Fall and Winter Maintenance Tips to Keep Squirrels Out

Squirrels are a common wildlife problem in urban communities. Although squirrels prefer wooded areas, it’s estimated that more than 100 can live in a square mile area in the city. Much like raccoons, squirrels are highly adaptive. Their behavior has adjusted for the larger populations in their habitat. With cooler temperatures ahead, you’re more likely to have a squirrel move into your attic. Here are some tips to prevent a squirrel roommate and why you should always get a professional for squirrel removal in Milwaukee.

Why Do Squirrels Choose Your Home To Make Their Home?

Squirrels may spend much of their time on the ground foraging for food, but they really like above-ground dens for their homes. Being up high in your attic can give them a sense of security from dogs and other predators. Ground squirrels do hibernate through the winter, but tree squirrels do not. They often share a den to keep each other warm and help them survive through the cold. Your attic is a perfect location. Squirrels can get through holes as small as two inches, essentially the size of a golf ball. Smaller holes are often chewed through to be enlarged. Because the squirrel’s teeth continue to grow, a squirrel gnaws on anything to keep them from getting too big. Once a squirrel moves into your home, it can chew through wiring, insulation and wood. Insulation also makes a great nesting material.

What Do You Do if You Find Signs That You Have a Squirrel as an Inhabitant?

You may not see the squirrels at first because they tend to be skittish around humans. It’s likely that you will hear scurrying in your walls before you see visual evidence. You may also hear them chewing on wood or drywall. You may see damage to your air vents or chewed electrical wires in your attic. Another sign is damage to your roof or eaves. Smell is also an indicator of squirrels. You may smell urine, and you may also smell a decaying odor of squirrels that have died in your attic. We always recommend calling a professional for squirrel removal in Milwaukee because it’s dangerous to deal with wildlife. Squirrels can be aggressive when protecting themselves. Wildlife droppings can carry bacteria and germs. Professionals have the equipment and knowledge to keep themselves safe when removing animals.

What Can You Do To Prevent Squirrels From Making Your Home Their Home?

Now that you understand why your home is so attractive to squirrels, you can make it less easy for them to get in.

• Inspect Your Home and Roof

Squirrels and other wildlife look for openings in your home to get in. You should cover your vent openings to prevent squirrels from coming in. Trim trees back that allow squirrels access to your roof and attic. Don’t ignore signs of squirrels. Taking care of one or two squirrels is easier than removing an entire den. Squirrels don’t normally have a litter of babies over the winter, but they will in the spring. Your home makes a perfect nest.

• Don’t Feed the Squirrels

Squirrels will come back to your property if you are providing a food source. Cover your trash cans securely. Don’t leave dog or cat food out overnight on your porch or patio. Unprotected bird feeders can also draw squirrels. Clean up birdseed on the ground to avoid calling squirrels. Trust us, squirrels are resourceful and will find food over the winter months. You don’t need to leave out food if you’re worried about their survival. We’re here to help you keep wildlife from making their home in yours. Our professionals are experts at wildlife removal. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to prevent uninvited guests.