Hearing noises overhead or spotting damage to your home can leave you wondering how squirrels managed to get into the attic in the first place. Understanding the causes behind squirrels in attic spaces, learning about attic squirrel prevention techniques, and benefiting from expert advice for squirrel removal can help Anoka County homeowners address this issue effectively while also avoiding future occurrences. Today, we want to provide professional insights at Skedaddle on how squirrels are gaining access to homes and how to protect your property.  

How Did Squirrels Get Into My Attic?

The first step to addressing squirrels in attic spaces is identifying how they get in. Squirrels are excellent climbers, using tree branches, power lines, and even brick or siding to access roofs. Once they’ve reached the top of your home, squirrels will look for weak points like soffits, vents, or gaps where dormers meet your roof. They often chew through wood, aluminum, or even plastic to create an entrance.  

Key points of entry include:

• Soffits and Fascia Boards: Squirrels can chew through weak sections to create access.
• Dormer Rooflines: Gaps where rooflines meet are a common vulnerability.
• Vents and Openings: Attic ventilation, gable vents, and roof vents are often used as entry points.
• Shingles and Trim: Aging or damaged materials become easy for squirrels to break through.  

Here in Anoka County, many homes are built with large trees nearby, which is convenient for squirrels seeking shelter. Locations like Bunker Hills Regional Park have a thriving squirrel population, and while that’s great for nature lovers, it does mean your home can become an unintended target for these creatures.  

Once inside your attic, squirrels build nests, often using materials like insulation, dry leaves, and twigs. Unfortunately, the damages don’t stop there. Squirrels will continue to chew once inside, gnawing on wiring, wood, and anything else to file down their constantly growing teeth. These activities lead to potential fire hazards, structural integrity issues, and insulation contamination.  

Attic Squirrel Prevention  

Keeping squirrels out of your attic begins with prevention. To safeguard your home, it’s essential to address structural weaknesses and actively deter these climbing and chewing animals.  

Here’s how homeowners can engage in attic squirrel prevention:

1. Trim Back Tree Branches: Squirrels use overhanging branches as a highway to your roof. Maintaining at least six to eight feet of clearance between trees and your house will make access much harder for them.  
2. Inspect and Repair Weaknesses: Regularly check soffits, fascia boards, and rooflines for gaps or damage. Use heavy-duty materials such as galvanized steel to close vulnerable points, as squirrels will chew through weaker materials over time.  
3. Protect Vents and Openings: Attach durable metal screens to cover vents and chimneys. Avoid using lightweight materials like plastic, as it’s no match for a squirrel’s powerful bite.  
4. Remove Attractants: Keep bird feeders away from your home, as they can draw squirrels closer to your house. Additionally, securely store outdoor garbage bins.  
5. Secure Roofing Shingles: Regularly check for loose or damaged shingles, which are easy entry spots for squirrels. Replace or re-secure them as needed.  
6. Add Repellents: Though temporary, some homeowners find success with safe repellents around known entry points. Look for options approved for long-term use.  

Preventative measures are critical for protecting your home from damage and avoiding significant repair costs. Staying on top of home maintenance and repairing vulnerabilities quickly will deter squirrels from seeing your attic as a cozy nesting site.  

Expert Advice for Squirrel Removal  

When squirrels do make their way inside, removal must be handled effectively, safely, and humanely. At Skedaddle, we’ve spent decades working with homeowners to resolve these challenges, and we’re here to share the best practices for dealing with them.  

What You Should Do to Address an Infestation  

1. Identify Their Presence: Confirm the presence of squirrels by listening for daytime scurrying noises, checking for droppings in the attic, or inspecting visible damage like chewed wires or gnawed entry points.  
2. Avoid DIY Solutions: It may be tempting to handle the problem yourself, but without proper training or tools, you risk separating mother squirrels from their babies or unintentionally causing harm to the family inside your attic.  
3. Seek Professional Assessment: Calling in licensed wildlife experts ensures the situation is addressed effectively. Professionals use a thorough inspection process to locate all entry points and hidden nests while assessing the extent of the damage.  

Skedaddle’s Effective Squirrel Removal Process  

Our removal process prioritizes safety for both homeowners and the squirrels. Here’s what we do:

• Comprehensive Property Assessment: Our team checks the entire home for entry points, nests, and damaged areas.  
• Humanely Remove Squirrels and Babies: Using specialized equipment like heated reunion boxes, we carefully remove the squirrel family outside your home.  
• Seal and Protect Entry Points: After removal, we secure all vulnerable entry points with high-quality materials designed to withstand determined chewing behavior.  
• Deodorize the Area: Hormonal scents or food odors can attract more squirrels, so we deodorize thoroughly to prevent future problems.  

The goal isn’t just to solve the immediate problem but to create a long-term solution for your property.  

Why Prevention and Early Intervention Matter  

Squirrels may be small, but the damage they cause can be major. By investing in prevention, you protect your home’s structural integrity and reduce risks associated with chewed wires or insulation contamination. Early intervention also minimizes repair costs, as ongoing squirrel activity often leads to multiple damaged areas and escalating damage.  

Here in Anoka County, we love staying connected to the natural beauty of our surroundings, but we also know the importance of keeping wildlife in the right environment. Places like Bunker Hills or the Rum River are perfect natural habitats- but your attic isn’t!  

Why Skedaddle Is the Best Choice for Squirrel Removal Services in Anoka County

When dealing with squirrel intrusions, it’s essential to choose a service provider that combines expertise, reliability, and a humane approach. Skedaddle has established itself as a leader in wildlife removal services, offering homeowners effective solutions tailored to their specific needs. 

With over 30 years of experience, our team understands the intricate behavior of squirrels and how to address infestations while keeping your home and the animals safe.

• Our process starts with a thorough property inspection to identify entry points, damage, and squirrel activity.  
• A comprehensive assessment helps us create a customized plan for complete squirrel removal.  
• We prioritize humane removal methods to safely remove squirrels to their natural habitats, such as parks and forests.  
• Skedaddle ensures the well-being of wildlife while protecting your home.  
• We focus on prevention by sealing entry points with durable, high-quality materials to keep your attic squirrel-free.  
• Our technicians provide professional advice and education tailored to your situation, helping you maintain your home’s defenses.

Backed by a commitment to reliability and unmatched expertise, Skedaddle guarantees lasting solutions. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to help remove squirrels and protect your property, Skedaddle is the clear choice for professional, worry-free service.

Take the Next Step Toward Squirrel-Free Living  

If you suspect squirrels have made themselves at home in your attic, or you’re unsure how to protect your property effectively, we’re here to help. At Skedaddle, our professional team combines decades of experience with humane techniques to ensure your home stays protected long-term.  

Don’t wait until scurrying noises turn into significant damage. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive property evaluation and ensure your home remains squirrel-free and secure for years to come!