Spring is here, and while North Vancouver homeowners often welcome the warmer weather and budding flowers, the season also brings increased activity among wildlife. Squirrels, in particular, are busier than usual, with many seeking safe spaces to raise their young. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to discover baby squirrels in their attic or walls during this time. Knowing how to handle this situation is essential to protect both your home and the animals. If you find baby squirrels in your home, the first step is to call our expert team at Skedaddle.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we believe in safe and effective springtime wildlife solutions. Here’s everything you need to know about baby squirrel removal and how to address this unique situation with care and proper expertise.
Recognizing the Signs of Squirrel Activity
Before you can address a squirrel problem, it’s crucial to know if they’ve taken up residence in your home. Common signs include hearing scampering noises during the day, which are often concentrated in the early morning or evening hours. Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight, so unusual sounds coming from your attic or walls during the day could point to their presence. If they’ve chosen your home as their nesting site, you may also notice chewing damage around potential entry points like vents, soffits, or rooflines. Their teeth never stop growing, which means squirrels frequently chew on materials like wood, aluminum, or plastic to wear them down.
Another giveaway is the presence of debris such as shredded insulation, leaves, or twigs in your home. Squirrels use these materials to build nests for their young. Visual confirmation of squirrels entering and exiting your home is another strong indicator. Once you’ve established that squirrels are indeed inside, it’s time to act quickly. Addressing the issue in spring is especially important as this is one of their primary breeding seasons. Younger squirrels aren’t mobile enough to leave the nest on their own, complicating removal efforts and making professional intervention critical.
Why DIY Squirrel Removal Is Not the Answer
You might be tempted to handle the situation yourself, but removing squirrels without proper knowledge or equipment can lead to significant challenges. For starters, most homeowners aren’t trained to identify all potential entry points. Squirrels are experts at finding even the smallest gaps to gain entry—sometimes as small as 2 inches. Without sealing every opening thoroughly, you risk leaving an easy way back in. Additionally, attempting to DIY squirrel removal can unintentionally separate young squirrels from their mother. This can result in the babies being trapped, which is not only inhumane but could lead to unpleasant odours or an increase in insect activity if they perish inside your home.
Handling wildlife also poses health risks. Squirrels carry parasites like fleas and ticks, and their droppings may harbour bacteria that could harm you or your family. Removing them without the right tools or knowledge means exposing yourself to potential hazards unnecessarily. Lastly, using deterrents or repellents often fails to address the root cause of the problem. These animals are persistent and adaptable, so it’s crucial to implement a comprehensive strategy that focuses on safely removing the animals and preventing their return. That’s why professional services like ours at Skedaddle are the most effective solution for baby squirrel removal.
Safely Handling Squirrels During Spring
Springtime is one of the busiest seasons for squirrels, especially as females prepare for and care for their litters. This makes safely removing them a more intricate process. Our team at Skedaddle understands the challenges homeowners face when dealing with squirrels during this sensitive time. We start with a detailed assessment of your home to determine the exact location of the nest and the extent of the damage. During spring, mother squirrels can be highly defensive of their young, so it’s vital to approach removal carefully.
When young squirrels are involved, we prioritize humane practices. Using specialized tools like thermal imaging cameras, we locate the nest and hand-remove the immobile squirrels with care. They are placed in reunion boxes to keep them safe and warm while their mother is relocated outside the home. Once the family is safely reunited outdoors, we block their entry points to prevent them from returning. Sealing these openings is vital, as many squirrels have multiple den sites. A mother will instinctively move her litter to another location once she cannot return to the original nest.
Throughout this process, we educate homeowners on the steps we’re taking to ensure everyone’s safety. Our methods not only protect your home from future wildlife issues but also align with humane standards. By addressing the problem comprehensively, we eliminate the possibility of further damage and allow the animals to continue thriving in their natural environment.
Preventing Squirrels from Returning
After the safe removal of squirrels, the next step is prevention. Squirrels are resourceful and determined, especially when they’ve already identified your home as a secure nesting site. Our team focuses on sealing all existing and potential entry points using durable materials that can withstand their persistent chewing. This includes areas like roof vents, chimneys, and gaps around soffits or fascia boards. During this phase, we also deodorize the space to eliminate scents that could attract other wildlife.
- Trim tree branches at least six feet from your roofline to prevent easy access.
- Remove food sources, such as bird feeders, near your home.
- Inspect your roof and attic annually to identify potential vulnerabilities early.
- Prevention helps protect your home and saves you the cost and inconvenience of future issues.
From our experience, taking these proactive measures makes a significant difference in reducing repeat invasions. By creating a hostile environment for squirrels to nest in while ensuring humane removal methods, our approach is tailored to meet the needs of both homeowners and wildlife.
Why Springtime Wildlife Solutions Matter
Spring brings renewal and opportunity, but it also highlights the importance of coexisting responsibly with wildlife. Squirrels, while fascinating creatures, can cause significant damage when they nest in homes. From chewing electrical wiring to damaging insulation, the costs can quickly add up. Addressing the problem early and effectively safeguards you and your family from these risks.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we bring over 30 years of experience to every job. We’ve seen firsthand how effective professional baby squirrel removal and prevention solutions can be. By acting quickly and using humane methods, you not only protect your home but also contribute to the safety and well-being of the animals that share our environment. The next time you hear scurrying noises overhead or notice the telltale signs of squirrel activity, know that swift action is key.
If you suspect squirrels have moved into your home this spring, give us a call. Our experienced team is ready to provide the solutions you need to reclaim your space while ensuring the safe removal of these furry visitors.