How to Handle Squirrel Issues

How can you tell if you have a squirrel issue in your home? Most homeowners who believe they have some sort of critter, like a mouse, rat, squirrel or other animal, will report hearing noises in the ceiling and walls, may possibly hear crunching or chewing sounds and, many times, can smell the droppings through the walls. If this is your situation, continue reading as we explore the problem of squirrels that have taken up residence in your home.

How Do Squirrels Get In?

Gray and red squirrels are very common species throughout New England. They commonly invade homes. The number of access points in each home can vary, but squirrels typically find their way in through cracks in the foundation, uncapped chimneys, openings in roofs, and compromised utility connections.Squirrels can enter attics, crawl spaces, or sheds for nesting or shelter and may damage the structure, pull apart insulation, or chew electrical wires. Since the issue is so widespread in Massachusetts the State has released suggestions on the Mass.Gov site to prevent the issue in the first place.Mass.Gov recommends closing openings with heavy-gauge �-inch wire mesh or hardware cloth. Be careful not to block squirrels inside as they may do considerable damage trying to get out.They also suggest trimming branches and trees within 6-8 feet of the building to prevent squirrels from jumping onto your roof. These branches serve as a bridge of sorts to get to your structure. Mothballs may sometimes discourage squirrels from using crawl spaces or other enclosed spaces, but do not use mothballs in human-occupied dwellings.

Damage from Squirrels

Once inside your home, squirrels can make a major mess. They can chew or nest in seasonal decorations in your basement or attic or, worse yet, cause a disaster! Each year, approximately 30,000 house fires are attributed to squirrels and other rodents. Like all rodents, squirrels have incisor teeth that are continuously growing, resulting in the need for squirrels to frequently chew objects in order to keep this growth in check. The electrical wiring in homes is often targeted by squirrels, resulting in exposed wires that can easily short circuit and ignite surrounding material. Squirrels will also use insulation in home attics as nesting material. By shredding and compacting the insulation in your attic, they are essentially destroying the insulating value of your home.

Removal and Exclusion

If you have a squirrel issue in your home, you will want it taken care of immediately, and steps to be taken so that the issue does not return. Our wildlife specialists at Pest-End Exterminators are highly trained and experienced in squirrel trapping and exclusion techniques. In just a matter of days, they will have all squirrels removed from your home and will also alert you of any other issues that may need to be addressed to keep this issue from recurring. We also offer attic cleanout and remediation services to ensure any damaged insulation is replaced, and all droppings left behind are removed.