You probably see squirrels frolicking around your front yard frequently. They are cute and cuddly, so you may enjoy watching them from a distance, but it’s not a good idea to share your home with the creatures. Unfortunately, squirrels sometimes enter houses in search of shelter from the elements. Knowing how to keep squirrels out of the chimney and what to do if you find a furry roommate inside your home in Annapolis are important.

Although squirrels are not particularly dangerous to humans, they can wreak havoc on the structure of your home if they take up residence inside your house. One of the most common places you may find squirrels inside your house is the chimney. Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to prevent squirrels from entering your home. Here are three tips that can protect your chimney from a squirrel invasion.

Remove Food Sources

Like any other type of wildlife, squirrels are attracted to easy sources of food. The presence of bird feeders, pet food bowls and oak trees serves as a buffet for squirrels. If there is a lot of food sources available in your yard, squirrels are more likely to take up residence nearby, which makes your house an easy and convenient place for the creatures to build nests.

It’s impossible to remove every single type of food from your property so squirrels cannot access it, but you can make it harder for the creatures to obtain the sustenance they are after. For example, squirrel-proof your bird feeders and use a ledge to catch bird seed from falling to the ground. Make it a habit to clean up acorns in your yard regularly to prevent a build-up, and store pet food bowls out of reach.

Seal Off Entry Points

The chimney may be the most common way squirrels enter houses, but they can get into your home through any crack or crevice in the exterior of your house. Regularly examine your home to seal up any potential points of entry and keep squirrels out.

Keep the Chimney in Good Condition

Most people only use their fireplaces during the cold winter months, so during the other seasons of the year, you may not pay much attention to the condition of your chimney. Squirrels often take advantage of this inattention and build nests inside chimneys where they can have shelter from the elements. Installing a chimney cap is an easy way to keep various types of wildlife as well as dirt and debris out of your chimney during the seasons when you do not use it frequently.

What To Do When You Have Squirrels Living in Your Chimney

Trying to get rid of a squirrel infestation by yourself is never a good idea. Although the creatures are not aggressive, you could end up accidentally harming them or contracting a disease by interacting with their feces. You also run the risk of being bitten by a squirrel during the removal process, and just like all other warm-blooded animals, squirrels can contract and spread rabies. It’s always best to contact a professional for squirrel removal. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has a team of expert technicians who know how to identify signs of a squirrel infestation and take steps to remove the animals in a humane fashion. We can also give you tips on how to keep the creatures out of your home in the future.

Hire a Professional for Squirrel Removal in Annapolis

Sometimes squirrels manage to find their way into your house despite your best efforts to prevent them. When you need to know how to get rid of squirrels in your chimney, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is ready to help. We offer safe and humane squirrel removal services, and we can give you tips on how to keep squirrels out of the chimney in the future. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for squirrel removal.