Squirrels may look harmless as they scurry around your yard, but letting them into your home is a whole other story. These small animals can cause big problems by chewing through wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring. The damage they create can be expensive to repair and, in some cases, dangerous for your family. To protect your home, using effective squirrel-proofing techniques is a must.
Professional wildlife control experts are the best option for keeping squirrels out. They use methods that are proven to work in both removing squirrels and making sure they don’t come back. By focusing on things like thorough inspections, sealing up entry points, and setting up special tools like one-way doors, these experts offer long-lasting solutions.
If you’re dealing with squirrel problems and need wildlife removal in Marietta, it’s helpful to know how professionals handle the situation. Their strategies include repairing damage caused by the squirrels, using smart tools for prevention, and educating homeowners on how to keep squirrels away for good. Here’s what experts like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control do to protect homes from furry invaders.
Inspecting the Home for Entry Points
The first thing a professional will do to squirrel-proof your home is to figure out where the animals are getting in. This step involves a detailed inspection of your home from top to bottom. Squirrels are smart and persistent, so they often exploit tiny gaps or spots you might not even notice.
Here’s what our experts look for during an inspection:
- Roof Damage: Squirrels often chew through roof shingles or fascia boards to get inside. Even a small crack or gap can become a way in.
- Attic Vents & Chimneys: These areas provide warmth and are easy for squirrels to access if they aren’t securely covered.
- Foundation Gaps: Cracks at the base of your house or holes around utility lines are also common entry points.
Professionals know how to spot these vulnerabilities and ensure that nothing is overlooked. A thorough inspection is essential to creating a squirrel-proof home.
Sealing Entry Points
After figuring out where squirrels are getting in, the experts move on to sealing those entry points. This is a critical step in the process. Simple fixes, like plywood or duct tape, won’t work because squirrels can easily chew through them. Professionals use tough materials that last a long time and are effective at keeping squirrels out.
Here’s how they do it:
- Galvanized Steel Mesh is placed over vents or holes to block access while still allowing airflow.
- Hardware Cloth is used to reinforce vulnerable areas like soffits and roof edges, creating a strong barrier.
- Durable Caulking or Cement is applied to cracks and gaps to fill them in securely.
These materials are chosen specifically because squirrels can’t chew through them, ensuring your home stays protected. Sealing the entry points is one of the strongest steps against reinvaders
Installing One-Way Doors
If squirrels are already living inside your home, professional wildlife removal companies use a safe and humane method to remove them. One-way doors are specially designed to allow squirrels to leave your home, but they can’t get back in. This solution is both effective and kind, as it doesn’t harm the animals.
The one-way door is placed at the main spot squirrels are using to come and go. Often, this might be a hole in the attic wall or roofline. The door lets squirrels push through to escape, but once they’re outside, the door prevents them from re-entering. Once the squirrels are out, the professionals will seal the hole permanently so it can’t be reused.
This technique is one of the most effective squirrel-proofing techniques because it removes the animals without trapping or relocating them. It’s a humane way to ensure your home stays squirrel-free while keeping the animals safe.
Repairing Damage
Squirrels are destructive little animals. Once they’re inside your home, they chew and claw at anything in their way to build a nest. They often leave behind significant damage, and fixing this is a key step in the squirrel-proofing process.
Professionals repair the following:
- Chewed Wood or Insulation: Damaged materials are replaced with chew-proof alternatives that strengthen your home’s defenses.
- Wiring Issues: Chewed electrical wires are replaced to get rid of fire hazards and prevent further damage.
- Roof or Vent Damage: Professionals repair or replace these areas using sturdy materials designed to withstand future invasions.
Taking care of the mess left by squirrels doesn’t just make your home look better; it also eliminates weak spots that other pests could use as entry points.
Preventative Exclusion Techniques
The best way to avoid squirrel problems is to make sure they don’t come back at all. Prevention is a big part of what professionals do during squirrel-proofing. Along with repairs and sealing up your home, they’ll also recommend other steps to keep squirrels away in the future.
One simple yet effective step is trimming back trees near your home. Squirrels often use tree branches to jump onto rooftops. By keeping branches at least six feet away from your roof, you make it harder for them to get close. Professionals can also install gutter guards. These guards cover your gutters and block squirrels from using them as a hidden pathway into your attic or roof.
Another preventative measure is managing food sources. Squirrels are drawn to birdseed, so switching to squirrel-proof bird feeders or removing feeders altogether can make a big difference. These methods don’t just keep squirrels out of your home but also reduce the likelihood they’ll even try to approach your property.
Educating Homeowners
Professionals don’t stop at just fixing your squirrel problem. They also share expert tips for squirrel prevention so you can keep your home secure in the future. These tips are simple, but they make a big difference over time.
Experts might suggest:
- Watch for signs like scratching or chewing noises, which can indicate new activity.
- Regularly check your roof, vents, and eaves for damage or wear.
- Being extra vigilant in spring and fall, when squirrels are most active during breeding seasons.
By staying informed and keeping an eye out for potential issues, you can catch problems early and address them before they get worse.
Why DIY Doesn’t Work
Trying to handle a squirrel problem yourself might seem like a way to save money, but it rarely works. Without the right tools or experience, it’s almost impossible to spot every hidden entry point or to use materials strong enough to keep squirrels out.
DIY solutions like repellents, sprays, or fake predators might deter squirrels for a short while, but they don’t offer a long-term fix. These animals are determined and will find new routes into your home. For lasting results, trusting a professional like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is essential. They use humane, effective methods like one-way doors and high-quality materials to make sure squirrels don’t come back.
Protect Your Home Today
Using effective squirrel-proofing techniques is the best way to guard your home against squirrels and the damage they cause. From inspecting your home for entry points to installing one-way doors and making repairs, professional wildlife control ensures your home is protected. Preventative measures like tree trimming and gutter guards keep future problems at bay.
If you’re dealing with squirrels in your home and need wildlife removal in Marietta, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help. Their team of experts uses humane methods to remove squirrels and keep them out for good. Request an estimate today to get your squirrel-proofing process started and enjoy peace of mind in your home.