Are Squirrels Using Your Attic As a Pantry?

As ground squirrels and other animals settle in for a long winter hibernation, fox and gray squirrels are still moving around and looking for a warm place to call home. These species of squirrels don’t hibernate in the winter, and can even breed in the cooler months. This means that you may need the help of our team for squirrel removal in Milwaukee.

Why Your Attic Is a Great Squirrel Pantry

Those scampering squirrels you see in the spring, summer and fall tend to be homebodies in the winter. Depending on their location, they could be spending lots of time in a tree or in your attic. They bide their time by settling down and taking advantage of plenty of stocked-up food in their nest. These activities are harmless enough in a tree or other natural lodging, but can be particularly destructive in your home. Squirrel nests in your attic offer them a warm, cozy place away from predators and the elements. There’s plenty of space in an attic for an entire family of squirrels and their food, so there isn’t much reason for a cold squirrel to live in the winter. Even when spring rolls around, these furry new residents are likely to add more food to their pantry in your attic to prepare for next winter. Many squirrels find entrances into your attic space through the eaves or a damaged area of your roof. If you have branches that overhang your home, it’s very easy for a squirrel to access your roof and attic space. Others choose to crawl up the downspout of your gutters.

How a Squirrel can Damage Your Home

Once in your attic, there are a number of ways squirrels can cause serious damage to your property. Squirrels are notorious at chewing virtually any object. They do this to maintain their front teeth. Outside of your home, these furry neighbors have plenty of sticks, bark and other items to munch. A squirrel in need of an item to chew in your attic may settle on framing or electrical wiring. Chewing on framing can compromise the structure of your roof. A few small bites won’t do any harm, but over time your roof may become dangerously weak. Chewed wiring not only prevents a light or appliance from working, but can electrocute the squirrel and risk a fire starting in your attic. Munching on everything in sight isn’t the only way a squirrel can damage your home. These little critters can also trample your insulation, damage your eaves and cause a buildup of feces and urine. This can damage drywall, eat away at insulation and pose health risks for you and your family.

How To Humanely Remove Squirrels From Your Attic

Listen for sounds of scraping, scratching and other unusual sounds as the most obvious sign of a wild animal in your attic. Don’t attempt to remove squirrels on your own, as this could expose you to harmful bacteria and viruses, cause further damage or injure the animal. Squirrels can become aggressive when cornered, particularly if there are young ones hidden away in your attic. Humane animal control also includes restoration services. Restoring your home can involve thorough cleaning and sanitation, followed by cosmetic or structural repairs. These tasks can be difficult to perform and, if you don’t have the proper protective gear, can expose you to any disease the squirrels may have carried. Turn to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for your full-service squirrel removal in Milwaukee. Our local team understands the habits of squirrels all year round, so they can help you identify the entry point, safely remove any squirrels and restore your home. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and prepare to humanely remove squirrels from your home.