Squirrels may seem harmless, hopping around your yard or climbing trees, but when they get inside your house, they can cause a lot of trouble. They chew through wires, damage insulation, and even wear down wooden beams. Knowing how they get in is the first step to protecting your home, and thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep them out.

Thanks to their climbing skills and sharp teeth, squirrels can make their way into attics, walls, and chimneys easily. They’re always searching for warm, safe places to stay, especially when the weather gets colder. That’s why squirrel-proofing in Denver is so important. Using wildlife exclusion techniques and other home pest prevention tips can help secure your house before any issues start. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers solutions that are both humane and effective to keep these pesky animals away.

Now, let’s check out how squirrels sneak into homes and explore ways to stop them for good.

Roof and Attic Openings

Squirrels often get into homes through the roof and attic. They don’t need much—damaged shingles, loose soffits, or open vents can be enough to slip in. They can even chew through wood or weak materials to make a hole bigger. Once inside, they tend to hide in the attic because it’s warm, dry, and safe from predators. It’s also an easy place for them to build a nest.

To avoid problems, it’s a good idea to check your roof regularly. Pay attention to loose materials or any gaps, and fix them right away. Adding covers to vents and blocking weak spots can make a big difference. Don’t wait for damaged wires or chewed-up insulation to warn you. Sealing up your roof and attic will help keep your home safe and sound.

Chimneys and Vents

For squirrels, a chimney is just like a hollow tree—perfect for finding shelter. Without a proper cap, the chimney acts like a welcome mat for animals looking for a place to stay. Roof vents can also be an easy way in, especially if they’re not covered.

Once they get inside through a chimney or vent, squirrels might get stuck or, worse, chew their way into other parts of your house. That’s why it’s smart to install chimney caps and vent covers. These small additions stop animals from sneaking into your home while still allowing airflow.

Taking these preventative steps early can save you from stress and costly repairs down the road. A little effort now goes a long way in keeping your house secure.

Gaps in Siding and Eaves

Squirrels are pretty sneaky when it comes to finding tiny gaps in siding or eaves to get into your house. These spaces, where siding meets the roof or where panels become loose, are often overlooked. Soft, rotting wood in these areas can make it even easier for them to chew their way in.

The tricky part is that these gaps may not always be easy to spot. Without regular inspections, you might not notice openings until you already have a problem. And remember, squirrels are good at making small holes much larger with their sharp teeth.

To stay ahead of the problem, inspect your home’s exterior a couple of times a year. Fix loose siding, replace rotting materials, and patch any gaps with something sturdy. It’s a simple fix that can save you a lot of headaches later.

Gaps Around Windows and Doors

Windows and doors can also provide easy entry points. Small gaps in the frame, broken seals, or even the bottom of your garage door can all be used as doorways by these animals. They can chew through wood or weather stripping to make the holes wider and easier to crawl through.

The problem with these openings is that they can lead to spaces like your walls or crawl areas, making damage spread faster. It’s better to stop it before it starts.

To fix this, make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Tighten any loose frames, replace old weather stripping, and repair broken seals. Don’t forget about the garage door—ensure it shuts tightly so nothing can sneak underneath.

Climbing Nearby Trees and Power Lines

Sometimes, the problem isn’t your house—it’s what surrounds it. Tree branches hanging too close to your roof or power lines connecting to your house can act like bridges for squirrels.

These animals love to climb, and they have no problem jumping from a tree branch onto your roof to find a way in. Untrimmed branches make it even easier for them to explore your home’s exterior.

To solve this, trim tree limbs so they’re at least 6-8 feet away from your roof. This adds an extra level of protection by making it harder for animals to climb close to your house. Regularly maintaining your yard keeps your home safer and less inviting for unwanted guests.

Squirrel-Proofing Your Home

Stopping squirrels from getting in takes more than just a quick fix. Putting multiple strategies together is the best way to protect your home. Here are some simple steps to keep them out for good:

• Seal Entry Points: Walk around your house and check for cracks, loose siding, or gaps near vents. Cover larger areas with mesh or metal to keep animals from squeezing through.
• Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: These are an easy and inexpensive way to block popular entry points without affecting airflow.
• Reinforce Eaves and Soffits: Weak wood or older materials along the roofline can be chewed through quickly. Replace or reinforce them with something sturdier to close off gaps.
• Trim Tree Branches: Keep your landscaping in check. Trim branches or bushes at least 6-8 feet away from your home to prevent animals from climbing onto your roof.
• Secure Windows and Doors: Check for openings in frames or seals. Replace damaged materials and upgrade weather stripping to close off small but significant gaps.

By following these steps, you create a safer and much less appealing space for squirrels looking to settle in. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend working with an expert to help you plan and execute these methods.

For squirrel-proofing in Denver, having a reliable and skilled team like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can provide you with long-lasting solutions.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Home Now

It’s easy to overlook how much damage a small animal can cause, but once squirrels get inside, the problems can add up quickly. They chew wires, destroy wood, and make nests in your walls or attic. The best way to stop the damage is to prevent it from happening at all.

DIY fixes might work for minor issues, but when it comes to serious protection, wildlife exclusion techniques and home pest prevention strategies are the way to go. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Denver, we offer humane and dependable squirrel-proofing to guard your home against these persistent animals.

If you think squirrels have already made it inside or want to secure your home before they can, contact us today to request a quote and learn more about how we can help. Don’t wait—take action now for peace of mind!