Are you worried that a squirrel is nesting in your attic? It’s more common than you might think. Squirrels are attracted to attics because, like trees, they are safe and above ground. Female squirrels move into attics in the spring and summer to raise their babies, and both sexes like to nest through the winter.
If you experience any of the following signs, call a squirrel removal company for help. Squirrels will cause a tremendous amount of damage to the attic. The sooner you have them removed, the better.
1. Noises Coming from the Ceiling
Squirrels are noisy during the day. Listen for rustling, scratching, and squeaking sounds coming from the attic. These animals like to chew and manipulate their environments, making a lot of noise in the process. Baby squirrels may also be wrestling with each other and begging for their mother.
2. Squirrel Activity on the Roof
Seeing a lot of squirrels running around on the roof and around the yard may indicate that there is a nest in the attic. Squirrels will run in and out of their nests throughout the day. When babies are old enough, they accompany their mothers on trips outside of the nest. See if you can watch the squirrels and see where they are coming from. You may find that there is a hole in the roof.
3. A Nest in the Attic Insulation
If you can reach the attic safely, look for a nest in the insulation. Nests are usually woven into the insulation with twigs and leaves. You may also find it surrounded with acorns and other debris. Note that crushed and dirtied insulation should be replaced once the animals are removed because it is no longer working properly.
4. Odours and Feces in the Attic
Squirrels urinate and leave droppings near their nests, creating foul odours. Squirrels will also pass away in their nests, leaving a horrible stench that lasts for weeks. If there is a squirrel’s nest in the attic, you may find that the attic smells awful.
5. Stains on the Ceiling
With time, squirrel urine in the attic accumulates and seeps into the ceiling below. This stains the ceiling with brown or yellow watermarks. Stains of urine like this are not only costly to repair but a health hazard. The longer the problem persists, the worse it will get.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels
Call a Professional for Removal
If you have noticed any of the signs above, call a wildlife removal company. A professional can confirm if there is a squirrel living in your attic and get rid of it safely. He or she will find the squirrel’s entry point, then attach a one-way door to it, letting the animal leave on its own. Once out, the technician will seal the entry point shut. Professionals also offer exclusion services in which they will seal and block off every other vulnerability on the roof, keeping squirrels out for good.
Restrict their Access to Food
Squirrels like to nest in areas where they can find food. If you grow fruits and vegetables, harvest them on time. Don’t let any produce fall to the ground and stay there. Cover your garden with hoops and mesh to keep squirrels out. If you like to feed the birds, do so sparingly. Get rid of the bird feeder or switch to one that hangs far away on a tree branch.
Do Some Landscaping
Doing some simple maintenance around the yard helps keep squirrels away. Rake the leaves in the fall and use them for compost or throw them out. Trim tree branches and hedges away from the roof so that the attic is harder to access. Avoid leaving any food out on the ground and use lidded garbage cans. Keep the yard well-groomed.
Squirrel-proof the Roof
Inspect your roof for damages and repair them. Seal gaps with mesh and metal flashing. If you can access the roof yourself, cover your roof vents with a strong metal mesh. Squirrels often chew their way through roof vents to reach the attic. Cap the chimneys as well. Be sure to screw the material right into the roof so that animals cannot tear it off. Make your garden wildlife-friendly or call a professional wildlife removal company can do all of this for you.
