A balcony is a lovely addition to your home. It gives you a nice place to have a morning cup of coffee or enjoy an evening respite before bed. Unfortunately, homeowners are not the only ones to enjoy the exterior landing; wildlife, especially squirrels, may also take advantage of the space. Squirrels may find the landing beneficial for resting or hiding from predators. The problem with seeking temporary reprieves on your balcony is that the animal gets comfortable with your house. Too much comfort can motivate the wildlife to explore the structure further, potentially leading to intrusion and a need for squirrel removal in Oshawa. As a homeowner, the best thing you can do to protect your house is invest in prevention strategies.

5 Prevention Tips From Professional Squirrel Removal in Oshawa

Squirrels may be cute, but they can become a major nuisance when they take over your home. Here are five prevention tips from professional squirrel removal services that will keep your balcony squirrel-free and help you avoid future infestations.

1. Keep All Food and Garbage Tightly Sealed in Your Home

Squirrels are foragers, meaning they look for food wherever it may appear, which includes your trash. You don’t want to make it easy for wildlife to find food sources on your property, so investing in good, solid garbage cans with tight-fitting lids is wise. Also, if possible, do not store garbage bins outdoors. It is best to keep trash in sealed containers behind closed doors. Most homeowners keep garbage cans in their garages or storage sheds until trash collection day.

2. Place Bird Feeders Away From the Balcony

Learning how to keep squirrels away from house entrances is about understanding what motivates the animals and avoiding those temptations. Squirrels are in a constant search for shelter and food. Bird feeders provide easy access to food. The animal often looks for places where birds gather because it knows a steady food source will likely be found.

If you want bird feeders in your yard, keep them away from your house. Install them near the back of your lot and attach squirrel-proof mechanisms to reduce risks.

3. Install Window and Door Screens

Balconies can offer a nice cross-breeze to help keep houses cool in the spring and summer. If you keep balcony windows and doors open, you must install screens to keep animals and insects out. Too many homeowners neglect the critical installation and must call squirrel removal in Oshawa to deal with a curious critter or two.

4. Make a Physical Barrier Around the Perimeter of the Balcony

One surefire way to protect your balcony is to create a physical barrier by enclosing the balcony with hardware cloth or another fine mesh fencing material. While standard screening may work for a time, it is no match for determined squirrels, especially those that find a tear or vulnerability in the surroundings. A physical barrier designed with the correct materials offers durable protection against wildlife.

5. Hang Wind Chimes or Other Noise-Making Items

You will often find articles about how to get rid of squirrels‘ notes on wind chimes or other noise-making devices. Noise is a possible deterrent, but there are better options. Often, squirrels and other wildlife get used to the sounds. Still, installing a wind chime, especially if you like the sounds, may help keep animals away.

Hire Squirrel Removal in Oshawa

Balconies are often inviting spaces for squirrels to sunbathe or perch and chatter. As a homeowner, you must deter animals from becoming too comfortable in any part of your home. While squirrel removal in Oshawa can help eliminate infestations or intrusions, homeowners can help their cause by focusing on preventatives, like garbage and food storage, screens, barriers, and noise-making devices. If you still have a problem, you may need professional intervention and protection. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to schedule a property assessment and learn more about how to keep squirrels off of your balcony.