Has your attic become a hot spot for squirrel romance? You might be surprised to find these furry critters turning your cozy attic into their own “love nest.” While it may seem amusing at first, hosting a family of energetic squirrels in your attic is far from ideal. So, why do these clever creatures choose your attic as their prime nesting location? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of squirrel mating habits and uncover why your attic is so enticing to them. 

Squirrels are quite the romantics, with their courtship following seasonal patterns. Late winter and late summer mark their official “dating seasons,” with females giving birth shortly afterward. When it comes to finding a place to raise their young, squirrels have high standards. They seek out the safest, warmest, and most strategic nesting location available, which is where your attic comes into play. Elevated, out of the way, and likely undisturbed, your attic becomes prime real estate in their quest for the perfect love nest.

While the idea of squirrels turning your attic into their romantic hideaway may sound charming, it can quickly become a problem worth addressing. Their constant activity can result in damage to insulation, electrical wiring, and structural components of your home. In addition, their nesting materials and droppings may pose health risks.

Keep reading as our Skedaddle team in Oakville explains more about why your attic is the perfect spot for a squirrels  love nest!

Squirrels’ Mating Habits

Squirrel courtship is surprisingly seasonal. Late winter and late summer mark their official “dating seasons,” with females giving birth shortly afterward. They’re not just looking for any space to raise their young; they’re on a mission to find the safest, warmest, and most strategic nesting location available. Your attic—high up, out of the way, and likely undisturbed—becomes prime real estate.

During mating periods, you’ll often see increased activity, like chasing or vocal squeaking, as they prepare to form their perfect little family. Once a safe nesting spot is secured, the mother-to-be wastes no time in building a cozy nest using insulation, leaves, and anything else deemed fit for baby squirrels. And yes, this often happens before you even know they’re there.

Why Squirrels Find Your Attic

Wondering why your attic is such an irresistible five-star retreat for these acrobatic creatures? Let’s break it down.

• Warmth: Whether it’s frigid winter evenings or cooler late-summer nights, your attic offers the cozy, consistent temperature that squirrels need. With insulation mimicking natural nesting materials, they’ve practically hit the jackpot.
• Safety: Squirrels are always on high alert for predators like hawks, foxes, and even domestic pets. Attics, being tucked away and elevated, act as a protective fortress where they can relax and rear their young in peace.
• Accessibility: Unfortunately, squirrel-proof homes are rare. Even the smallest gap in roofing, soffits, or vents serves as an open invitation. Squirrels are excellent climbers and can wriggle through shockingly tiny openings, making your home’s defences less formidable than you might think.
• Quiet and Undisturbed: Attics are often quiet, empty, and low-traffic compared to other parts of the house. That peace and quiet are ideal for raising their squirrel pups (yes, they’re called pups!).

The Problems They Leave Behind

When it comes to keeping squirrels out, squirrel-proofing your home is no easy feat. Even the tiniest gaps in your roof, soffits, or vents can serve as an open invitation to these nimble climbers. Squirrels can wriggle through surprisingly small openings, making your home’s defences less formidable than you might think.

Living in close proximity with squirrels might sound harmless or even cute, but it can come with significant risks to both your home and your health. Let’s explore some of the risks you need to be aware of.

Squirrels have a natural instinct to chew on things to keep their teeth healthy. Unfortunately, this can lead to damage to your home’s insulation, wood, and electrical wires. Not only does this result in costly repairs, but frayed wires can also pose a serious fire hazard.

If you’ve been hearing scratching, scurrying, or squeaking noises coming from your attic, chances are squirrels have made themselves at home. These noise disturbances can be disruptive and make it difficult for you to enjoy the peace and quiet you deserve.

Beyond the physical damage they cause, squirrels can also bring health risks into your home. Their droppings, urine, and the parasites they carry can introduce bacteria and pathogens that pose a threat to you and your family’s well-being.

Prevention Techniques to Keep Squirrels Out

Now that you know how inviting your attic is, it’s time to make it significantly less appealing. Even small changes can go a long way in preventing future visitors.

• Securing Entry Points

To prevent squirrels from finding their way into your home, it’s crucial to seal off any potential entry points. Check your roof, soffits, vents, and chimneys for gaps or cracks. Cover these openings securely using durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth. By eliminating these access points, you create a formidable barrier against these agile creatures.

• Trimming Overhanging Branches

Squirrels are adept climbers, often using tree branches as a launching pad onto roofs. Trim any overhanging branches that provide easy access to your home. By removing these potential pathways, you discourage squirrels from venturing closer to your attic.

• Removing Attractants

Prevention also involves removing potential attractants that could entice squirrels to nest near your home. Ensure there are no food sources readily available, such as bird feeders or unsecured garbage cans. By eliminating these temptations, you reduce the likelihood of squirrels taking up residence in your vicinity.

• Regular Attic Inspections

Performing routine inspections of your attic is an essential part of squirrel prevention. Look for signs of squirrel activity, such as chewed wires, droppings, or nesting materials. Early detection allows for swift intervention, preventing squirrel infestations from taking hold.

How Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Can Help

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’re here to provide professional assistance when it comes to dealing with squirrel invasions. Our team of experts will start by conducting a thorough inspection of your home, carefully searching for entry points and signs of squirrel activity. Once we’ve identified their access points, we’ll take the necessary steps to ensure a safe and effective removal process.

To allow the squirrels to leave without re-entry, we utilize one-way doors, which allow them to exit your attic but prevent them from returning. This approach ensures a humane removal process that prioritizes the well-being of both your family and the squirrels themselves. We believe in coexisting with wildlife in a safe and respectful manner.

In addition to removal, our comprehensive services include thorough cleanup and damage repair. We understand the importance of sealing entry points to prevent future invasions, so you can rest assured that we’ll take care of that as well. Our goal is to restore your home to its original state, free from any squirrel-related concerns.

When it comes to dealing with squirrel issues, it’s always best to leave it to the professionals. With Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, you can trust that we’ll handle the situation with expertise and care, providing you with peace of mind knowing that your home is squirrel-free and secure.

Protect Your Attic—and Your Peace of Mind

Curious, what to do if you have squirrels in your attic? Don’t let squirrel intrusions turn your peaceful home into a stressful and costly ordeal. Acting promptly is crucial when it comes to dealing with unwanted animals nesting in your attic. If you have squirrels in your attic or suspect their presence, don’t worry—Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help. Our expert team in Oakville has a proven track record and employs a humane approach to removal and prevention.

By addressing squirrel issues promptly, you can safeguard your attic and home from potential damage and the stress that comes with it. Our skilled professionals will not only remove the squirrels but also take proactive measures to prevent their return. With our comprehensive services, you can keep your attic off the market for squirrels seeking their next love nest!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and request a quote. Our knowledgeable team will guide you through the process and provide effective solutions to ensure a squirrel-free home. Don’t wait—protect your attic and keep those pesky squirrels in the trees where they belong!