For Niagara homeowners, squirrels can be more than just a playful sight in your yard. These small animals can become a big problem when they invade your home. Whether it’s chewing through roof shingles or squeezing into your attic, squirrels can cause costly damage. But there’s good news.
There are steps you can take to protect your home from squirrels and avoid the headaches they bring. With a focus on squirrel invasion prevention, you can safeguard your home and keep these persistent animals outside where they belong.
The best way to protect your home from squirrels is to focus on prevention. Sealing entry points on your roof and walls, trimming overhanging trees, and maintaining the condition of your home’s exterior are all proactive steps. It’s important to note that some methods may seem simple, but for lasting results, professional help is crucial.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Niagara, we specialize in squirrel invasion prevention. Our humane and effective solutions ensure that squirrels can’t make themselves at home in your home.
Read on to discover practical tips to protect your Niagara home from squirrels, how to spot the signs of an invasion, and why professional wildlife control is essential.
Top Tips to Protect Your Home from Squirrels
Here are some ways you can safeguard your home and avoid squirrel invasions:
Seal Up Entry Points
Squirrels are tiny and flexible, capable of squeezing through small spaces to get inside. Identifying and sealing these openings is your first line of defence. Examine your home for gaps near:
- Rooflines and gables
- Vents
- Chimneys
- Eaves and soffits
Use durable materials like heavy-gauge steel mesh or metal flashing to securely block entry points. Never seal an opening without confirming there are no squirrels already inside. That’s where tools like our one-way doors come in. These humane devices allow squirrels to leave but prevent their return.
Clear Overhanging Tree Branches
Squirrels are skilled climbers, and overhanging branches act as a bridge to your roof. Trim tree branches so they are at least 2 metres away from your home. This helps limit their access and discourages them from exploring.
Protect Roof Shingles and Vents
Roof materials are particularly vulnerable to squirrels because their sharp teeth allow them to chew through wood, shingles, and even plastic. Consider adding protective reinforcement to areas such as vent openings. Metal coverings can help prevent damage and entry.
Regularly Inspect Your Home’s Exterior
It’s a good idea to inspect your home a few times a year for signs of wear and tear. Look out for signs of gnawing, loose siding, or weakening spots. Catching these issues early can save you from bigger problems later. Repair any damaged areas to keep your home in good shape and less inviting to wildlife.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Squirrel Problem
Before you’re faced with a full-blown squirrel invasion, you might notice some early warning signs. Being aware of these can help you take quick action:
- Noises in the Walls or Ceiling: Scratching, scampering, or chewing sounds are usually tell-tale signs that squirrels are inside. They’re active during the day, making it easier to hear them.
- Droppings Around Your Home: Squirrel droppings, often found in attics or near walls, could signal their presence.
- Chewed Openings: Squirrels will gnaw holes to get inside, so if you see evidence of chewing near vents or rooflines, it’s a good idea to check further.
- Shredded Insulation or Material: Inside, squirrels will tear apart insulation or other materials to make their nest.
If you spot these signs in your Niagara home, it’s time to take action. The sooner you address the issue, the easier it will be to resolve.
Why Prevention Beats DIY Solutions Every Time
When faced with squirrels in your home, many people’s first instinct is to try store-bought deterrents or DIY fixes. While these may seem cost-effective, they often fall short. Squirrels are smart, determined animals, and once they’ve singled out your home, it takes more than a quick fix to stop them.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we’ve seen it all. We understand how squirrels behave and why they’re so persistent. That’s why we use proven methods like our one-way doors, which allow squirrels to leave humanely but stop them from returning. Combined with sealing entry points and securing vulnerable areas, our approach ensures long-term protection for your home.
The Dangers of Waiting
The longer squirrels stay in your home, the more damage they can cause. They’re known for:
- Chewing Wires: Squirrels gnaw on electrical components, which can lead to fire hazards.
- Damaging Insulation: Holes and nests in your attic’s insulation reduce energy efficiency and increase heating costs.
- Water Leaks Through Roof Damage: Openings on your roof allow water to seep in, causing rot and mould over time.
By investing in squirrel invasion prevention now, you avoid these costly and dangerous consequences.
Why Professional Help Matters
While you might be tempted to tackle squirrels on your own, professional wildlife control offers the safest and most effective solution. Niagara squirrel control requires expertise, specialized tools, and a deep understanding of animal behaviour. That’s where Skedaddle comes in.
Here’s how we help:
- Thorough Home Assessments: We inspect every corner of your home to find entry points and identify vulnerabilities.
- Humane Removal with One-Way Doors: Our one-way doors are a game-changer. These smart tools give squirrels an escape route but block their ability to return.
- Sealing and Securing Your Home: Once squirrels are out, we reinforce your home to prevent future intrusions.
Our process ensures you’re not only solving today’s problem but also protecting your home for the future.
Simple Maintenance Tips to Keep Squirrels Away
Once squirrels are gone, there are small habits you can adopt to keep them from coming back:
- Keep Food and Birdseed Covered: Squirrels are often drawn to food sources, so store birdseed, pet food, and garbage securely.
- Inspect Rooflines After Storm Damage: Strong winds or heavy snow can create new gaps squirrels may try to exploit. Catching these early can help avoid issues.
- Work with Pros for Regular Check-ups: Consider scheduling periodic inspections with us at Skedaddle to ensure your home stays squirrel-free.
Get Your Personalized Home Protection Plan Today!
Don’t wait until squirrels take over your home. Acting quickly is the best way to ensure your house stays safe and damage-free. Squirrels can cause problems for both your property and peace of mind, but you don’t have to face them alone. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Niagara specializes in squirrel invasion prevention and knows exactly how to protect your home from squirrels before they cause permanent damage.
Our team uses proven solutions, like one-way doors, to allow squirrels to leave your home and not return. With years of experience in Niagara squirrel control, we’re here to provide both immediate relief and long-term protection for your property. Whether squirrels are scratching at your roof or sneaking into your attic, we’ve got the know-how to handle it all.
Don’t give squirrels the chance to make themselves comfortable in your home. Protect your home from squirrels with the trusted experts at Skedaddle. Request an estimate today to learn more about how we can keep your Niagara home safe and squirrel-free!