If there are squirrels in your walls, it can quickly escalate from a minor nuisance to a significant problem. These small animals can chew through wiring, damage insulation, and leave behind nesting materials and droppings that pose risks to both your home and health. Understanding how to remove squirrels from walls safely and effectively, as well as implementing squirrel nesting prevention, is crucial to maintaining a safe living environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do.  

Signs You Might Have Squirrels in Your Walls  

Before taking any steps, it’s essential to confirm that squirrels are indeed behind the noise or damage in your walls. Here are common signs to look out for:  

• Scratching and Rustling Noises: You may hear scratching sounds, especially in the early morning or late evening, as squirrels are most active during the day. 
• Small Openings or Chew Marks: Look for holes or chew marks around soffits, vents, or other entry points on your home’s exterior.  
• Droppings or Debris: Squirrels often bring nesting materials, such as twigs or leaves, into their nesting site. You may also notice droppings close to their entry points.  
• Gnawed Wires or Insulation Damage: Squirrels have strong teeth that allow them to chew through wires, causing potential fire hazards, or insulation, which can lead to higher energy bills.  

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage and prevent an infestation from worsening.  

Remove Squirrels from Walls  

The sooner squirrels are removed from your walls, the better. Leaving them there increases the risk of damage to your home and health-related issues. To remove squirrels safely and humanely, follow these steps.  

• Inspect and Locate Entry Points  

The first step is identifying how squirrels entered your home. They often create openings around vents, soffits, or rooflines. Start by visually inspecting the exterior of your house for any damaged areas or small holes. Remember, squirrels can squeeze through gaps as small as two inches.  

• Assess the Situation Inside  

Once you’ve located possible entry points, try to determine the extent of the problem. Do you hear activity in multiple areas of your home? Are there signs of baby squirrels, especially during their nesting seasons in spring and late summer? Understanding the scope of the issue helps decide the best removal approach.  

• Use One-Way Doors  

One-way exclusion doors allow squirrels to exit but prevent re-entry. They are typically installed directly over the squirrels’ entry points. Exclusion methods require identifying all entry points, as leaving even a small gap can allow them back inside.  

• Reunite Families  

If there are baby squirrels in your walls, extra care is required to ensure their safety. Humane removal involves carefully removing the babies by hand and placing them in a warm reunion box outside the home. This box encourages the mother to relocate them to another nesting site.  

• Clean the Affected Areas  

After ensuring the removal of all animals, it’s crucial to clean and sanitize the nesting areas. Squirrels often leave droppings, urine, and nesting materials, which can carry ticks, fleas, and bacteria harmful to humans and pets. Rely on professional cleaning services for this step to ensure thorough contamination removal.  

• Repair Damage and Seal Entry Points  

Once the squirrels have been safely removed, repair all damaged areas and seal every possible entry point. Professional-grade materials, such as galvanized steel screens, are recommended to prevent future access. Also, deodorize the area to remove scents that might attract other animals.  

Squirrels in Walls Solutions  

Prevention is always the best solution when dealing with wildlife issues. By being proactive, you can greatly reduce the chances of squirrels using your home for nesting. Here’s how to safeguard your home.  

• Trim Overhanging Branches: Squirrels are excellent climbers and often gain access to roofs via nearby tree branches. Trim any branches that are within six to eight feet of your home.  
• Install Roof and Vent Covers: Durable covers made from galvanized steel can protect vents and soffits from being chewed open.  
• Inspect and Repair Regularly: Conduct semi-annual checks of your home’s exterior to ensure there are no vulnerable entry points.  
• Secure Food Sources: Pet food, bird feeders, and uncovered trash can all attract squirrels to your property. Ensure all food is stored securely, and feeders are placed away from your home.  
• Use Humane Deterrents: Motion-activated repellents and ultrasonic devices can discourage squirrels from approaching your property.  

Prevention measures not only protect your home but also promote a better coexistence with wildlife by encouraging squirrels to nest in more suitable locations.  

Squirrel Nesting Prevention Tactics  

Once squirrels have been removed from your walls, it’s vital to implement long-term strategies to keep them from returning. Consider the following targeted prevention techniques.  

• Install Durable Materials: Replace damaged or vulnerable areas with materials that squirrels cannot chew, such as aluminum or heavy-duty steel.  
• Deodorize Entry Sites: Even after sealing entry points, lingering scent markers may attract other animals. Professional deodorization helps eliminate these attractions.  
• Utilize Visual Deterrents: Decoys such as fake owls or reflective objects can discourage squirrels from approaching your home. Ensure these deterrents are moved periodically for continued effectiveness.  
• Engage Professional Assessment: A wildlife control expert can identify hidden vulnerabilities in your home and provide tailored recommendations to prevent future squirrel activity.  

By committing to these prevention tactics, you can protect your home from the costly and disruptive consequences of future infestations.  

Protecting Homes in Waterloo  

Squirrels are a common issue in urban and suburban settings, including communities like Waterloo. Many homeowners face challenges with squirrels gaining access to their homes, whether it’s through aging soffits or poorly protected vents. Intervening early and efficiently is crucial to prevent damage.  

If you’re a homeowner in Waterloo, consider reaching out to professionals experienced in humane wildlife control. Experts like us at Skedaddle bring specialized tools and techniques to safely remove squirrels while ensuring they don’t return.  

Why Skedaddle is the Best Solution for Squirrel Removal in Waterloo

When it comes to squirrel removal, Skedaddle offers a comprehensive, humane, and lasting solution that sets us apart from other service providers. With over 30 years of experience in wildlife control, we combine expert knowledge with cutting-edge tools and proven techniques to effectively address your squirrel issue while prioritizing the safety of both homeowners and the animals.

• Skedaddle tailors its approach to fit the unique needs of every home.  
• Trained technicians conduct thorough inspections to identify entry points and assess potential damage.  
• Customized solutions are implemented to prevent future intrusions.  
• Entry points are expertly sealed with durable materials to ensure squirrels cannot regain access.

We take pride in using humane removal methods that prioritize the well-being of the animals. Our approach ensures the safe relocation of squirrels while maintaining compliance with all local wildlife regulations. Additionally, we provide cleanup and decontamination services to remove droppings, nesting materials, and any associated health hazards.

The Next Step for a Squirrel-Free Home  

Finding squirrels in your walls can be stressful, but you’re not alone. With the right approach, you can safely remove them, repair the damage, and protect your home from future infestations. At Skedaddle, we’re passionate about helping homeowners restore their peace of mind through humane and effective wildlife solutions.  

If you hear unusual noises or suspect a squirrel issue in your walls, don’t wait for further damage. Contact our team today to schedule a professional assessment and start securing your home. Together, we’ll ensure your living space stays safe, clean, and squirrel-free.