Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your home and spread diseases to you and your family. They can access your home through openings such as chimneys, fireplaces, holes, or openings in roofs. Once inside, they can chew through wires, siding, and insulation, with all of this being costly damage and putting you at risk of fire. To keep these nuisance pests out of your home, here are 4 tips for squirrel control.
Identify Where They Get In
The first step for dealing with squirrels is to figure out where and how they are getting into your home. They only need a small opening to squeeze into. Once they get inside, getting them out can be very difficult. You should perform a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior of you home. When doing this, make sure you check for holes, openings, and gaps they can use to gain access inside.
Seal Up Entry Points
Once you’ve identified where the squirrels are getting in, seal it up and prevent them from using it again. Even if there isn’t a squirrel present, make sure to seal up every entryway you find. If there is a squirrel present, leave one entryway open so that they have a way to get back out. Ensure your doors and windows are covered with screens that properly fit your home. Place wire mesh over chimneys and open vents. Use caulk, steel wool, or other appropriate materials to seal any other openings you find.
Give Them a Reason to Leave
Most of the time, squirrels will not leave your home on their own. This is especially true if they have already given birth to a litter. To avoid this, try driving the squirrels out as soon as you notice their presence. Playing loud music or keeping the lights on are both good ways to repel squirrels. If there’s a squirrel present, try to avoid the area so you don’t spook them. This may cause them to flee to another part of the house, which can cause even more damage.
Prevention is Key
As with any other type of pest control, prevention is key to keeping squirrels and other wildlife out of your home. As mentioned above, you need to seal up any entry points around your home first. Trim any overhanging trees that squirrels can use to access your roof or attic.
If you have a problem with squirrels or any other pests, contact a professional pest control company. They can help you identify the type of pest you are dealing with, find any potential entry points, and help prevent future infestations.
