Dealing with a squirrel invasion? You’re not alone. Many homeowners in Columbus face the same challenge as these furry intruders search for food and shelter. Common attractants include accessible food sources and warm, secure nesting spots, making homes an ideal target for squirrels seeking comfort.

In this blog, we’ll break down why squirrels invade homes in Columbus and how to spot the features of your property that might be drawing them in. Plus, we’ll share straightforward steps you can take to keep squirrels out and protect your home from becoming their next nesting spot. Let’s get started!

Why Squirrels Invade Homes in Columbus

Columbus is a great place for squirrels, with plenty of trees, gardens, and yards providing food and shelter. But when outdoor options run low, especially in colder months, squirrels often move into homes. 

From September to March, they look for warm, safe spaces like attics, walls, and chimneys to store food and raise their young. If you hear scurrying, scratching, or squeaks, they might already be inside.

Here’s why squirrels are drawn to homes:

• Easy food sources like bird feeders, garbage bins, or gardens with fruits and vegetables.
• Attics, vents, or gaps in roofing materials give them easy access.
• Small openings in homes that are often overlooked but are perfect for determined squirrels.
• Insulation, which offers warmth and a cozy spot to escape the cold.

Once inside, squirrels can cause big problems. They chew on wood, wires, and plastic to keep their teeth in check, which can lead to fire hazards and structural damage. They also leave droppings and debris, creating unsanitary conditions. Their constant gnawing and nesting can mean costly repairs for homeowners.

Food Sources That Attract Squirrels to Homes

Squirrels are constantly on the hunt for easy food sources, and your property might be offering exactly what they need. Once they discover reliable access to food, they’ll keep coming back—and those visits can quickly turn into long-term stays.

• Bird feeders filled with seeds and nuts provide an easy meal. 
• Gardens with fruits or vegetables, like tomatoes, berries, and pumpkins, act as irresistible buffets. 
• Pet food or leftovers left outside, even briefly, attract scavenging squirrels. 
• Unsecured trash cans give them access to scraps, while compost piles or yard waste with food remnants offer hidden snacks. 

To keep squirrels away, it’s important to eliminate these food sources. Secure your trash lids, switch to squirrel-proof bird feeders, and clean up fallen fruit or food scraps. By removing these easy meals, your home will quickly become less enticing to these pesky visitors.

Shelter and Nesting Spots Around Columbus Homes

Squirrels often target homes for shelter, and few spots are more inviting than a warm, dry attic. These clever creatures can find even the smallest gaps in soffits, fascia boards, or vent screens. With their strong teeth, they’ll chew through wood, vinyl, or aluminum to create entry points. Once inside, they quickly build nests out of insulation, paper, leaves, and other debris, turning your attic into their home.

But attics aren’t the only target. Squirrels may sneak into wall voids, crawl spaces, or chimneys. Uncapped chimneys are especially appealing since they resemble the hollow tree trunks squirrels use in the wild. Tree branches or vines near your roofline also make it easy for them to climb onto your house and explore for openings.

To keep squirrels out, maintain your property regularly. Trim tree branches within a few feet of your roof and repair cracks, loose roof tiles, or damaged vent covers as soon as you spot them. Installing sturdy screens over vents and chimneys can also prevent these furry invaders from getting inside.

Preventing Squirrels in Your Neighborhood

Squirrels are a common issue in many Columbus neighborhoods, but with a few proactive steps, you can protect your home and property from an infestation. By addressing potential attractants and maintaining your home’s exterior, you can significantly reduce the chances of these persistent critters finding their way inside.

• Keep your yard tidy by removing debris like leaves and brush piles that could serve as shelter. 
• Remove low-hanging fruit from trees to make your yard less appealing to squirrels. 
• Use fencing or netting to safeguard gardens and protect valuable plants. 
• Regularly inspect your roof for damage, including missing shingles, gaps, or weakened flashing. 
• Check eaves and soffits for signs of chewing or holes, and repair any vulnerabilities promptly. 

If squirrels have already made their way inside, it’s best to call a professional company like Skedaddle for humane removal and to seal entry points. Preventing squirrels requires consistent effort and a collaborative approach within neighborhoods to ensure these pests don’t simply move from one home to the next. By staying vigilant, you can keep your property squirrel-free and your neighborhood protected.

What To Do if You Notice Signs of Squirrels

Recognizing early signs of squirrel activity can help prevent larger problems down the line. Common indicators include scratching or rustling noises coming from the attic or walls during daylight hours, chewed entry points or roof edges, and droppings in areas squirrels frequent. You might also notice damaged insulation or shredded materials indicative of nest-building.

One of the best ways to address ongoing squirrel issues is through targeted, humane removal and prevention services. Using specialized equipment and expertise, Skedaddle provides long-term solutions by identifying and sealing every potential entry point while ensuring animals are safely evicted. 

If squirrels are found with babies, removal becomes more delicate. Recognizing their seasonal habits is essential, as younger squirrels need to be relocated alongside their mothers to ensure survival. At Skedaddle, we’ve spent years refining our process to safely address these scenarios while preventing further damage to your property.

Protecting your home from future invasions involves deodorizing areas to remove hormonal scents that might attract other squirrels. Such scents can linger even after the original pests are gone, so addressing them promptly is crucial to ensuring your home doesn’t become a target again.

Take Back Control of Your Home Today

Squirrels might seem harmless at first glance, but the damage they cause can quickly spiral into an expensive and stressful problem. Being proactive about food sources, finding hidden entry points, and implementing preventive measures can make all the difference in keeping them away from your home. The good news is, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. 

If you suspect squirrels have made their way into your home—or if you want to take preventative measures before it happens—Skedaddle is here to help. With decades of experience and a focus on humane solutions, we specialize in keeping your home safe without harming these animals. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate—contact us today to take back control and enjoy peace of mind.