A squirrel in the wild might be cute, but it will wreak havoc in your house if given the chance. These bothersome rodents will make themselves right at home, even if it means tearing up your insulation and gnawing on wood beams. If you hear suspicious scratching and pattering around in your ceiling, call a professional pest removal service immediately: you may have a squirrel infestation, and if you do, it’s important to take immediate action to minimize property damage.
Basic Facts About Squirrel Infestations
Squirrels are mid-size rodents that typically live in tree hollows. Sometimes, however, they move into cavities of houses, like the ceiling, eaves, or even chimneys. Their urge to cozy up inside can be caused by numerous factors, including a tree shortage in developing areas, an increasing squirrel population, a decrease in natural predators, or even just cold winters.
Squirrels will sneak into your home through gaps or large cracks, but they can also chew their way in through weak or rotting areas of the building. Once inside, they will begin building a nest, often using things like ceiling insulation to do so. They are also known to gnaw at wooden beams, which weakens your home’s support structures, and to chew on wires, which can cause short circuits at best and house fires at worst.
How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In Your Home
If you have squirrels in your home, the best way to get rid of them is with a trap. This is a job best left to a professional pest control company—not just because it is easier for you, but also because it is safer. Though small and fluffy, squirrels are still wild animals, and professionals will know the safe, humane, and law-abiding way to catch and release them.
Once all of the rodents have been removed from your home, the next step is to close up the entry points that allowed them to sneak in in the first place. Before this, however, it’s crucial to ensure you’ve completely rid your house of squirrels—if one gets trapped inside, it will cause even greater damage in an attempt to escape. Squirrels evicted and entry points sealed, you’ll then want to double check that there are no weak or rotted areas where the squirrels could scratch their way back inside.
How to Prevent Squirrel Infestations
To keep squirrels out of your home for good, complete a thorough check for other possible entry points. Install barriers like gutter guards and chimney caps to keep them from sneaking in through your home’s natural openings. Next, remove any existing food sources that may be drawing these pests to your property; if you want to have birdfeeders, upgrade to squirrel-proof models. Lastly, trim back any overhanging branches that give these rodents a clear bridge right onto your roof.
McCarty Pest & Termite Control For Squirrel Treatment
If you have squirrels in your home, call McCarthy Pest & Termite Control today and we’ll send them packing. By using a thorough 6-point inspection process, we will help you take every preventative measure to keep them from coming back.
Call us today to schedule a personalized treatment and get rid of the pests in and around your home.
