Squirrel Control: How to Keep Squirrels Out

Nov 20, 2013 | Wildlife

The Damage Squirrels Can Do and How To Keep Them Out of Your House

Source

Squirrels are cute when they’re running around outside but are not so cute when they’ve entered your home.  Squirrels are difficult to control because of their ability to enter small and high spaces.  They are known to get into houses by using tree limbs and even power lines to squeeze their way into the smallest openings, chimneys, or vents.  Once squirrels are inside they can cause significant damage and contaminate your home.

Squirrels can cause considerable damage to your property.  Their gnawing can damage wires (leading to power outages and potential house fires), holes in the structure (allowing other pests/rodents entry into the home) and damage or contaminate insulation.  They can invade and damage items that you may have stored away, including storage boxes and their content.  Outside items like electrical boxes and phone cables can also become a victim of squirrel damage.

In addition to property damage, squirrels can contaminate your property.  Contamination from their fur, urine, and droppings can damage insulation, items in storage, electrical wiring, among other things.

Although squirrels are a threat all year, the cooler months, when they seek warmth and shelter, are a main concern.  Prevention is the key to squirrel control:

• Locate and seal off any entry points 1/4″ or larger to prevent squirrels and other rodents from entering the home.
• Caulk any openings or crevices that can be used as entry points.
• Provide an exclusive barrier on roofline.
• Set traps if you suspect you may have a squirrel, or other rodent, in your home.
• To keep squirrels from using utility wires as a way to your attic, slit a 2-foot section of 2-inch PVC pipe lengthwise and slip it over the wire. This makes squirrels unable to maintain their footing when the pipe rotates.
• Cut back tree limbs that are close to your structure.
• Squirrel removal is not recommended for amateurs. Call Northwest Exterminating for squirrel removal.