Returning from vacation to find your house in chaos is a nightmare no homeowner wants. Furniture shredded, walls chewed, and even taps left running—that’s exactly what happened to Kari and Dustin Drees. While they were away, a squirrel got into their home and caused tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Stories like theirs highlight just how important it is to squirrel-proof your home before heading out of town.

Squirrels can cause serious destruction if they enter your home, especially when left unchecked for days. Taking steps for vacation pest prevention can save you from costly repairs and stress. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Oakville, we’re here to help you avoid these situations. Start with these practical tips to prevent squirrel damage and protect your home while you’re away.

Why Vacation Pest Prevention Matters

Squirrels may seem cute in your yard, but they can be a real problem inside your home. These animals are extremely resourceful and can use tiny gaps to find their way in. Once inside, they might chew on electrical wires, rip apart insulation, or even damage wooden window frames. Whether they’re building a nest or simply trying to escape, their behaviour can lead to serious and expensive issues. Vacation pest prevention isn’t just about avoiding a mess; it’s about protecting your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to squirrel-proof your home and ensure it stays secure while you’re enjoying time away. From sealing entry points to installing one-way doors, these preventative measures are simple yet effective.

How to Prevent Squirrel Damage While You’re Away

Keeping squirrels out of your home can feel like a real challenge, especially when you’re not there to keep an eye on things. Luckily, with some planning and the right precautions, you can secure your house against curious wildlife while you enjoy your vacation. These tips will help protect your home and belongings from unwanted animal invasions.

Seal All Entry Points

Squirrels are experts at finding weaknesses in your home. Small gaps in your roof, walls, or foundation make easy entry points. Before leaving, check for holes, cracks, or loose shingles. Pay close attention to areas around vents, chimneys, and attic spaces. Here’s what you can do to secure these areas:

• Use heavy-gauge wire mesh to cover vents and chimney openings.
• Apply sealant to cracks around windows and doors.
• Install weather stripping to cover small gaps in your home’s foundation.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Squirrels are skilled climbers and use overhanging branches as an easy way to reach roofs, soffits, and chimneys. Once they gain access to these areas, it’s just a short trip into your attic or walls. Without trimming back branches, you’re essentially giving squirrels a wide-open invitation to explore your home.

To cut off their pathway, trim tree branches so they’re at least 6 to 8 feet away from the house. This simple step can go a long way in keeping them off your roof. It also reduces the chances of squirrels chewing through your eaves or gutters since they won’t be able to climb onto these structures. Regularly maintaining trees around your home not only stops animal access but also helps improve yard safety by reducing the risk of falling branches.

Secure Trash and Food Sources

Even if you lock the house up tight, the smell of food can attract wildlife to your property. Don’t make your home an appealing target. Take these steps before you leave:

• Store garbage in sealed, animal-proof bins.
• Clean your barbecue grill to remove lingering food smells.
• Keep any bird feeders, pet food, or firewood far from the house.

Without easy access to food, squirrels and other wildlife are less likely to hang around.

Install One-Way Doors

A safe and humane way to deal with squirrels that may already be in your home is to use one-way doors. These doors are designed to allow squirrels to exit your house safely but prevent them from re-entering. Once the door is installed, the animals can leave through it whenever they’re ready, but the design ensures they can’t return once they’re outside.

This is one of the most effective ways to remove squirrels without causing them harm. After the squirrels have left, our team will seal up the entry point to make sure no new wildlife can use it as a way inside. These doors give peace of mind that the problem is handled permanently and humanely. Poorly handled removal can stress squirrels or cause damage, but we ensure our methods are safe for both your home and the animals.

Protect Your Chimney

A squirrel falling down the chimney might sound rare, but it happens more often than you might think. Open chimneys are like tunnels leading straight inside, making them a common entry point for wildlife. Once a squirrel is inside, it can roam freely around your house, leading to damage and a lot of cleanup work.

Install a chimney cap to prevent animals from climbing in. The best caps are sturdy and made from materials like metal that squirrels can’t chew through. They block entry but still allow smoke to escape when you’re using your fireplace. Check that the cap fits securely and seals properly. If you’re unsure about installation, we at Skedaddle are happy to help ensure your chimney is squirrel-proof and ready to keep wildlife out.

Inspect Your Roof and Attic

Over time, wear and tear can create weaknesses in your roof and attic, making it easier for squirrels to sneak in. Older roofs might have cracks or loose shingles that squirrels can pull apart, while damaged vents can be an open door for wildlife. Without regular inspections, these hidden issues might go unnoticed until the damage has already been done. Here are a few things to consider:

• Before leaving your house for an extended vacation, get up on a ladder or call a professional to inspect your roof and attic. 
• Check for obvious signs like missing shingles or gaps near dormers and vents.
• Inside the attic, look for exposed insulation or small chew marks, as these can indicate past wildlife activity. 

Catching and repairing these problems early will save you time and money in the long run.

A Precautionary Tale

If you’re wondering just how much damage one squirrel can do, take a moment to read the story of Kari and Dustin Drees. While they were away, a squirrel made its way down their chimney and spent days tearing through their new home. It chewed on window frames, defecated on furniture, scratched floors, and even managed to turn on the kitchen faucet. By the time it was removed, the damage was estimated at $15,000.

This kind of chaos can take months to clean up. Worse yet, many insurance policies, like in the Drees’ case, don’t cover damage caused by rodents. You can read the full story here. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your home.

Why You Should Leave Wildlife Control to the Experts

Taking matters into your own hands might seem tempting, but wildlife control is best left to professionals. Squirrels can be aggressive when cornered, and improper handling can lead to injuries or property damage. Using DIY tools or traps may also cause more harm than good, driving the squirrel deeper into your walls or attic.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we use safe and reliable methods to remove animals. Our proven one-way door systems ensure wildlife can exit your home comfortably but won’t get back in. Plus, we address the root of the problem by sealing any entry points and providing long-lasting protection.

Enjoy Peace of Mind on Your Next Trip

Your home should be a place of comfort, not a haven for wildlife. When we help you squirrel-proof your home, you can travel stress-free, knowing your house is protected. With Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Oakville, vacation pest prevention is easy, effective, and humane.

If you’re ready to protect your home and prevent squirrel damage, contact us. Our team of experts is here to help you secure your home and keep wildlife where they belong. Request an estimate today, and we’ll work with you to prepare your home so you can enjoy your travels without worry. Don’t wait until chaos hits your living room—we’ve got you covered!