Squirrels in the Attic? Safe & Humane Removal
If you have discovered there are squirrels living in your attic, or you suspect that these animals have entered your home, effective squirrel removal methods are necessary. Squirrels can be attracted to the food sources or trees in your yard, but sometimes like to burrow in homes as well. There are several methods for getting rid of squirrels, as well as some preventative measures you can take to keep your home from being infested by squirrels.
Why Do Squirrels Come Into Homes?
The main reason squirrels come into residential areas is to find a safe place to have their babies. Squirrels prefer to deliver their young in a warm environment, which means they will want to escape from harsh Michigan winters.
The vents are the main channel by which squirrels make their way into homes. When you make your squirrel removal appointment, ask the specialist to check the vents to see if acorns are stored in the vents. There may also be young squirrels in the vent, trying to stay away from the cold.
Once squirrels get into your attic from the vents, they may gnaw a hole in other parts of the attic to create an additional entryway. If a pest control specialist sees that there are marks that indicate that a squirrel has chewed through part of a doorway or windowsill, it is time to put removal methods in place right away.
Live-trapping squirrels may also be necessary if the squirrels inhabit your yard. This method allows a pest control expert to take the squirrels away from your yard and place them in a more favorable habitat without harming the animals. You can purchase wire traps to catch the squirrels, but if you do not have experience with this, it is best to contact a professional to do the job.
Keeping Squirrels from Entering the House
Squirrels, for the most part, are outdoor animals, and will not cause a problem unless they start to invade your actual living space. If you have bird baths on your property to attract specific birds, squirrels may be attracted to these as well. Squirrels enjoy seeds and dried fruit that birds like to eat as well. Place the bird feeders in an area where squirrels cannot access them. If the bird feeder is on a pole, that is at least six feet high and adding a baffle to the pole will keep squirrels from getting to the food in the feeder.
Remember that using mothballs to keep squirrels from getting into your home is illegal. According to the FDA, mothballs can only be used to repel caterpillars and moths. However, they can be a hazard to pets and mammals.
Minor construction projects that involve caulking lining of windows and doors can prevent squirrel infestation as well. However, it is best to make sure that no squirrels are trapped in the small areas of your home before caulking. A pest control expert can lure the squirrels out of your home and make sure there are no more animals in the attic or wall spaces. It is essential to check for creatures before sealing, and caulking since animals could die in the attic or inside the walls. The carcasses could carry infection that could be hazardous to your health and affect the health of your loved ones.
Contact the Bat Pro, the location is in Gowen, MI, Kent County when you need to have squirrels removed from your home. We are happy to answer your questions and offer safe, affordable, and humane methods for ensuring your home is squirrel-free.