Squirrels might seem like harmless animals, but they can cause significant damage to your home and property when they invade. That’s why it’s essential to understand the cost of infestations, both in terms of potential damage and the cost of removing them. If you’re living in Vaughan, you’re not likely to escape the possibility of a squirrel invasion, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the necessary preventative measures.

From gnawed wires to damaged insulation, they can lead to problems that aren’t only costly to fix but also pose a danger to your home’s safety. So, before you find yourself struggling with an infestation, arm yourself with the knowledge required to prevent such an occurrence and get rid of squirrels if necessary. In this blog post, Skedaddle’s experts explore the various methods of squirrel removal that homeowners can use to keep their homes and property safe from these damaging rodents.

Understanding the Behaviour of Squirrels: What Makes Them Attracted to Urban Areas 

What draws squirrels to urban areas in the first place? Well, they are all about survival, and cities often provide an abundance of food and shelter. Your home, in particular, presents an attractive nesting site, especially as the weather gets colder. 

When the temperature drops, they start seeking out warm places for shelter and your attic is an optimal spot for them. It’s secluded, quiet, and packed full of materials they can use to build nests. They’re also attracted to food sources around your home such as bird feeders, trash cans, and pet food left outside. 

What Signals a Squirrel Infestation? 

Infestations are often identified by telltale signs in and around your property. Some common signs include: 

• Strange Noises in Your Home: These animals are usually most active in the early morning and late afternoon. If you hear unexplained noises during these periods, there’s a good chance you have one issue.
• Visible Damage: If you spot damaged wires, gnaw marks on your home’s structure, or nests in your attic, you’re likely dealing with squirrels.
• Nesting Materials: Finding discarded materials such as shredded paper, leaves, or twigs may indicate their presence.

Observing one or more of these signs? You should consider seeking professional help right away to prevent further damage.

How Can Squirrels Damage Your House? 

These animals may come across as cute and harmless, but their actions can lead to substantial damage to your home. With their strong teeth and agile bodies, they’re equipped to cause a variety of issues in your household. 

• Structural Damage: They can gnaw through wood, drywall, and even certain types of metal. This can lead to considerable structural damage if they decide to chew your home’s siding, beams, or joists.
• Insulation Destruction: They tend to shred insulation to use in their nest-building. This destruction can result in higher energy costs for you and may also create a potential fire hazard.
• Wire Damage: Wires are unfortunately no match for their teeth. They can chew electrical wires, leading to potential shorts and thereby risking a fire outbreak.
• Damage to Gardens and Lawns: Outdoors, they can dig up lawns in search of food and bury their nuts, ruining your beautiful garden in the process.

As you can see, the “cute” squirrel can be a substantial and costly threat to your home. The damage they cause can often lead to expensive repairs down the line. Thus, it is critical to prevent and address any infestations swiftly and appropriately. 

The Importance of Sealing Entry Points: Preventing Squirrels from Entering Your Home 

Your home presents numerous entry points, from cracks and holes in the roof, siding, or soffits, to ventilation ducts and chimneys. These tiny animals require just a small opening to enter your home, making it imperative to close off these access points properly. 

Take a walk around your property and look for any potential entry points. Pay special attention to the upper parts of your home, such as the roof and eaves, as these are their favourite entry points. If you find any openings, be sure to seal them securely. Small holes can be plugged with steel wool or caulk, while larger gaps should be repaired with strong, durable materials that they cannot chew through. 

The Role of Regular Home Maintenance in Squirrel Prevention 

Preventing infestations isn’t a one-time act; it requires regular checks and maintenance. It’s crucial to make home maintenance a consistent part of your routine. Often, seemingly insignificant issues like a broken roof tile, a loose vent, or a small opening in your siding can invite a family of these rodents into your home.  

By keeping up with regular repairs and maintenance, you will not only be keeping your home in prime condition, but also creating an unwelcoming environment. Periodic check-ups for loose siding or damaged vents on your roof can spot any potential entrances before they do. Maintenance is truly your first line of defence. 

Maintaining your Outdoor Space 

In addition to the upkeep of the structural integrity of your house, the outdoor space also plays a significant role in attracting or deterring them. Your backyard could unwittingly be providing a perfect home for these animals without you even noticing. 

• Trimming overgrown trees: They are excellent climbers and can easily leap from overgrown branches to your roofline, gaining access to your home. Regularly trimming any tree branches that hang over your roof can effectively cut their pathway.
• Garbage and compost management: Food scraps can be a strong attractor. Make sure to secure your compost bins and garbage cans with a tight lid. This simple step could immensely reduce the rodent attraction in your outdoor space.
• Feeding pets indoors: If you have outdoor pets, try to feed them inside. Food bowls left outside can easily invite them.

Professional Inspections Are Key 

While doing your part in maintaining your home is critical, having a professional conduct regular inspections can be a game-changer. Inspections carried out by certified wildlife technicians can catch early signs of potential infestations that homeowners might overlook. They are trained to identify less obvious signs of squirrel activity that could save you from costly repairs down the line. 

Remember, prevention will always be less costly than an infestation. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is protected from the worry of unwanted guests goes beyond the dollar value. Invest time in routine maintenance, and get your home inspected regularly to stay rodent-free.

Call Skedaddle for Humane Squirrel Removal in Vaughan 

Once you’ve identified an infestation and acknowledged the potential damage these animals might cause, it’s time to take action. Your best bet is to entrust the task of removal to professionals who are familiar with the behaviour, habitats, and seasonal changes of wildlife. This is where Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control steps in to assist homeowners. 

Pioneers in Humane Removal 

Skedaddle has pioneered techniques and methods that humanely and effectively remove these rodents from your home. We’ve tailored our services to minimize stress and harm to these animals while ensuring they don’t return to your property. Our three-step process includes assessment, removal, and prevention. 

Our Three-Step Process for Removal 

1. During the assessment, our trained professionals identify species-specific behaviour, risks, and entry points to devise effective treatment plans.
2. The removal phase employs stress-free methods to gently and safely remove them from your home.
3. In the prevention step, we secure all potential entry points and provide you with tips and solutions to prevent future infestations.

Why Choose Us? 

So, why choose Skedaddle for wildlife removal services? Initiated in 1989, we have built a legacy rooted in humane wildlife control, and since then, we’ve helped over 200,000 homeowners live with ease. We hold the belief that every citizen of Vaughan has a role to play in minimizing the disturbances to wildlife by choosing humanely focused services. Every Skedaddle technician is trained in our humane handling practices, ensuring your peace of mind and the safety of our shared environment. 

Protect your home, time and resources from the cost of squirrel infestations. Say goodbye to uninvited furry guests and contact Skedaddle today . After all, maintaining the balance between urban development and natural habitat protection starts from our own homes.