Living in Baltimore, you may find yourself dealing with unexpected guests in your home. Squirrels are more than just cute creatures you see in the park—they can become quite a nuisance if they decide to move in. 

Understanding what attracts squirrels to your home is vital. They are often drawn by easy access to food and shelter. Bird feeders, pet food bowls, and even gardens can entice these furry invaders. Knowing where squirrels hide can also help you spot an issue early. Attics, basements, and wall cavities are common hiding spots, providing warmth and protection. 

Once you suspect a problem, it’s crucial to address it promptly. But how do you get rid of a squirrel infestation effectively and humanely? 

In this blog post, we will explore the signs that indicate squirrels may have taken up residence in your home, what attracts them, and why Skedaddle is the best choice for safe and effective wildlife removal. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to identify a squirrel infestation and what steps to take next.

Why Squirrel Infestations Are More Common Than You Think

Squirrels are cute when they’re scampering around outside, but they can become a nuisance when they invade your home. These agile rodents are excellent climbers and are often attracted to homes for food and shelter. Understanding what attracts squirrels can help you prevent an infestation in the first place.

Food sources are a significant attraction for squirrels. Bird feeders, pet food, and even garbage cans can draw them close to your home. Once they’re nearby, it doesn’t take much for them to find a way inside. Attics, chimneys, and even small gaps in your home’s exterior can serve as entry points for these persistent creatures.

Another reason they find homes appealing is the shelter they provide. Especially during colder months, squirrels seek warm, dry places to nest. Your attic or garage can offer the perfect environment for them to settle down and start a family, leading to even more squirrels in your home.

Entry Points for Squirrels

You might be wondering how these little animals manage to get into your house. Squirrels are resourceful and can enter through various points. Knowing where to look can help you identify a potential infestation early on.

One common entry point is the roof. Squirrels can easily climb trees and jump onto your roof. From there, they can find weaknesses such as loose shingles or gaps in the eaves. Once they find a way in, they can make themselves at home in your attic.

Chimneys are another favorite entry point for squirrels. If your chimney isn’t properly capped, it can serve as a direct route into your home. They can easily climb down the chimney and find their way into your living space.

Vents and gaps around windows or doors can also provide entry points. These small openings might not seem like a big deal, but they can be just enough for a determined squirrel to squeeze through.

Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

Recognizing the signs of a squirrel infestation early on can save you a lot of trouble. Here are some indicators that you might have a squirrel problem in your home.

One of the most obvious signs is noise. Squirrels are active animals and can make a lot of noise as they move around. If you hear scratching, scurrying, or chewing sounds coming from your attic or walls, it could be a sign of squirrels.

Another sign is droppings. Squirrel droppings look similar to rat droppings but are usually larger. Finding droppings in your attic or around your home can indicate an infestation.

Chewed wires, insulation, or wood are also signs that squirrels might be present. These animals have strong teeth and will chew on various materials to keep them sharp. Unfortunately, this behavior can cause significant damage to your home.

The Damage Squirrels Can Cause

A squirrel infestation is more than just a nuisance. These animals can cause serious damage to your home, leading to costly repairs. It’s essential to address the problem promptly to prevent further harm.

One of the most significant risks of a squirrel infestation is fire hazards. Squirrels tend to chew on electrical wires, which can create short circuits and increase the risk of a fire. This behavior is not only dangerous but can also lead to expensive electrical repairs.

Squirrels can also damage your home’s insulation. They often use insulation materials to build their nests, which can reduce your home’s energy efficiency. Damaged insulation means your heating and cooling systems must work harder, leading to higher energy bills.

Structural damage is another concern. Squirrels can chew through wood and other materials, weakening the structure of your home. Over time, this damage can become extensive and require significant repairs.

How Do You Get Rid of a Squirrel Infestation

At Skedaddle, we understand the challenges of dealing with a squirrel infestation. Our team of experts is trained to handle the situation safely and effectively, ensuring your home is free of unwanted guests.

We start with a thorough inspection of your home to identify entry points and signs of infestation. Our experts know where to look and what to look for, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Our approach focuses on humane removal. We don’t use traps or poisons. Instead, we use techniques that encourage squirrels to leave on their own. Once the squirrels are out, we seal all entry points to prevent them from returning.

After removing the squirrels, we clean and sanitize the affected areas. This step is crucial to remove any droppings, urine, or nesting materials that could pose health risks. We also offer advice on how to make your home less attractive to squirrels in the future.

The Benefits of Choosing Skedaddle

Choosing Skedaddle for your wildlife removal needs comes with several benefits. Our team is experienced, professional, and dedicated to providing the best service possible.

One significant advantage is our focus on humane removal. Unlike other methods that can harm or stress the animals, our approach ensures the squirrels are safely directed back to nature without causing them harm.

We also provide comprehensive services. From inspection and removal to cleaning and prevention, we handle every aspect of the process. You can trust us to take care of the problem from start to finish.

Another benefit is our commitment to customer satisfaction. We understand how stressful a squirrel infestation can be, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team is always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Preventing Future Infestations

Once you’ve dealt with a squirrel infestation, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future problems. Some simple measures can make your home less attractive to squirrels and reduce the risk of another infestation.

One of the most effective prevention methods is sealing entry points. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for gaps, cracks, or holes that squirrels could use to get inside. Pay special attention to the roof, chimney, and vents.

Keeping your yard clean and tidy can also help. Trim tree branches that hang close to your home, as squirrels can use them to access your roof. Store food sources, such as bird feeders and pet food, in secure containers to avoid attracting squirrels.

Consider using squirrel-proof materials when making home repairs. For example, metal mesh can be used to cover vents and other openings, making it difficult for squirrels to chew through.

The Importance of Professional Help

Dealing with a squirrel infestation can be overwhelming, and it’s always best to seek professional help. Skedaddle’s team of experts has the experience and knowledge to handle the situation effectively, ensuring your home is safe and secure.

Professional help is especially crucial if you’ve never dealt with a wildlife infestation before. Squirrels can be unpredictable, and trying to remove them on your own can be risky. Our team knows how to handle these situations safely and humanely.

By choosing Skedaddle, you can have peace of mind knowing that the problem is being addressed by professionals. We take care of everything, from inspection and removal to cleaning and prevention, so you can focus on enjoying your home.

Reclaim Your Peace of Mind

A squirrel infestation can cause significant damage and stress, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. By recognizing the signs early and seeking professional help from Skedaddle, you can ensure your home is free of unwanted guests and protected from future infestations.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. If you suspect you have a squirrel infestation, contact Skedaddle today. Our team is ready to help you reclaim your home and restore your peace of mind.