When the sweet scent of spring wafts through the air, there’s a good chance you’re not the only one who’s taken notice. Squirrels, who’ve been cooped up in their nests all winter, are out in full force. As adorable as these bushy-tailed neighbors may be, they can wreak havoc on your home.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the reasons behind these unwelcome spring damages and reveal expert-approved tips to prevent them. We’ll caution you on the risks of going the DIY route and highlight the undeniable benefits of seeking professional help.

Ultimately, we’ll let you in on why we at Skedaddle have become the go-to experts for squirrel removal in Odenton, and how we can help you reclaim your serene, squirrel-free home this spring. 

Preventing squirrel damage isn’t just about keeping your home intact—it’s about coexisting with nature on the most respectful and harmonious terms possible.

What are the Common Signs of Squirrel Damage in Homes During Spring?

Spring, a season of renewal and growth for nature, also poses a perfect opportunity for squirrels to seek solace and sustenance. During this season, your home can unintentionally become a hotspot for these furry invaders. Squirrel damage is often underestimated but can cause serious harm to your property. Here are a few commonly observed signs that your home might be dealing with a squirrel incursion: 

• Chewed Holes: Squirrels have strong teeth that can gnaw through wooden structures, vinyl sidings, and even certain types of metal. If you start noticing unexplained holes in your house, especially in the attic or exterior walls, it’s a strong sign of squirrel activity.
• Scampering Sounds: Squirrels are active in the early morning and late afternoon. During these times, if you hear scuttling or scampering sounds primarily from your attic or between walls, it could be a squirrel.
• Nests: Squirrels often build nests in secluded parts of your house like the attic or wall voids. Frequent sightings of insulation or plant matter carried to a particular location might indicate the presence of a squirrel nest.
• Insulation Damage: If your insulation or ductwork begins showing signs of unnecessary wear and tear, you might have a squirrel problem. Squirrels tend to tear up insulation to use for nest building, and they could gnaw on ductwork, leading to expensive repairs.
• Feces and Urine: The presence of squirrel droppings or a strong urine smell in your house can also indicate an infestation. In addition to structural damage, this poses serious health risks too.

This extensive damage due to squirrels should not be taken lightly. The best way to handle such situations is to seek help from professionals. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers tried-and-true solutions for squirrel removal in Odenton.

What are the Top 10 Effective Methods to Prevent Squirrel Damage?

Understanding the ways to prevent damage is key to safeguarding your home, especially as the spring season approaches. Let’s explore the top 10 methods you can use to fortify your home against our bushy-tailed friends. Remember, effective prevention is always better and often cheaper than repairs. 

1. Trim Trees Near Your Home: Squirrels are experts at jumping—keep tree branches at least 10 feet away from your roof to deter these agile creatures. Consider hiring a professional to carry this out for safety reasons and to minimize damage to your trees.
2. Invest in Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: Bird feeders are like all-you-can-eat buffets for squirrels. Squirrel-proof bird feeders are designed to keep the squirrels at bay, reducing their attraction to your yard.
3. Secure Your Trash Bins: Unlike bird feeders, unclosed trash bins lure squirrels. Use a bungee cord or heavy objects to ensure the lid of your garbage can is securely closed.
4. Install Chimney and Vent Covers: Chimneys and vents are inviting entry points for squirrels seeking shelter. Install covers to block access.
5. Seal Entry Points: Pay close attention to your attic and roof for any holes or gaps. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces. Use caulk or steel wool to fill in minor openings, and call a professional for major repairs.
6. Use Squirrel Repellents: There are a variety of squirrel repellents available in the market. They deter squirrels by making their habitat uncomfortable. However, they should be used wisely to ensure they don’t harm other non-target wildlife.
7. Keep Your Garden Clean: Regular garden maintenance can discourage squirrel visits. Lawn debris, fallen fruits, and nuts are attractive food sources. Cleaning up can help reduce your yard’s appeal.
8. Install a Professional-Grade Squirrel Guard: These deterrents, often made of sheet metal or plastic, make it difficult for squirrels to gain a grip on your home’s exterior.
9. Cap Your Home’s Roof Vents: It may not seem like a big deal, but uncapped vents are an open invitation to squirrels. Use vent covers or mesh to deter access.
10. Stay Vigilant: Regular inspection of your home will help you spot potential problems early. Monitor your property for signs of burrowing, gnawing, or other squirrel activities.

While these methods can reduce your risk of damage, there’s no guarantee they will keep the persistent creatures away entirely. That’s why it’s crucial to remember to refrain from attempting DIY squirrel control, as it can be unsafe and less effective.

Why are DIY Squirrel Control and Prevention Methods Not Recommended?

While it may be tempting to take matters into your own hands when faced with potential damage by squirrels, we strongly advise against it. While numerous DIY methods are floating around online—from various deterrents such as mothballs to homemade traps and repellents—they often prove to be ineffective, temporary, or even unsafe for both the homeowner and the animal involved. 

1. Danger to Homeowners: Firstly, it’s important to remember that squirrels are wild animals capable of biting or scratching when they feel threatened. A run-in with an agitated squirrel can lead to serious injury or even disease transmission.
2. Ineffectiveness: Despite the plethora of DIY tips and tricks online, few are actually effective in the long run. In most cases, squirrels quickly adapt and learn to avoid or ignore these methods, allowing them to continue their destructive habits unhindered.
3. Legal Issues: Moreover, in certain regions, it may be illegal to trap or harm squirrels without proper certification. Those not familiar with these laws could find themselves inadvertently on the wrong side of them.
4. Humane Treatment: DIY methods often fail to consider the well-being of the squirrels. At our company, we believe in the humane treatment of all wildlife, and our specially trained technicians ensure critters are safely removed and relocated without harm.

Given these points, it’s clear that DIY squirrel control and prevention may be more complex and cost-effective than it seems on the surface. Choosing a professional and humane service is not just kinder to wildlife—it’s safer and more effective for you, the homeowner. 

What are the Advantages of Hiring a Wildlife Control Specialist for Squirrel Removal?

Keeping your home squirrel free can feel like a daunting task, especially during spring when they are most active. Though the thought of DIY methods may appear cheaper and quicker, it is critical to avoid them. Instead, consider employing a professional wildlife control specialist to prevent damage. Here’s why: 

Expertise and Experience 

A wildlife control specialist has the necessary training and hands-on experience to handle various wildlife issues. They know about different squirrel species, their habits, breeding cycles, and the potential damage they could cause. By understanding squirrel behavior, the specialist can devise a customized and effective control solution suitable for your specific situation.

Safety Measures 

Dealing with wildlife, including squirrels, can be hazardous. They can carry diseases, bite, or scratch when they feel threatened. A wildlife control specialist will implement the necessary safety precautions to protect both the homeowners and the squirrels during the removal process. 

Humane and Ethical Treatment 

Professionals like those on our team prioritize the humane and ethical removal of squirrels. This means they won’t harm or stress the animals during the process. Experts take care to consider the well-being of the squirrels alongside the goal of keeping your home secure. 

Future Prevention Strategies 

Beyond removal, wildlife control specialists act as consultants, providing insights on how to make your home less attractive to squirrels. They work on long-term prevention strategies such as sealing entry points and advising on habitat modification. These preventative measures reduce the chances of future invasions, protecting your property in the long term. 

Economical in the Long Run 

While the cost might feel larger upfront, hiring a professional can be more economical in the long run. Without proper training and knowledge, DIY attempts may fail and lead to recurring problems. The expertise of a specialist contributes to the effectiveness of the process, saving you from potential repeat removal costs or damage repairs. 

Experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offer efficient, humane, and sustainable solutions for residents requiring squirrel removal. Our knowledgeable team can help you prevent further invasions, saving you future worry and costs.

The Skedaddle Solution: Superior Squirrel Removal Services 

As spring arrives, so does the potential for your home to fall victim to damage by squirrels. But do not despair. Armed with our tips on how to get rid of squirrels and knowledge of the behavior of these nimble creatures, you’re now prepared to defend your home. However, as previously outlined, DIY squirrel control often leads to incomplete results and potentially more damage. 

This is where the wildlife control experts in Odenton, Anne Arundel County, step in. We at Skedaddle excel in providing comprehensive solutions addressing your immediate squirrel removal needs and future prevention strategies. Our humane and ethical approach differentiates us from conventional extermination services. Moreover, we ensure safe and courteous service, with minimal disruption to your daily routine and, most importantly, to the wildlife involved. 

Our services can prove to be economical in the long run, saving you from repeated expenditures on home repairs due to recurring wildlife invasions. Ultimately, your peace of mind is our victory. 

Intrigued to know more about safeguarding your home this spring from squirrel damage? Trust the experts at Skedaddle. Contact us today to request a quote and learn how we can keep your home safe, allowing you to enjoy the spring without worries of wildlife intrusions.