Have you ever found yourself wondering if there’s a squirrel living in your attic or gnawing on your house’s infrastructure? Chances are, you’re not alone. As adorable as they might look scurrying in your backyard, gray squirrels can pose a serious threat to your home, and addressing this issue might not be as simple as you think. This is where we, at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, come in. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the damage that these little critters can inflict on your property, making the case for why humane squirrel removal in Montreal is a wise – and often necessary – investment. 

Signs of Gray Squirrel Infestation in Your Montreal Home

If you’re a homeowner, it’s crucial to know the signs of an infestation. These animals can cause significant harm, not only to your peace of mind but also to your property. Here’s a list of possible signals that gray squirrels have decided to make your home, their home: 

• Strange Noises: One of the first signs of an infestation is hearing strange noises. Those scampering, scratching, and thumping sounds coming from your attic or walls might very well be from an uninvited guest. 
• Droppings: Finding droppings around your home or property is another clear sign of an infestation. These are often found in the attic, near entry holes, or in corners. Gray squirrel droppings are elongated and commonly dark brown.
• Damage Outdoors: You might notice tree branches close to your home have been gnawed, or perhaps you’ve found holes in your roof or siding. These are telltale signs that animals are attempting to gain access to your home.
• Unusual Smells: An odd, musty odour in your home can indicate there’s a hidden nest somewhere. This smell becomes more potent if a squirrel dies within the confines of your property.
• Food Storage: Squirrels store food for the winter months. If you find nuts and other types of food hidden away in places like your gutters, roof, or even in footwear left outside, it’s likely an animal has been busy.
• Nest Materials: Spotting bits and pieces of insulation, shredded paper, twigs, or leaves inside your home or littered around your property can indicate the presence of a nest.

It’s easy to underestimate the damage that gray squirrels can cause. But knowing the signs can help you act swiftly, potentially preventing costly repairs down the line. 

The Damage To Your Home

You might cherish the delightful sight of gray squirrels prancing around in your backyard; however, it’s crucial to understand the potential harm they could cause. While these charming animals may seem harmless, they can inflict substantial damage to your home and property. Their relentless pursuit of food and shelter can lead to unexpected consequences, turning your peaceful abode into a battle zone. Read on to discover how an infestation could impact your living space.

1. Chewed Wires and Electrical Hazards

One of the most common and potentially dangerous problems that gray squirrels can bring is their tendency to chew on electrical wires and cables in your home. This habit may seem trivial on the surface, but it can lead to significant potential hazards. 

When squirrels gnaw on the insulating material around your wires, they expose the bare metal. With time, this can cause electric fires, short circuits, or power outages. Moreover, the bare wires are a safety threat to both humans and pets in your home. It may not only lead to unexpected electrical shocks but also bring potential hazards of dire fires. 

Additionally, their persistent chewing can lead to interruptions in your internet or cable TV services, making your home less enjoyable. Repairing these chewed wires can require extensive work that takes time and money. Depending on the severity of the damage, it might even include replacing the entire wiring system, which could be very costly. 

2. Nesting Habits: The Potential Damage to Insulation and Attic Spaces

Gray squirrels, by their nature, are keen builders. When they find their way into your home, particularly into your attic, they see it as a perfect shelter against exterior elements and eagerly start constructing a nest for their comfort and safety. During this process, they may rip and tear your home’s insulation materials to make their abode more cozy, establishing a real headache for you in the process. 

The damage that these industrious animals can cause to insulation isn’t just about physical destruction. Shredded insulation loses its efficiency, leading to heat escaping from your house, and escalating your heating bills during harsh winters. Further, if the animals have been on your property for a substantial length of time, the accumulation of urine and droppings from these rodents can lead to unsanitary conditions and even increase the risk of mould growth in your attic. 

Remember, though their nesting habits might seem harmless initially, gray squirrels can cause extensive damage to your property. As they settle into your spaces and start a family, you may find their populations quite difficult to control. The key is quick action – recognizing the signs of an infestation and acting promptly to remove and relocate these unwelcome guests.

3. Structural Damage: How They Can Weaken Your Home’s Foundation

You might find it surprising, but gray squirrels can be a serious threat to the structural integrity of your house. These seemingly harmless animals, in their relentless pursuit of shelter and food, can cause significant damage to your house by gnawing and digging. This not only impacts the aesthetic appeal of your home but also can compromise its safety. 

The foundation of your home, often composed of hard materials like concrete or stone, might seem impervious to squirrels. However, that’s far from the full picture. If your home has wooden elements in its foundation, these can quickly become a prime target for animals.  They may chew on, burrow into, and damage these parts, leaving your house susceptible to further issues like water damage and potentially disturbing your home’s very stability. 

Moreover, their destructive habits aren’t limited to wooden foundations. Squirrels can also dig under the foundation, causing erosions that can lead to cracks and shifts in your home’s structure. This can lead to costly, potentially extensive repairs. Remember, these hard-to-detect signs of squirrel damage to your house can start small but spiral into bigger problems if not promptly addressed. 

Preventing Damage: Tips for Homeowners

You have numerous practical steps at your disposal to effectively prevent gray squirrels from causing damage to your home. By implementing these proactive measures, you can safeguard your property and ensure the well-being of your living space.

• Landscaping: Minimize tree branches close to the house as they act as “bridges” for the animals to gain access to your roof and attic.
• Seal Entry Points: Regularly check your home for holes and gaps that squirrels can use to enter your home, especially near the roof and attic. Seal them promptly with durable materials.
• Secure Trash Bins: Ensure your garbage cans have tight-fitting lids to avoid attracting animals with food waste.
• Get a Professional Inspection: If you suspect or have evidence of an invasion, don’t hesitate to get a professional inspection. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is an expert you can trust in this regard.
• Install Guards: These devices can be installed on trees or utility poles to prevent animals from climbing.
• Lights and Noise: Squirrels are primarily daylight animals and don’t like bright lights and noise, installing lighting in attics or using a radio may deter them.
• Squirrel-Proof Your Bird Feeders: If you have bird feeders, make sure they are squirrel-proof. Spilled birdseed can attract animals. 

Don’t forget that you can always hire the team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for professional assistance in dealing with invasions. With our expertise and experience, you can trust us to effectively address and resolve any wildlife issues you may encounter. 

Get Rid of Squirrels With Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control

Despite their innocent looks, gray squirrels can cause severe damage to your Montreal home. From gnawing at your electrical wires to undermining the structure of your house, these animals pose more of a threat than most homeowners realize. Negative impacts on health are also possible due to the diseases they might carry. They are not just mere distraction; they are a serious issue. 

Arming yourself with knowledge on the prevention of damage is a start. But remember: dealing with these animals can be a difficult task for the untrained individual. Thus, it’s beneficial to court the assistance of a professional. 

So, it’s clear that if you’ve noticed any signs of infestation, the most effective method on how to get rid of squirrels is to reach out to experts like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Our team is ready to help, providing effective and humane solutions to your animal problems. Be proactive. Act now to protect your home and your loved ones.