A small home tucked away in the branches might seem like just another part of nature. Animals use these spots to care for their young, store food, and shield themselves from predators. But when these homes are too close to where you live, they can quickly turn from harmless to concerning. What starts as a little activity above can lead to damage, disturbances, or even health risks in your own space.

The real issue comes down to proximity. Figuring out how to live with squirrels and other creatures is manageable when they stay outside, but problems start when they use nearby branches as a bridge to enter your home or attic. By understanding their habits and taking preventative measures, you can avoid the challenges they bring when they get too close for comfort.

This guide will help you understand why animals choose trees for their homes, the risks of having these setups near your residence, and how to keep things under control. And if things escalate, our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Guelph offers effective, humane solutions to protect your property and maintain your peace of mind.

Why Animals Build Shelters in Trees

For many animals, trees are the perfect place to settle down. Their elevated height protects squirrels from ground-level predators, while thick branches and foliage shield them from the elements. For example, squirrels often construct dreys—intricate, round structures made from leaves, twigs, and bark—to rear their young and weather the seasons.

Typically, these treetop homes are entirely natural and unproblematic. Dense canopies provide extra concealment, keeping wildlife away from human interference. When nests remain in distant trees, they’re unlikely to disrupt your routine, but things change when they show up in nearby branches close to a roofline.

Why do those nearby homes matter? It all comes down to accessibility. Branches that encroach on your roof create a bridge for animals to explore your home’s exterior. From there, entry points like vents, soffits, or even chimneys become tempting doorways. That’s when squirrels stop being passive neighbours and start causing trouble.

When Nearby Nests Become a Concern

Nests tucked into a tree close to your home might seem harmless at first glance. You may even enjoy watching the animals scurry back and forth. However, when these setups go unchecked, they can lead to some real challenges.

One of the main concerns is access to your roof. Overhanging branches act as a direct path for little paws to climb onto your home. From there, the animals have the freedom to roam, inspecting your gutters or shingles for weak spots. It doesn’t take long for them to take advantage of any vulnerabilities they find.

Another issue is the potential for structural damage. These squirrels are tenacious when it comes to finding shelter. If there’s a crack in a soffit or a gap in the roofline, they’ll exploit it. Often, they’ll gnaw at any small opening, gradually making it large enough to crawl through. The result? Holes and broken materials that may lead to costly repairs.

Inside, the situation can become even noisier. Scratches, scurrying, and the occasional thud of activity can make it difficult to focus or sleep. These disturbances often occur at all hours, quickly turning a minor nuisance into a major frustration. And beyond noise, there’s the matter of cleanliness. Droppings and nest materials left behind by these animals can introduce bacteria or mites into your living space, posing potential health risks.

By identifying these concerns early, you can take steps to prevent wildlife from turning your attic or home into theirs.

Tips to Keep Animals Out of Your Home

Fortunately, there are proactive ways to discourage wildlife from getting too close. These simple measures can help protect your home and reduce the likelihood of conflict:

• Trim Overhanging Branches: This is one of the most important steps. Prune branches hanging close to your roof, leaving six to eight feet of clearance. Without easy access to your home, animals are far less likely to attempt entry.
• Seal Vulnerabilities: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, or weakened structures. Repairs and proper sealing can block potential entry points before squirrels discover them.
• Chimney and Vent Protection: Installing chimney caps and vent covers creates an additional layer of security while still allowing airflow. This helps prevent opportunistic wildlife from squeezing their way inside.
• Limit Food Sources: Secure trash bins, put away pet food dishes, and keep bird feeders far from your home. Reducing these attractions makes your property less enticing for nesting wildlife.

It’s worth noting that these steps are not just preventative. They also maintain your home’s long-term safety and durability, minimizing potential damage caused by determined intruders.

How Do These Animals Get Inside?

Even with preventative measures in place, you may wonder how squirrels and other animals manage to find their way into your home. The answer lies in their resourcefulness and physical abilities:

• Searching for Weak Points: Animals are naturally curious. They’ll inspect vents, soffits, roofing gaps, and even chimneys in search of openings. Left exposed, these vulnerable areas become perfect pathways.
• Scaling and Jumping: Their sharp claws and agility allow squirrels to climb walls or easily leap from branches to rooftops. High places are no challenge for these skilled acrobats.
• Chewing Small Openings: If an opening isn’t large enough to enter, their powerful teeth come into play. By gnawing around entry points, they can quickly widen spaces to slip through.

It’s that combination of adaptability and persistence that makes squirrels surprisingly difficult to keep out without adequate prevention measures.

When Professional Help Is the Best Option

Even with the best preparation, some wildlife situations can become too persistent or dangerous for DIY solutions. When noise levels increase, nesting signs become visible, or you suspect an infestation, it’s time to get professionals involved.

With Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Guelph, we focus on humane solutions that protect both your home and the animals involved. Using tools like one-way doors, we allow animals to leave safely and prevent them from coming back. Our team also provides recommendations tailored to your property, ensuring long-lasting protection.

Securing Your Home and Keeping Wildlife Outside

Coexisting with nature is part of figuring out how to live with squirrels and other wildlife around our homes. For the most part, their nests in trees go unnoticed, blending seamlessly into the environment. But when those homes are too close to your house, the risks of noise, structural damage, and health concerns make effective prevention essential.

To keep your home free of unwanted intruders, take steps like trimming nearby branches, sealing gaps in your roofline, and reducing potential food sources. These practical measures help avoid potential problems and safeguard your property from future damage.

Still dealing with wildlife too close for comfort? If you’re wondering how squirrels get into your house or need professional advice, we’re here to help. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in wildlife removal in Guelph that keeps squirrels in their natural space while protecting your home. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and enjoy lasting peace of mind!