If you’re dealing with squirrels on your property, you’re not alone. These agile creatures are common in many areas, including urban settings, and can cause significant damage and disturbance. Effectively managing a squirrel problem involves a combination of exclusion, habitat modification, and sometimes removal. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to rid your property of squirrels safely and effectively.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Squirrels are generally attracted to areas that provide easy access to food, water, and shelter. They can climb almost any vertical surface and leap across spaces to gain entry to buildings where they often seek out attics or wall voids for nesting. Understanding these behaviors is crucial to devising an effective management strategy.
Preventative Measures
The first step in addressing a squirrel problem is implementing preventative measures to make your property less attractive to these rodents.
1. Secure Food Sources: Remove sources of food that might attract squirrels. This includes securing garbage bins with tight lids, removing bird feeders or using squirrel-proof models, and covering fruit and vegetable gardens with netting.
2. Trim Trees and Vegetation: Trim tree branches to at least 10 feet away from your home to prevent squirrels from jumping onto the roof. Keep shrubbery and branches trimmed back from the sides of your house.
3. Repair and Secure Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points such as loose siding, gaps under eaves, open chimneys, and unscreened vents. Seal these points with durable materials like metal flashing or heavy-duty mesh.
Humane Trapping and Relocation
In cases where preventative measures are not enough, humane trapping and relocation may be necessary.
1. Use Live Traps: Place live traps near the entry points or areas of high activity. Bait the traps with foods that are attractive to squirrels, such as nuts or seeds. Check the traps frequently to ensure that any captured squirrels are dealt with humanely.
2. Relocation: Check local regulations regarding the relocation of squirrels. Some areas may have restrictions on releasing wildlife in certain locations. It’s often best to consult with a professional to handle the relocation properly.
Professional Help
For persistent or severe squirrel problems, hiring a professional wildlife control service is advisable. Professionals can offer:
- Expert Assessment: A top-notch team can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the squirrel problem and identify all potential entry points.
- Effective Removal: Professionals use safe and humane methods to capture and relocate squirrels.
- Preventative Solutions: Professionals can install barriers and repair damage to prevent future infestations.
- Guaranteed Results: Many professional services offer guarantees, providing peace of mind that the problem will be resolved effectively.
Maintaining a Squirrel-Free Property
Ongoing vigilance is key to keeping your property free from squirrels. Regularly inspect your home for signs of squirrels and maintain all exclusion measures. Addressing potential issues promptly can prevent new infestations.
By understanding squirrel behavior, employing a mix of preventative measures, and utilizing professional services when needed, you can effectively manage squirrel problems and protect your property from damage. At Perfection Pest, we know how to protect your home from squirrels without causing injury to the animal. Reach out today for a consultation.