Have you ever encountered the unsettling rustle of a furry creature in your attic or walls? Chances are, you’ve had a close encounter with a squirrel, but the last thing you want is to have them in your home or business and deal with squirrel damage. These quick and resourceful animals are notorious for seeking shelter in human habitations, often causing substantial damage in their wake. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. 

In this guide, we will provide practical tips to prevent a squirrel infestation in your Durham home or business. Plus, we’re going to introduce you to our experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and how we can help if these furry intruders are already inside.

Understanding The Risks: Why Squirrel Infestations Can Be Problematic

Having squirrels in your home is more than just an annoyance; it poses a series of risks that can be highly problematic. For starters, squirrels are notorious for causing property damage. They can chew through wires, insulation and even structural parts of your building, leading to unnecessary repair costs.

Likewise, they can also be health hazards, as squirrels have been known to carry various bacteria and parasites that could put you, your family, or your customers at risk. It’s important to take precautions when dealing with these critters, especially if they are invading your home or business. 

Equally troubling is the possibility of allergic reactions, as squirrel dander, like that of other animals, can stimulate allergies and respiratory issues in certain individuals. By keeping a safe distance, wearing protective gear, and seeking professional help if needed, you can minimize the risk of exposure to these harmful bacteria and parasites. 

Sealing The Deal: Blocking Potential Entry Points

Addressing the issue of home or business squirrel invasions often starts with a simple strategy: shutting down possible access points. These furry intruders are known for their ability to squeeze through even the smallest openings. So, your first task is to ensure every nook and cranny of your property is firmly sealed off. Start with a thorough inspection of your property’s external features, including walls, roofs, and foundations. Pay extra attention to any holes, gaps or cracks, as these are potential entry points for squirrels. 

High-quality sealants are highly advised to close these gaps effectively. Sturdy materials like steel wire mesh, aluminum flashing, or specially designed pest-proofing products are usually the best choices. For ventilation points and chimneys, consider the installation of protective covers or grills. 

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, squirrels can still find ways to breach your defences. In such cases, a professional wildlife removal service like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can be of immense help. We are qualified experts in identifying and sealing hidden access points effectively and humanely, assuring complete squirrel infestation prevention. Our deep understanding of animal behaviour and skilled application of exclusion techniques can provide you with a long-lasting solution, saving you time, money, and damage in the long run.

Taking the High Ground: Trimming Tree Branches Near Your Home

Keeping an eye on the greenery surrounding your property can be one of the first lines of defence against a squirrel problem. Often, overgrown tree branches, hedges, and bushes work as bridges for squirrels from the wild to your home or business, allowing them easy access to roofs and eventual entry points into your buildings. It’s wise to trim back any branches that sit less than six feet away from your building. This will make it more challenging for the pests to leap onto your roof and cause havoc. 

While pruning trees is something you can typically handle on your own, please keep in mind that certain situations may call for a professional arborist. If a branch is particularly large or if it’s located near power lines, do not try to trim it without professional help – you’ll be putting both yourself and your property at risk.

In addition to regular trimming, take the time to visually inspect your trees for any signs of a squirrel nest, especially in the colder months when squirrels seek warm places to shelter. The nests typically look like giant bird nests made of twigs and leaves. If you do find one, absolutely refrain from trying to remove it yourself. Disturbing a squirrel’s nest can lead to an aggressive defence from the squirrel, which can result in injury. Reach out to professionals like our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for safe and humane removal solutions.

Keeping Your Yard Tidy: Removing Attractants for Squirrels

Most people cherish the sight of squirrels playfully darting around their backyard. Yet, it’s important to remember that your yard can inadvertently serve as a beacon for these critters, leading them straight into your home or business. To deter squirrels effectively, certain steps must be taken. 

Squirrels are attracted to readily available food sources, so the first step in preventing a squirrel infestation in your yard starts with securing your trash bins. Ensure they’re properly sealed, making them virtually impossible for squirrels to access. Furthermore, if your property uses compost bins, these too must be sufficiently covered, as they provide an easy feast for opportunistic squirrels. 

Similarly, if you’re an avid bird-watcher supplying wild birds with food, you might unknowingly be attracting squirrels. Bird feeders placed in the open often serve as squirrel magnets. To deter these creatures, consider squirrel-proof bird feeders, hung on thin poles or away from trees. These designs make it exponentially difficult for squirrels to steal a quick snack. 

Be vigilant when it comes to fallen fruits, berries, or nuts in your backyard. Routinely cleaning up these potential squirrel food sources can go a long way in prevention efforts. Another key deterrent tactic is to secure storage sheds and other outdoor buildings, as they provide shelter and nesting spots for squirrels. 

By keeping your yard clean, secure, and free of squirrel temptations, you’re effectively creating barriers to prevent them from making your home their home. But remember, if all fails and you’re in the throes of a squirrel infestation, don’t panic. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, has a team of experienced professionals, who can assist in evicting these uninvited guests safely and effectively.

Squirrel-Proofing Your Attic: Insulation and Exclusion Techniques

When it comes to safeguarding your attic from squirrel invasions, incorporating smart insulation strategies and squirrel exclusion techniques can work wonders. Insulation not only aids in temperature control but can also act as a deterrent for these bushy-tailed intruders. For best results, consider using insulation materials that are less attractive to squirrels, such as spray foam, which lacks the fluffy texture they prefer for nest-building. 

Besides upgrading your insulation, adopting various squirrel exclusion methods can help fortify your attic’s defences. For instance, installing vent covers, chimney caps, and hardware cloth over any gaps or openings can make entry difficult for squirrels. You might also want to consider a one-way squirrel exclusion door – a unique device that allows squirrels to exit your attic but prevents their reentry. 

However, you need to tread carefully. While it might be tempting to seal all exit points, you need to ensure that all squirrels have been removed from the attic before doing so. Trapping squirrels within the attic could result in damage as they try to escape, not to mention creating an inhumane situation. That’s where professionals like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control ease your burden. Our experts safely remove any squirrels already in residence before commencing exclusionary measures, ensuring a comprehensive squirrel-proofing solution for your attic.

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control: A Trusted Partner For Squirrel Problems

If, despite your best efforts, you discover signs of a squirrel infestation, it’s time to call in the professionals. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is a highly regarded company with a track record of successfully managing squirrel problems. With over 30 years of experience, we are not only adept at removing squirrels humanely, but we also work to ensure they don’t return. Our unique hands-on removal methods prioritize the safety and well-being of the animals. 

Our Skedaddle specialists meticulously examine every inch of your property for points where squirrels may gain access. We use the latest tools, such as thermal imaging technology, to precisely detect squirrel presence and activity. Once squirrels are detected, our proficient team uses smart tactics to ensure their departure, followed by a thorough cleaning to eliminate potential pheromone trails. 

Notably, Skedaddle also provides complete home-proofing services to block off potential entry areas and discourage squirrels from returning. With Skedaddle, they don’t just ‘scatter and expect it to matter’, but methodically eliminate the problem at its root. With our insightful preventative plans and steadfast commitment to the humane treatment of wildlife, Skedaddle Wildlife Control is your go-to solution for any squirrel problem.

Contact us today for all your humane wildlife control needs.