Squirrels have adapted well to city life, taking advantage of buildings for climbing, abundant food, and a lack of predators. While they may seem harmless, they can cause serious problems for homeowners by invading attics, chewing wires, and damaging property.

Urban areas provide plenty of food and shelter, making it essential to manage squirrel infestations. Solutions like squirrel-proofing and humane control methods can help protect your home.

If you’re in Oakville or nearby, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers effective, humane solutions to keep squirrels out and your property safe. Take action to prevent damage and keep these animals away.

Easy Access to Homes and Buildings

Squirrels might be cute, but they can cause serious trouble when they find their way into homes. In urban areas, these clever climbers take advantage of small gaps and weak points in buildings to create warm, safe shelters for themselves. 

Let’s break down how they easily access homes and what you can do to keep them out.

• Small gaps and openings in city structures provide easy entry points.
• Their expert climbing skills allow them to scale walls and reach vents, chimneys, or loose roof tiles.
• Older buildings with weakened or aged roofs often have more vulnerabilities.
• Even tiny gaps can serve as an open invitation for squirrels to build nests in attics, crawl spaces, or garages.

To protect your home, sealing up potential entry points is key. Use durable materials like steel mesh for gaps and make sure all vents are properly capped. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping squirrels outside where they belong.

Squirrel Overpopulation in Cities

Another tough part about urban areas is that they naturally encourage squirrel populations to grow. Unlike in the wild, where predators help keep animal numbers in check, cities don’t offer the same balance. With fewer threats and a steady supply of food from trash bins, bird feeders, and gardens, squirrels can multiply quickly.

And as their numbers grow, so do the chances of encounters with homeowners. More squirrels mean more nests in attics or walls, more damage to property, and more noise disrupting your day—or worse, your sleep. For homeowners, this overpopulation is one of the key reasons infestations are such a hassle in urban neighbourhoods.

Increased Risk of Property Damage

When squirrels get inside a home, they don’t just stay quiet and mind their business. These animals chew—constantly. Their teeth never stop growing, so they need to gnaw on wood, plastic, or even wiring to keep them in check. Unfortunately, this habit can lead to some serious damage.

• Electrical Hazards: Squirrels chewing through wires isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. Exposed wires can spark and become a fire hazard.
• Structural Issues: They’ll tear through insulation, claw at wood, and damage soffits or rooflines while creating nests. These issues, if left unchecked, can weaken the structure of your home.
• Health Concerns: With their droppings and urine left behind in attics or walls, the spaces they invade can quickly become unsanitary. This contamination can sometimes lead to unpleasant odours or even health risks.

Dealing with these problems isn’t just frustrating; it can also be costly. From repairs to cleanup, the impact is often significant for homeowners.

Year-Round Activity and Noise

Unlike some wildlife that’s only active during certain seasons, squirrels keep busy all year long. This non-stop activity means they can cause problems no matter the time of year. Homeowners most often notice their presence through sounds like scratching, scurrying, or gnawing inside the walls or above the ceiling.

These noises tend to be loudest early in the morning or late in the afternoon when squirrels are most active. While the tapping might seem like light footsteps, it’s a good warning sign that animals have made themselves at home. These sounds, combined with their impact on property, are what make infestations so frustrating to deal with.

Challenges of Removal and Prevention

Getting rid of squirrels from your home is easier said than done. These animals are clever, agile, and determined. If you manage to block off one access point, they’ll often find another. For homeowners trying to handle the problem on their own, this persistence can turn into an ongoing battle.

That’s why professional help is often necessary. Experts like our team at Skedaddle use techniques like one-way doors to guide animals out while making sure they can’t get back in. This approach works because it’s effective and humane—causing no harm to the animals while keeping your home protected. DIY efforts, on the other hand, often fail because they don’t address all the entry points or use materials that can withstand a squirrel’s determination.

Urban Squirrel Infestation Solutions

Dealing with unwanted animal guests in cities can feel overwhelming, but the right steps can make all the difference. By taking preventative measures, you can protect your home and keep these clever climbers out for good. 

Here are some simple, effective ways to safeguard your living space.

• Seal all openings: Check for gaps around soffits, chimneys, vents, or cracks. Use durable materials like steel mesh to block access.
• Trim tree branches: Keep branches 6-8 feet away from your roof to stop animals from using them as bridges.
• Secure trash and food: Use bins with tight lids and clean spills. For bird feeders, use designs that deter wildlife.
• Add covers: Install chimney caps and vent covers to block entry while maintaining airflow.
• Call wildlife experts: Professionals use safe, effective techniques to protect your home without harming animals. 

Taking the time to implement these strategies can save you a lot of hassle down the road. Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated, but the right actions today will make managing future problems much easier.

Say Goodbye to Squirrel Problems for Good

Urban squirrel infestations can be a real headache. From property damage to constant noise, these animals create challenges that homeowners shouldn’t face alone. Their ability to adapt and grow in number makes managing city squirrel populations tricky without the right steps. That’s why focusing on urban squirrel infestation solutions and squirrel-proofing urban environments is so important.

If you’re dealing with these issues, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Oakville is here to help. We specialize in humane and effective methods to remove wildlife and keep your home safe. Contact us today to request a quote and learn more about how you can protect your property for the long run.