With such close access to water and natural areas, wild animals are able to thrive alongside their human neighbours here in Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, squirrels sometimes leave the city’s green spaces and make their homes inside residents’ HVAC systems. Here is the story of how Skedaddle helped one local family who experienced extensive squirrel damage to a vent. 

Responding to the Call

It all started when the Skedaddle team received a call from a Niagara Falls homeowner who was hearing some scratching noises up in the attic. Wildlife inspector Nicholas Kralingen was the first to visit the site to determine what type of animals were in the home, how they got inside, and where they were creating problems 

When first looking around the outside of the house, Kralingen discovered that something had ripped the covers off two wall vents and chewed up their plastic screens. He knew right away that these openings were creating entrances for squirrels to come indoors. 

His suspicions were confirmed when Kralingen looked into the first vent and saw an active squirrel nest. Peering into the second vent, he saw no nest but instead found a hole that reached all the way to the attic. Once inside the home, Kralingen confirmed that squirrels were nesting in the attic as well.

Assessing the Damage

It was obvious from the outside that the squirrels had chewed a good portion of the duct work to make their way into the attic space. Kralingen recalled, “Due to the extent of damage done from nesting, chewing, and activity, the entire duct vent had been destroyed.” The damage was so extensive that the homeowners would have to get an HVAC company to replace the entire ventilation system. 

The squirrels had also destroyed the attic. While the owners were downstairs, wondering what was making the strange scratching sounds, the squirrels were upstairs, busily creating trails through the insulation. Not only had the squirrels’ activity been steadily increasing the family’s electricity bill, but it also was silently spreading bacteria-laden droppings and urine everywhere the squirrels went.

Removing the Squirrels and Cleaning Up Their Mess

After the inspection, Kralingen presented the facts of the situation to the homeowners. He then worked with them to develop a solution to their current problem and ways to keep it from recurring. Soon after, two trained Skedaddle technicians arrived and installed one-way doors that allowed the squirrels in the vent to exit but never return. 

Once the squirrels vacated the home, technicians performed the following services:

• Installed new wall vents reinforced with galvanized steel boxes. 
• Secured every potential squirrel entry point, including roof vents, plumbing mats, plumbing vents, and roof-soffit intersections.
• Removed nesting materials and droppings from damaged ducts.
• Disinfected the attic and its insulation.

Finally, Kralingen explained to the homeowners that their house was now covered by Skedaddle’s lifetime warranty. In the end, the Skedaddle technicians felt they had helped one of their neighbours here in Niagara Falls, and the homeowners were relieved to be rid of the animals that were making the mysterious scratching sounds in the attic.

Learning From Other Homeowners’ Mistakes

Luckily for the homeowners, Skedaddle technicians knew how to get rid of squirrels in vents. However, they could have saved themselves some expensive repairs, including replacing an entire HVAC system, by taking action when they first heard the squirrels making noises. By squirrel-proofing a home, our team is able to ensure that no chewing or clawing will allow squirrels to regain access inside. Our products come with a lifetime guarantee to protect your home.  

The moral of the story is not to put off calling Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. The sooner we perform your home inspection and determine what type of wildlife problem you are facing, the fewer repairs you will ultimately require. Contact us today by phone for Niagara Falls squirrel removal and all your other wildlife control needs.