As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, fall brings an undeniable charm to Whitehall. But it’s not just humans who feel the change in seasons. Squirrels become extra active in the autumn, preparing their nests and gathering food for the colder months ahead. 

Unfortunately, your cozy home may seem like the perfect spot for these animals to settle in. That’s why protecting your home from squirrels is essential during the fall.

How do you protect your home from squirrels this fall? The key lies in being proactive. From sealing entry points to keeping squirrels out during autumn, there are plenty of simple, effective steps you can take to safeguard your home. 

And when it comes to humane wildlife removal, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Whitehall has the expertise to keep your home safe without harming the animals. Read on for fall squirrel prevention tips to help you prepare your house and yard.

Understanding Squirrels and Their Fall Habits

Squirrels are busy creatures during the fall. They spend this time building nests and preparing food stores to survive the winter. Their preferred nesting spots include attics, chimneys, and wall cavities, all of which offer warmth and protection from predators.

These agile animals can chew through wood, siding, and even wires to create entry points, leading to potential structural damage and fire hazards. Knowing their habits is the first step in keeping squirrels out during autumn.

Seasonal Steps to Protecting Your Home From Squirrels

Preventing squirrels from entering your home starts with a few carefully planned steps. Follow these tips to enjoy an animal-free fall season:

Seal Potential Entry Points

One of the most critical fall squirrel prevention tips is to block any gaps or holes squirrels could use to enter your home. Start by carefully inspecting your attic, walls, and roofline areas where squirrels are most likely to sneak in. Pay attention to spots around vents, utility lines, and corners where siding may have shifted. Check areas like:

• Eaves and rooflines
• Chimneys and vents
• Cracks or gaps in siding
• Spaces around utility lines

Squirrels are persistent, so using sturdy materials is key to keeping them out. Use materials that squirrels cannot chew through, such as:

• Steel mesh for vents and gaps
• High-quality caulk for cracks
• Metal flashing around entry points like chimneys

Once you’ve sealed these areas, test your home’s barrier by looking for light shining through cracks or feeling for cool drafts. This helps ensure no hidden openings remain for squirrels to exploit.

Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes

Tree branches touching your home act as bridges for squirrels. Trim back overhanging branches so they’re at least six feet from your roof. This simple step can keep squirrels from easily jumping onto your house. Also, keep shrubs and bushes near your foundation neatly trimmed to discourage potential nesting areas. Overgrown landscaping not only invites squirrels but can also make it harder to spot entry points into your home.

Regularly inspect bushes along your property for signs of squirrel activity, like chewed leaves or shredded bark. Taking care of your yard doesn’t just keep squirrels away; it also helps your home’s overall curb appeal.

Protect Your Chimney

Uncapped chimneys are an irresistible invitation for squirrels to nest. Without a proper barrier, squirrels can crawl into your chimney and even end up inside your home. Install a chimney cap with a sturdy screen to block squirrels without blocking airflow. Make sure the screen is securely fastened and free of any holes that a determined squirrel might chew through.

It’s also a good idea to have your chimney professionally inspected annually. This ensures it remains both squirrel-proof and safe to use during the colder months when you might light a fire.

Secure Your Vents

Exterior vents, like attic and dryer vents, are common entry points for squirrels. Make sure these are covered with durable mesh screens that won’t tear or bend under pressure. Check these screens regularly, especially after heavy storms or wind, to ensure they are still secure.

Additionally, inspect the vents from inside your home to look for signs of damage or nests forming nearby. Catching and fixing these issues early can save you from bigger repairs later on.

Keep Food Away

Squirrels are resourceful when it comes to finding food. To make your home less appealing, store birdseed, pet food, and garbage in tightly sealed containers. Leaving food unsecured is like putting out a welcome mat for hungry squirrels.

Don’t leave food scraps outside, including in compost piles. If you compost, choose a bin with a lid that locks securely. Rake up fallen acorns and nuts to reduce the lure, as these are some of squirrels’ favorite snacks. These simple steps can make a big difference in stopping squirrels from choosing your home over nature.

Fix Roof Damage Quickly

Missing shingles or loose fascia boards are an open invitation for squirrels. Their sharp teeth can easily turn a small gap into a major entryway. Inspect your roof regularly and address any damage immediately to prevent entry. Use quality materials to repair damaged spots to ensure they hold up against further chewing.

If your roof is older, consider scheduling a professional inspection to spot potential weak points. Keeping your roof in top shape not only stops squirrels but also protects your home against the harsh fall and winter weather.

Benefits of Skedaddle’s Humane Approach

When protecting your home from squirrels this fall, it’s essential to choose a method that works for both your property and the wildlife. Here’s why Skedaddle is the optimal choice for homeowners in Whitehall:

• Expert Assessment: We identify all entry points, current or potential, to ensure your home is effectively sealed.
• Humane Removal: Using innovative one-way doors, we ensure squirrels exit your home safely and can’t return.
• Long-Term Results: Sealing entry points protects your house for seasons to come, reducing the risk of re-entry.

Our team understands the importance of both your peace of mind and the well-being of these animals, making us a trusted option for handling squirrel problems with care and professionalism.

Signs You Might Have a Squirrel Problem

Not sure if your home already has an issue? Look for these telltale signs:

• Scratching or scurrying noises in your attic or walls
• Droppings, especially in corners or near vents
• Chewed wires, wood, or insulation
• Nesting materials like shredded paper or leaves
• Footprints or claw marks near likely entry points

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act quickly. Ignoring a squirrel infestation can lead to extensive damage, sanitation issues, and even health risks.

Why Fall is the Right Time to Act

Fall is when squirrels are most active, searching for places to nest and store food. Taking preventative steps now means you’ll avoid the headaches of dealing with a full-blown infestation later. Plus, addressing these issues before winter arrives ensures squirrels don’t settle in during the colder months, when they become even harder to remove.

Take Action Today to Protect Your Home

Protecting your home from squirrels doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Simple steps like sealing entry points, trimming trees, and securing vents go a long way in keeping these animals out during autumn. And when prevention isn’t enough, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Whitehall is here to help.

Don’t wait until squirrels make themselves at home in your attic or walls. Request an estimate today to learn more about Skedaddle’s humane wildlife removal services. Keeping squirrels out during autumn has never been easier or safer for your home and the animals alike. Reach out to our team to safeguard your home and enjoy a cozy, squirrel-free fall season!