Squirrel Infestation

Rocky J. Squirrel from Rocky and Bullwinkle, Scrat from Ice Age, and Sandy Cheeks from SpongeBob Squarepants are all cute cartoon squirrels we’ve enjoyed watching on Television. Although cute on TV, squirrels can become anything but when they’re infesting your home. Squirrels can cause damage by tearing up insulation to use for bedding or by chewing on wood, electrical wires, and pipework. You want to take action as quickly as possible after the first signs of a squirrel infestation to lessen potential damage such as a fire hazard or flooding and health related issues.

Signs of a Squirrel Infestation  

Signs of a possible squirrel infestation may be:

• Squirrels getting onto your roof by using utility lines or tree branches, gaining access into your attic or chimney space
• Spotting nests in trees or hollow openings in tree trunks
• Damage to bird feeders from squirrels trying to steal the bird food
• Seeing squirrel droppings in your home or around your property
• Hearing scratching or running noises especially in the morning and early evening
• Holes in your home’s siding or underneath soffits
• Damage to attic insulation due to squirrels using it for nesting

What Should You do if You have an Infestation?

First thing you want to do is seek help from trained professionals who have experience with wildlife issues. Steps to managing a squirrel’s infestation can include:

• An inspection of the interior and exterior of your home will be performed to see where the squirrels are entering. After safely excluding the squirrels from your home, steps will be taken to help prevent them from returning such as using screens or hardware cloths to block any vent openings as well as installing a chimney cap if needed.
• Usually, the best method of removing a squirrel from your home is by placing a one-way door cage where the squirrel is gaining entrance inside. A one-way door is a safe and humane way to remove wildlife because it allows the animal to exit but not re-enter. Sealing or screening any holes or gaps will help keep the squirrels from re-entering.
• Habitat Modification. To help keep squirrels from getting onto your roof, trim or remove any tree branches hanging over or that are within 8-10 feet of the edge of your roof. Once a squirrel is on your roof, the probability of them gaining access into your attic is much higher. To reduce a food source for squirrels, remove any bird feeders that drop seeds onto the ground or that a squirrel can get to.

Choose Us for All of Your Wildlife Needs

If you need help identifying you may have a squirrel problem, contact Critter Control of Dallas for professional advice and assistance. We have the expertise to thoroughly help resolve any wildlife issues you are experiencing. Call us today at 817-222-1101 or contact us through our website. We can help keep squirrels and other similar pests out of your home and will take all measures needed to make sure they can’t get back inside.