If you’re a homeowner in Richmond Hill, sharing your space with wildlife can be frustrating. Among the challenges, few are as persistent as squirrels making themselves at home in your attic. These animals aren’t just looking for shelter—they can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Understanding why squirrels are drawn to your property and taking steps to prevent them is key to protecting both your home and peace of mind.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we use humane and effective solutions to address attic squirrel infestations while ensuring no harm to the animals. But first, let’s explore why squirrels love attics and what you can do to keep them out.
Why Do Squirrels Love Your Attic?
Your attic is more than just a storage space—it’s an irresistible retreat for squirrels seeking comfort and safety. These clever animals are adept at finding their way into homes, and attics provide everything they need to thrive.
- Shelter from Predators: Attics offer protection from natural predators like hawks, foxes, and snakes.
- A Warm Space: During cold months, attics provide warmth, making them ideal for sleeping and storing food.
- Ideal for Raising Young: Safe from environmental hazards and predators, attics are a perfect place for squirrels to nurture their offspring.
- Accessible Entry Points: Small gaps in soffits, vents, or fascia boards give them an easy way in. Squirrels can even enlarge these gaps by gnawing through materials like wood or plastic.
Once squirrels find these comforts, they’re likely to settle in and stay. Over time, this can lead to significant wear and tear on your home. Identifying and sealing entry points early can make all the difference in keeping your space squirrel-free.
Preventing Squirrel Infestations in Your Attic
Preventing a squirrel infestation is far easier—and cheaper—than removing an existing one. Start with a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, looking for gaps, loose materials, or signs of activity like gnaw marks.
Sealing potential entry points is one of the most effective steps you can take. Use durable materials like galvanized steel mesh to cover gaps or vents, as weaker alternatives won’t hold up against determined squirrels. Additionally, it’s essential to deodorize areas where squirrels may have been before. Lingering odours can attract more animals, so thorough cleaning is key.
Your yard plays a role too. Remove attractants like bird feeders and tightly secure garbage bins to reduce wildlife activity near your home. Routine roof and attic maintenance will also help prevent unnoticed vulnerabilities from developing over time.
Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic
Even if prevention methods are in place, squirrels may still find a way inside. Being alert to the signs of a squirrel infestation allows you to act quickly and limit the damage they can cause.
Common indicators include sounds like scratching or scampering, particularly during early mornings or evenings when squirrels are most active. Droppings, gnawed wood, or damaged insulation are also clear signs.
Additionally, check for chewed holes near soffits or fascia boards, or dislodged vent covers. Spotting squirrels frequently near your roofline might also suggest they’ve already moved in.
Removing Squirrels from Attic Spaces Safely
If squirrels have taken up residence in your attic, it’s important to remove them in a way that’s safe for you and the animals. At Skedaddle, we specialize in humane and effective solutions tailored to your home.
Here’s how we help:
- Comprehensive Inspections: We conduct a detailed inspection of your home, identifying all entry points and nesting sites.
- Safe Removal Methods: Our trained technicians use careful, hands-on techniques to remove squirrels without harm.
- Entry Point Sealing: After removal, we secure all access points using heavy-duty materials to prevent future re-entry.
- Deodorization and Cleaning: To eliminate odours and reduce the chance of further wildlife attraction, we clean and deodorize the affected areas.
- Expert Guidance: We provide advice on making long-lasting changes to keep your home safe from future infestations.
With our process, you can rest assured the squirrels are removed humanely, and your home is fully protected for the future.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’re committed to solving wildlife problems in a way that emphasizes respect for the animals and your home. Our comprehensive services ensure effective results without compromising on care.
Protect Your Home Today
A squirrel infestation in your attic isn’t just an inconvenience. It can lead to structural damage, fire risks from chewed wires, and contamination concerns. Addressing the issue early or preventing it altogether helps safeguard your home and reduces future challenges.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’re committed to helping homeowners in Richmond Hill protect their properties. Whether you’re dealing with an active infestation or want to implement preventive measures, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection with our expert team. Together, we’ll ensure your attic remains a safe and secure space for years to come.