Winter Wildlife Control: Squirrels

As temperatures drop in Georgia, wild animals, particularly squirrels, begin seeking shelter from the cold. While their playful antics can be enjoyable to watch in your yard, squirrels can quickly turn into a wildlife problem when they invade your home. Understanding why squirrels become problematic in the winter, how they gain access to your home, and wildlife control methods you can use to eliminate them can help you stay one step ahead of these resourceful rodents.

Winter Wildlife Control

Why Squirrels Cause Problems in Winter

Squirrels are among the most active wild animals during winter, despite the cold. Unlike hibernating species, they remain awake and spend much of their time foraging for food and securing warm places to nest. Unfortunately, this often leads them to target homes as their winter havens.

When squirrels enter your home, they can cause significant damage, including:

• Chewing on electrical wires: This increases the risk of electrical fires.
• Gnawing on wood and insulation: This compromises the structural integrity of your home.
• Contaminating spaces with urine and droppings: This poses health risks to your family.
• Nesting materials accumulation: These can block vents and other important systems in your home.

Squirrels can reproduce quickly, and what begins as a small wildlife problem can escalate into a major nuisance wildlife control challenge if not addressed promptly.

How Squirrels Get Into Your Home

Squirrels are agile climbers and excellent chewers, making it easy for them to find entry points into your home. Common ways they gain access include:

1. Roof Damage: Loose shingles, gaps near vents, or damaged soffits provide easy access.
2. Chimneys: Uncovered or damaged chimneys are like open invitations.
3. Attic Vents: Squirrels can gnaw through weak or damaged vent covers.
4. Gaps Around Windows or Doors: Small cracks or gaps are often big enough for squirrels to squeeze through.
5. Overhanging Trees: Branches that touch or hang close to your roof act as bridges for squirrels.

Once inside, they quickly make themselves at home, chewing and nesting in attics, crawlspaces, and even walls.

Preventing a Squirrel Infestation

Stopping a squirrel infestation before it starts is key to avoiding costly damage. Here are some effective prevention tips:

1. Seal Entry Points
   Inspect your home for potential entry points, including roof vents, chimneys, and gaps in siding. Use materials like metal mesh or heavy-duty caulk to block these areas. Consider installing a chimney cap to prevent access.
2. Trim Tree Branches
   Keep trees trimmed at least 6-8 feet away from your home to limit squirrels’ ability to jump onto your roof.
3. Secure Food Sources
   Remove bird feeders or use squirrel-proof designs to avoid attracting them to your yard. Additionally, keep outdoor trash cans sealed tightly.
4. Maintain Your Attic
   Regularly inspect your attic for signs of wildlife problems, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting materials.
5. Call a Professional Wildlife Control Company
   If you notice squirrels attempting to gain access to your home or find signs of an infestation, it’s crucial to act quickly. Professional wildlife control services can safely and effectively remove nuisance wildlife and seal entry points to prevent reentry.

Why Choose Professional Wildlife Removal

While DIY methods may seem appealing, handling wild animals can be dangerous and ineffective if not done properly. A professional wildlife control company has the tools, experience, and knowledge to:

• Identify all entry points and vulnerable areas.
• Safely remove squirrels and other nuisance wildlife without harming them.
• Provide long-term prevention solutions, such as exclusion work.
• Offer peace of mind that your home is safe from future infestations.

Trust Local Experts in Wildlife Control

If you’re searching for “wildlife control near me” in Georgia, look no further than a trusted local wildlife control service. Protect your home and family from the risks of squirrels and other wild animals this winter by enlisting the help of experienced professionals.

Don’t let squirrels make your home their winter retreat. Contact a professional wildlife control company today to schedule an inspection and ensure your home stays safe and secure all season long.