can easily scale trees and utility poles to access your roof. Once on your roof, they look for holes or gaps around vents, chimneys, or damaged shingles. They’ll gnaw through these openings to enter your attic or the walls of your home.
2. Open Windows and Attic Vents
Squirrels are attracted to open windows or improperly sealed vents. If you leave windows open or vents that aren’t properly screened, squirrels will take the opportunity to explore your attic or the inside of your home.
3. Chimneys and Flues
Your chimney might seem like a secure area, but if your chimney cap is broken or missing, squirrels can easily climb down and make themselves at home. A chimney without a cap is one of the easiest entry points for squirrels, especially in homes with tall trees nearby.
4. Gaps in Foundation and Exterior Walls
If your home has any small cracks in the foundation or around the exterior walls, squirrels can squeeze through. Even the smallest opening is enough for a squirrel to wriggle through and make its way into your home.
5. Overhanging Trees and Branches
Overhanging trees are a major contributor to squirrel infestations. Squirrels are excellent jumpers and can leap from a nearby tree onto your roof or even into your attic if branches are too close to your home. They often use trees as bridges to access various parts of your property.
How to Stop Squirrels from Entering Your Home
Now that we know how squirrels are entering your home, it’s time to focus on squirrel removal strategies to stop them. Here are some effective ways to keep squirrels out of your home:
1. Seal All Entry Points
The first and most important step in pest control in Scarborough is sealing any gaps, cracks, or holes that squirrels can use to get in. Carefully inspect your roof, attic, foundation, and exterior walls. Look for signs of gnawing, and seal any gaps with durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth. Make sure to cover vents and chimneys with mesh covers to prevent squirrels from gaining access.
2. Trim Overhanging Trees and Branches
Trim back tree branches that are too close to your roof. Squirrels love to use trees as their highways to access your home. By cutting back overhanging branches, you make it much more difficult for squirrels to jump onto your roof and find a way inside.
3. Install Squirrel-Proof Barriers
If squirrels are consistently getting in through your chimney, consider installing a squirrel-proof chimney cap. These caps prevent squirrels from entering the flue while still allowing for proper ventilation. Similarly, installing tight-fitting screens on attic vents and keeping your windows securely shut will help keep squirrels out.
4. Remove Food Sources
Squirrels are attracted to easily accessible food, so it’s essential to remove food sources from around your home. Keep bird seed in squirrel-proof feeders, secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids, and clear up any fallen fruit or nuts from trees in your yard. This will make your property less appealing to squirrels.
5. Use Humane Traps
If you’ve already noticed squirrels in your attic or walls, using a humane trap can help you capture them without harming them. Once caught, release the squirrels far from your home, away from any areas they could potentially return to. If you’re unsure about trapping squirrels on your own, it’s best to call in a professional for squirrel removal in Scarborough to ensure it’s done safely and effectively.
6. Consult with a Professional Exterminator
If you’re dealing with a significant squirrel infestation, it’s best to hire a professional exterminator in Scarborough. These experts can perform a full inspection of your property and implement a tailored pest control strategy to ensure your home stays squirrel-free. They have the right tools and knowledge to handle the situation safely and efficiently, preventing further damage to your home.
Conclusion
Squirrels are persistent creatures that will stop at nothing to find food and shelter. By understanding how squirrels enter your home, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from gaining access in the first place. From sealing entry points to removing food sources, there are many ways to stop squirrels from invading your property.
If you find yourself dealing with a squirrel problem, don’t hesitate to contact a squirrel removal Scarborough expert to help you take control of the situation. With the right approach, you can protect your home from the damage and hassle that squirrels bring, ensuring a safe and peaceful living environment.
