Squirrels are some of the most common critters present throughout urban areas of most cities in Canada. They reproduce rapidly because they breed twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. They have a lifespan of up to 20 years. While they can be cute and cuddly at first sight, they quite often turn into nuisance wildlife for homeowners. This is because they can move into chimneys, attics and other roof areas to have babies, build nests and store food for the winter. There are many different squirrel deterrents, and you should think about using them if you are concerned with a possible squirrel infestation.
Squirrel Deterrents: Why You Should Consider Using Them
While you’re taking a walk in your local park, seeing a family of squirrels might be a welcome sight. However, a squirrel family is never a welcome addition to your home. If you have noticed that squirrels in your area are often on your roof or have heard noise coming from your attic, chances are you have an infestation. This is when it is time to contact the professionals and have them handle the removal process humanely.

Squirrels easily chew through plastic garbage cans to get at discarded food
If you don’t have an infestation yet but are worried you might, know that reasons to deter squirrels are many. Preventing them from accessing your home is necessary because squirrels are:
- Skillful chewers and natural diggers
- Able to chew holes through building materials and cause structural problems
- Able to chew through electrical lines in your home and create fire hazards
- Capable of causing thousands of dollars in repairs
How To Use Squirrel Deterrents
If you have never had a squirrel infestation in your home, you may not understand just how destructive they can be. If you had, then surely you don’t need or want to be reminded of the chaos they can cause. Either way, there are steps you can take to help your home remain free of squirrels. These steps include putting to good use various squirrel deterrents and repellents.
Neighbourhoods with thick canopies of mature trees usually have the highest squirrel populations. The trees provide food in the form of seeds, nuts and fruit and they also allow squirrels to spend less time at ground level which keeps them safe from cars and predators. Trimming tree limbs that overhang your roofline can go a long way toward preventing squirrels from accessing your roof and ultimately your attic. The harder it is for them to access your roof the less likely they are to want to try.

Chewed attic wiring as a result of squirrel infestation
You can also deter squirrels around your house by eliminating food their sources. Removing bird feeders, protecting your vegetable garden and securing food waste will help to attract fewer squirrels to your property. If your home provides a steady food source you’re encouraging squirrels to want live close by and that could be in your walls, attic or chimney.
How Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help
Skedaddle specialize in squirrel removal. Not only will they fully assess your home and quickly remove the squirrels but also provide prevention methods. Any entry points should be covered after the squirrels are removed to ensure other squirrels do not gain entry. Deodorization of the attic will need to take place so that other squirrels will not recognize the space as an area to live.
When you see an abundance of squirrels near your home and feel that an infestation might be present, never hesitate to contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Their team of experts will be on hand in no time to assess the situation and provide immediate support for removal.