Squirrels in the Attic
Watching that cute squirrel jump from tree-branch to tree-branch may be entertaining, but dealing with them living in your home is a different story entirely. While most squirrels are tree-dwelling animals, when given the opportunity they will happily take up residence in your attic or garage. These warm, dry locations are perfect for squirrels to store food, build nests, and bear their young.
The problem typically begins when a squirrel discovers a crack in your roof, attic, basement or chimney and chews its way inside. Once it has taken up residence it can cause an array of problems. Squirrel droppings may carry bacterial and fungal pathogens which can cause disease, and they often bring fleas, ticks, and other parasites in with them. Squirrels are natural chewers and will enjoy gnawing on items that may be stored in your attic, HVAC duct work, and electrical wiring. Wiring chewed by squirrels and other rodents has been known to cause thousands of house fires every year.
Squirrel Removal Reviews
As a new Home owner I’ve started having rodent problems (squirrels) in the attic. It’s been a nightmare. I’ve called so many different wildlife companies and most of the companies Number 1 priority was money. The companies will do a free consultation to look around but trust me their not about to do anything else. I wanted to write a review on my experience with BUG-OFF EXTERMINTORS because I really wanted to Thank Scott. He was very helpful very honest and professional with helping with our rodent issues. After locating the rodents, our next move is to seal the outside area of our home. Thanks Scott!!
Questions About Squirrel Removal
How much does it cost to get a squirrel removal?
Squirrel removal can widely range in price. Factors that determine the price are as follows. The level of activity or how many squirrels need to be removed. The size and location of the entry points. If the entry points are large then they will require more material and time to seal. Also, if the entry points are located up high on the property then it can require larger ladders, more man power, and more time. For an accurate quote for your property request a free inspection.
How do you get squirrels out of your house?
The most effective way to get squirrels out of your house is a full exclusion plan. A full exclusion plan requires sealing all entry points around the house and setting a one-way door to allow the squirrels to exit but not re-enter. The full exclusion plan is guaranteed for future squirrel problems and is renewable annually.
Can squirrels chew through walls?
Squirrels can chew through parts of your property to gain entrance. Commonly squirrels will chew on the fascia board so they can squeeze under the shingles and enter through the construction gap to gain access to the attic. They can also chew around vents, soffits, or a crawl space door to enter the property.
How do you keep squirrels out of your attic?
Sealing all entry points and the construction gap is the best way to keep squirrels out of your attic.
Can squirrels do damage to your house?
Yes, squirrels can chew around wooded areas like the fascia board or vents. They can chew wires in an attic or crawl space. They can cause damage to ductwork in an attic or crawl space. Squirrels can contaminate insulation with droppings and urine.
Exclusion & Removal Services
Squirrels are classified as pests or nuisance wildlife. To deal with the problem, you must remove them and then ensure that all areas of entry are properly sealed so that they are unable to get back into your home. Squirrels often burrow in insulation to nest, so there may be tunnels visible from activity. To make your home squirrel-free, the first step is referred to as exclusion. This involves an thorough check of your home for entry points including holes, cracks, and vents along your roof, eaves, foundation and basement areas. It is sometimes necessary to vacuum any remaining droppings and possibly remove and replace contaminated insulation. Each step of this process can be difficult and is best handled by a registered professional. Our technicians are experienced, knowledgeable, and have access to the professional equipment needed to eliminate the problem.
Squirrel Exclusion: The first step to effectively manage squirrels is to locate how the squirrels are entering the building and create an exclusion plan targeting those locations. Potential entry point locations include: attic construction gap, attic and basement vents, utility lines, drainpipes, and chimneys. The exclusion plan seals all the targeted entry points and guarantees squirrels will not re-enter those locations. Keeping squirrels off the house can also help control the situation. Squirrels can easily gain access to homes from overhanging tree limbs, therefore to prevent these situations it is encouraged to prune back the limbs.
Live Trapping: When removing tree limbs does not solve the problem and an exclusion plan is not an option, then trapping the squirrels is the next option. Baits can be used to attract the squirrels to the trap and the traps can be removed with the squirrels. Trapping may only be temporary. Without sealing the entry points through exclusion, squirrels may continue to enter the property. Trapping works best with an exclusion plan.
Squirrel Information: Facts, Habits, Identification
Most commonly encountered species of squirrels are the grey, red, flying, and fox. Tree squirrels are active in the early morning and late afternoon while flying squirrels are most active at night. With a diet consisting mainly of fruit, bark, nuts, plant materials, and insects, squirrels spend most of their active time seeking out food and hoarding and storing it in preparation for the winter months.
Squirrels generally give birth twice a year, while flying squirrels breed only once annually. Litters are born in the early spring and late summer and vary in count from three to eight, depending on the species. Other than seeing squirrels around your home, signs of an infestation include finding droppings or gnaw damage in your attic. You are also likely to hear animals scratching or running around in your walls or attic, especially during the day. If you believe you may have an infestation problem, please call us for a professional consultation.