WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SQUIRRELS
Is there anyone out there who doesn’t smile a little when you get to observe nature? Have you ever taken notice of a squirrel sitting high in the trees munching on something they found on the ground? You have to admire their quickness when they scramble away to safety or find the furtive way they are constantly checking out their surroundings, adorable. Like all wild creatures, squirrels have goals that are completely centered on finding food, water, and shelter. Many homes in the area offer all three. Sometimes these creatures can get a little too close for comfort for some of us and have been known to cause an immense amount of damage in a short period of time.
What Attracts Squirrels to Your Home?
The average backyard has many things in it that can attract squirrels. These are very resourceful creatures that can generally take care of any “squirrel proof” feeder you put in front of them. Squirrels also enjoy the tasty treats that many of us plant in our gardens. Who doesn’t love some fresh fruits and vegetables? Many a gardener has been frustrated by the damaged roots and empty vines that they are faced with after squirrels discover all their hard work.
How Squirrels Get Inside Your Home
With so many food options that you provide them, it is no wonder that they can start to think of your house as their home. Being adept at climbing, the squirrel will quickly find its way to your roof to look for a way into your cozy attic, especially when the weather starts to cool off for the season. If they can’t get into a vent or chimney they have no problem chewing their way into vinyl siding or shingles to get to the attic through any tiny crack or hole they can find. Once inside, squirrels will gather what they can for materials to build a nest including insulation, cardboard, and any clothing that you might have stored.
Damages Squirrels Can Cause to Your Home
Once established as a permanent resident, squirrels tend to chew to keep their teeth at a manageable length, like many other animals in the rodent family. This includes gnawing on wiring. Squirrels can easily get into walls where most of the wiring is hidden. Many fires have been started thanks to faulty wiring caused by squirrels, mice, and rats that have chewed their way into live wiring.
Another way squirrels will keep their teeth sharp is to chew on furniture that may have been stored in the attic, or even on the furniture that you use on the patio. If you are unlucky enough to have a squirrel in the living space of your home, your living room furniture is fair game as well. Repairing or replacing furniture can be an expensive lesson to learn about keeping squirrels out.
What Not to do if a Squirrel Enters Your Living Space
Occasionally, a squirrel that has been content in the attic or crawl space will get curious about what is down below and make their way to the living space of the home, much to the surprise of the homeowner. When this happens, you might try to employ several methods to remove the squirrel such as trapping it in a blanket, shooting at it with an air rifle, or even trying to catch it with your bare hands. None of these methods are a good idea. A cornered squirrel is a terrified squirrel. It will become extremely aggressive in its efforts to get away leading to bites or scratches for anyone in its path, and it is never safe to discharge a gun inside the home – not even an air rifle.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Home
The best way to get rid of unwanted squirrels is to give us a call at Viking Pest Control. Our technicians are highly trained to deal with all manner of wildlife, including squirrels. We can safely trap and remove the animal from your home; and in many cases, our team can offer exclusion services as well that will keep your home squirrel free all year long.
Call Viking at 800-618-2847 to learn more about squirrel wildlife control and services, or get a fast, free quote online today!
