Imagine settling down on your couch with a good book or enjoying some downtime at home when you hear strange scurrying noises above your head. Living in Atlanta, this scenario might sound all too familiar. The culprit behind these unsettling sounds could very well be squirrels, and their activity can lead to significant problems for homeowners. 

Squirrel problems in Atlanta are common due to the city’s unique combination of abundant greenery and urban spaces. From damage to health concerns, these small animals can create big complications if they find their way into your home. 

This blog will explore the challenges squirrels present, the issues they cause, and why working with a humane wildlife control service is the best way to keep your home safe and sound. 

Why Are Squirrels a Problem in Atlanta? 

Atlanta is one of the most tree-covered cities in the country, boasting approximately 47.9% tree canopy coverage. While that greenery makes the city beautiful and inviting, it also creates the perfect environment for squirrels. Combine that with Atlanta’s mild winters, and you have a place where these animals thrive year-round. 

Squirrels rely on trees for food, shelter, and nesting. With outdoor spaces often closely adjacent to homes, these animals frequently make their way into attics and crawl spaces in search of warmth and safety, especially during nesting and birthing seasons. Atlanta’s climate keeps them active almost all year, increasing the likelihood of interactions between squirrels and homeowners. 

While they might seem harmless, having squirrels in or around your home can lead to costly problems. Understanding what makes them an issue in Atlanta is an essential first step in addressing these challenges. 

How Do Squirrels Damage Homes? 

Squirrels can damage homes in several ways. Their behaviors, though instinctive, can have destructive consequences when done inside a house. Here are some of the common ways squirrels damage homes: 

• Chewing and Gnawing: Squirrels have teeth that never stop growing, prompting them to constantly gnaw on wood, wires, and other materials. This incessant chewing can lead to damaged wooden beams, chewed-through insulation, or exposed electrical wiring, which significantly increases the risk of fire. 
• Structural Damage: To access attics or crawl spaces, squirrels often claw and chew their way through eaves, soffits, roof shingles, and vents. These entry points leave your home vulnerable to water damage, drafts, and even additional wildlife making their way in. 
• Nest-Building: Once inside your attic, squirrels use insulation, stored items, or anything they can find to construct their nests. Along the way, they can disrupt storage areas, tear up materials, and leave a trail of mess in their wake. 

Data shows that almost 25% of home electrical fires with undetermined causes are linked to wildlife chewing wires. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing these issues promptly.

The Health Risks of Squirrel Infestations 

Squirrels in your home aren’t just a structural problem—they can also affect your family’s health in surprising ways. One major concern is their droppings and urine, which can build up in attics or crawl spaces. Over time, this creates unpleasant odors and can spread harmful bacteria. If left unchecked, these contaminants may even seep into your air ducts, lowering the quality of the air inside your home. 

Another issue is the mites, fleas, or ticks that squirrels often carry with them. These parasites can quickly spread to household pets or even people, causing discomfort and potentially transmitting diseases. 

Protecting your family means being aware of these risks and acting quickly. Removing squirrels in a humane and professional manner is key to keeping your home safe and healthy. 

How to Spot a Squirrel Infestation 

Not sure if squirrels have moved into your home? Here are some signs to watch out for: 

• Holes or damage near soffits, rooflines, vents, or bite marks on shingles and trim, which may indicate entry points. 
• Signs of nesting materials like insulation, chewed wires, torn boxes, or other debris in storage areas, attics, or crawl spaces. 
• Scratching, squeaking, scurrying noises, or strong odors from urine or nests, especially noticeable at dawn or dusk when squirrels are most active. 
• Droppings or small piles of chewed materials near entry points or inside your home. 

Finding these signs early is crucial. It can save you time, money, and stress by allowing you to take action before the issue escalates into serious damage or infestation. Don’t wait—address the problem quickly to protect your home! 

Professional Wildlife Control Is Key 

Preventing squirrel infestations is best left to professional wildlife control experts. While it might be tempting to handle the problem yourself, there are several reasons why this approach can be risky and less effective. 

• Squirrels can become aggressive when threatened, and without proper tools or training, you risk injury. 
• DIY efforts can lead to further damage to your home, especially if entry points or nests are handled improperly, potentially inviting more animals inside. 

Professional wildlife control services provide safe, humane, and effective solutions. Experts assess the problem, address it thoroughly, and implement prevention strategies to ensure squirrels don’t return, protecting both your home and the animals.

How to Prevent Squirrel Infestations 

Prevention is a critical step to keeping your home squirrel-free. Here are a few steps homeowners in Atlanta can take to reduce the chances of squirrels finding their way inside: 

• Trim any tree branches hanging close to your roof to limit access points. 
• Regularly inspect your home exterior for holes, cracks, or weak spots and seal them promptly. 
• Secure attic vents or openings with durable materials like metal mesh. 
• Keep food sources, like bird feeders or unsecured trash, away from your home to avoid attracting squirrels. 

Professional services often go the extra mile by identifying hidden vulnerabilities in your home or yard setup, so combining these efforts with expert assistance offers the best protection against future issues. 

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Can Help 

When squirrel problems arise in Atlanta, you need a reliable team to handle them quickly and humanely. That’s where Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control comes in. 

We start with a thorough inspection of your home to identify every entry point and the source of the problem. Our team uses safe, humane methods to remove squirrels without causing harm to them or your property. 

To prevent future issues, we seal entry points and provide customized prevention strategies to keep squirrels out for good. With our expert, humane approach, we ensure your home stays squirrel-free while respecting local wildlife. 

Protect Your Atlanta Home Today 

Dealing with squirrels damaging homes can be a major headache for homeowners in Atlanta, but you don’t have to face the problem alone. By recognizing the signs early and reaching out to professionals, you can safeguard your property, protect your family’s health, and keep squirrels where they belong—outdoors. 

If you’ve noticed signs of squirrel activity in your home or want to learn more about preventing squirrel infestations, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a safe and squirrel-free home.