SIGNS OF SQUIRRELS

As the leaves change and fall to the ground and we welcome the colder winter months, we sometimes unintentionally welcome in some wildlife. Have you ever cuddled up into your warm and cozy bed, ready to fall asleep, and as you doze you hear the faintest scratching or a shuffling in the ceiling above your head? Some of us convince ourselves that we have a ghost, when in fact it’s just your everyday mouse or squirrel coming in for warmth. There are ways they get in and ways that you can work to keep them out. Let’s focus on squirrels today. These guys can and do get in, and when they do, they can make a really big mess and cause significant damage to your electrical wiring, insulation, and even boards. Keeping them out is important, as well as removing them if they are already there. 

One of the most important things to do is confirm that is a squirrel. Ways to determine this is if you hear scurrying, scratching, or even some chewing sounds coming from your attic, crawl spaces, or ceilings. Also, if you notice teeth marks in wires or wood or any air vent damage. Keep an eye out for little squirrel foot prints. Their front paws have four toes, while their back paws have five toes. Look out for any water damage on your walls or ceilings and if you smell a foul odor coming from your vents as this could be a sign of squirrels that failed to escape your home and are now decaying.

If you think you have a squirrel friend living in your attic the first thing to do is give us a call so that we can remove the squirrel from your home. Once that has been handled you can look for any openings that the squirrel may have entered through and be sure to seal and close them. Any damage done should also be repaired. If you notice wires exposed or chewed, call an electrician, as this can lead to a house fire. If you notice insulation has been torn out and damage has been done to any other areas, seek someone local to make the repairs. Other ways that you can prevent squirrels from getting in is to keep trees near your roofline trimmed. Changing your bird food can also help if the food contains sunflower seeds, corn, and even nuts, as that attracts squirrels. Also, using the trust old fashioned method of scaring them away by using a plastic owl and placing it on your roof or even on your fence line. It may also be helpful to use a taste repellant around the perimeter of your home, made from garlic, water, and vinegar, which is a natural way to deter them without causing harm.

We know how important it is to keep all pests, especially wildlife out of your home to avoid any damage. Follow our tips to ensure the damage is resolved and If you suspect you may have a squirrel making mischief in your home, do not hesitate to give us a call and let us help you with handle the problem with ease.