Imagine hearing little scratching sounds above your ceiling or finding tufts of fur and leaves in your attic. Chances are, you’ve stumbled upon a squirrel nest in your home. 

It can be startling, and you might wonder what to do next. While squirrels are fascinating animals in the wild, their nests inside your home can lead to damage and potential risks to your family. 

Don’t worry, though. There are steps you can take to handle this situation safely and effectively.

First, never try to remove a squirrel nest on your own. DIY methods often fail and can make the problem worse. Squirrels are persistent and will go to great lengths to protect their home. 

That’s why it’s always best to call professionals like us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Kitchener/Waterloo. We’ve got the right tools, including one-way doors, to humanely address the problem. 

These doors allow the animals to leave but stop them from coming back. Below, we’ll share squirrel nest removal tips, what to expect during the process, and why you should act quickly if you find a squirrel nest in your home.

Why Squirrel Nests Are a Problem

Although squirrels seem harmless, having them nest in your home isn’t ideal. They often build their nests in attics, walls, or chimneys, using materials like leaves, twigs, and insulation from your house. Over time, this can cause:

• Property Damage: Squirrels chew on wood, wires, and drywall, potentially leading to costly repairs or even fire hazards. Their sharp teeth never stop growing, so they instinctively gnaw on things to keep them trimmed, which can wreak havoc on your home.
• Health Concerns: Squirrel droppings and urine carry bacteria and parasites that could pose health risks to people. These can include diseases like salmonella or leptospirosis, which may contaminate surfaces and air if left untreated.
• Noisy Disruptions: Their constant scratching and scurrying can disturb your peace, especially at night. The noise can be particularly frustrating in quiet spaces like bedrooms or when you’re trying to relax or work.

The sooner you act, the better. Removing a squirrel nest early prevents damage and makes the process much easier.

Signs of a Squirrel Nest in Your Home

Before you call for help, you’ll need to confirm whether there’s a squirrel nest in your home. Look for these signs:

• Scratching, rustling, or scampering sounds in your walls or attic, especially in the early morning or evening.
• Insulation that looks shredded or disturbed.
• Piles of leaves, twigs, or fur in hidden corners of your attic or chimney.
• Droppings, which are small, dark, and oval-shaped.

If you notice any combination of these signs, it’s highly likely that squirrels have moved in. At this point, it’s time to focus on squirrel nest removal.

Steps to Take When You Find a Squirrel Nest

Finding a nest in your home can feel overwhelming. Luckily, there are simple actions you can take to address it. Here are the steps:

• Stay Calm: Squirrels may feel like a big problem, but professionals handle these situations all the time. Stay calm, avoid disturbing the nest, and keep pets or children away from the area.
• Don’t Block Their Exit: It might be tempting to seal off the hole where the squirrels are entering, but this can trap them inside your home. Trapped animals may panic and cause even more damage out of desperation.
• Call Professionals: When it comes to squirrel nest removal, reach out to experts like Skedaddle. We’re experienced in humane wildlife control and can ensure the squirrels are removed safely. Our one-way doors encourage wildlife to leave without harm, and they can’t re-enter once they’re out.
• Avoid DIY Solutions: DIY methods like setting traps or using repellents are risky and don’t work long-term. Animals often find their way back or cause further problems during these attempts. Rely on trained professionals who understand how to handle these situations properly.
• Schedule an Inspection: When you contact us at Skedaddle, we’ll perform an inspection to identify entry points and assess the damage. Once we know what we’re dealing with, we’ll come up with a customized plan to remove the squirrels and clean up the mess.

How Skedaddle’s One-Way Doors Work

Our one-way doors offer a humane and smart way to remove squirrels from your home. Here’s how they work. 

First, we install the doors at the main spots where squirrels are getting inside. These doors allow the animals to leave freely when they head out for food or other activities. 

Once they exit, the one-way design makes sure they can’t get back in. After the squirrels have left, we carefully seal all the entry points to keep them from returning. This method is safe for the animals, works effectively, and stops future infestations.

Tips to Prevent Squirrel Nests in the Future

Once the squirrels are gone, it’s important to take steps to ensure they don’t return. Here are some simple squirrel nest removal tips for prevention:

• Inspect Your Home Regularly: Look for holes, gaps, or weak spots in your roof, soffits, and vents. Even a small opening can become an easy way for squirrels to get inside, so check these areas often to keep your home secure.
• Seal Holes Immediately: Use durable materials like steel mesh to block entry points. Be thorough and double-check for hidden gaps, as squirrels are persistent and may find even the smallest crack.
• Trim Trees Near Your Home: Squirrels use overhanging branches as highways to your roof. Cutting back branches to at least three metres not only keeps them off your roof but also helps reduce the chances of them finding entry points.
• Remove Food Sources: Don’t leave bird feeders close to your house. Squirrels are quick to spot an easy meal, and if food is nearby, your home could become an attractive nesting option.
• Consult Professionals: Periodic inspections and maintenance from wildlife control experts like us at Skedaddle can help catch problems early and protect your home. Professionals have the tools and training to spot issues you might miss and will ensure your home stays pest-free.

Why Professional Help Is Essential

There’s no substitute for professional help when it comes to squirrel nest removal. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we have the expertise and tools needed to safely remove squirrels while keeping your home and family protected. Plus, our solutions are humane, so you don’t have to worry about harming the animals.

We also take care of the aftermath by cleaning and disinfecting areas affected by the nest. Damaged insulation? We’ll replace it too. Our goal is to restore your home while ensuring squirrels don’t come back.

Act Fast to Protect Your Home

If you’ve found a squirrel nest in your home, taking quick action is key. A professional squirrel removal team stops the problem before it gets worse, saving you stress and money in the long run. Avoid risky DIY approaches and trust experts like us at Skedaddle to handle the situation the right way.

Got a nest in your home? Don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Kitchener/Waterloo is here to help. With our experience and humane one-way doors, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected. Contact us today to request an estimate and learn more about our services.