Introduction
Squirrels are everywhere in Thornhill, especially in urban areas where food and shelter are abundant. The eastern gray squirrel, common in urban areas, is known for its varied behaviour and adaptability. While these little critters may seem harmless, they can cause big problems when they get into your home. From chewing electrical wires to nesting in attics, a squirrel infestation can lead to property damage, fire hazards and health risks. Humane removal methods and preventative measures are key to stopping them from coming back.
Squirrel Behaviour
Squirrels are fascinating creatures that exhibit unique behaviours, which can be frustrating for homeowners. Understanding their behaviour is crucial in preventing squirrel infestations and removing them from your property.
Character and Temperament
Squirrels are curious and agile animals, known for their quick movements and playful nature. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in any environment, from urban to rural. But when they feel threatened or cornered, they can become aggressive and defensive. This adaptability and potential for aggression is why humane squirrel removal methods are necessary to handle these wild animals safely and effectively.
Squirrel Behaviour
Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. They spend most of their time foraging for food, climbing trees and interacting with other squirrels. In the winter they may be less active but they don’t truly hibernate. They rely on their stored fat reserves and cached food to survive the winter. Understanding this behaviour can help homeowners know when and how to control squirrels so any removal efforts are timely and effective.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
Strange Noises in the Attic and Walls
The first sign of a squirrel problem is strange noises such as scratching, scampering or chewing in the attic or walls. Squirrels are most active in the early morning and late summer especially when they are nesting. Baby squirrels can also make high pitched noises as they communicate with their mother.
Entry Points and Damage to the Home from Wildlife Issues
Squirrels get into homes through small holes, damaged fascia boards, chimneys, and gaps near the roof. These animals chew on wood structures and gable vents and can create more entry points. They can damage trees and use overhanging branches to provide easy access to roofs, making it easier for squirrels to get into attics and ventilation systems. Installing a drip edge along the roof-line can seal potential entry points from wildlife and goes a long way to prevent further issues.
Droppings and Foul Odours
Squirrel control is crucial as feces and urine can accumulate in attics and become a health threat to humans. These droppings can contain bacteria and parasites which can spread diseases. If left untreated, the buildup of waste in your attic can attract other pests such as mice, rats or raccoons.
The Risks of a Squirrel Infestation
Chewing Electrical Wires and Fire Hazards
Squirrels have sharp teeth that continuously grow and they chew on everything, including electrical wiring. This can cause short circuits, damage the electrical system and create fire hazards. Many homeowners only find out the extent of the damage when a fire hazard is already present.
Damage to Insulation and Property
Squirrels build nests using insulation which reduces the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. They also leave behind nesting materials which can lead to mold growth and more structural damage. In severe cases they can chew through wooden support beams creating safety hazards for homeowners.
Health Risks from Squirrel Feces and Parasites
Squirrels can potentially transmit rabies although the possibility with this species is very low. But their feces can contain harmful bacteria such as leptospirosis and salmonella. Squirrels can be infected with a lethal roundworm parasite in their brain and this can cause symptoms that humans could mistake for rabies. Squirrels can also carry mites and other parasites which can spread to pets and humans. Proper cleanup and disinfection is necessary to eliminate these dangers. Squirrels living in close proximity to human dwellings can increase a threat from the parasites they carry, so getting rid of them as soon as you’re able to is paramount.
How to Remove Squirrels
Inspect the Home and Find Entry Points
A thorough inspection is necessary to find all possible entry points. Squirrels can squeeze through small holes, damaged soffits and weak areas of the roof. Check the attic, walls and chimney to find potential nesting areas.
Also check for young squirrels during these inspections especially in the spring and fall to ensure no vulnerable animals are left behind in attics.
One-Way Doors for Humane Removal
One of the most humane way to remove squirrels is by installing one-way doors. These devices allow squirrels to exit but not re-enter. This is especially useful for evicting a mother squirrel and her young without causing harm.
Live Trapping and Relocation Considerations
Live traps can be used to catch and relocate squirrels but it’s important to check local laws. In some areas relocating squirrels is restricted due to concerns about their survival in new environments. Working with a professional pest control service ensures that trapping is done legally and humanely. Squirrel removal Toronto services emphasize a humane and professional approach to wildlife problems, ensuring safety and preventing future infestations.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Coming Back
Seal Entry Points and Install Barriers
After removing squirrels, sealing all potential entry points is crucial to prevent future infestations. Using metal flashing, wire mesh and sheet metal can reinforce weak areas of the home. Installing a chimney cap can also stop squirrels from nesting inside. Also consider the behavior of red squirrels which create communal food caches. This social foraging habit can lead them to seek multiple entry spots, so thorough sealing is even more important.
Reduce Attractants Around the Property to Deter Wildlife
Squirrels are attracted to food sources such as bird feeders, fallen nuts or fruits from trees, and unsecured garbage. Using squirrel-proof bird feeders, sweeping up any seed or nuts on the ground, and disposing of any rotted fruit regularly can help deter squirrels. Protect any garden vegetables you may have. The removal of overhanging tree limbs can also reduce access to the roof, as squirrels tend to jump down from the above branches. But it’s important to keep in mind that squirrels, raccoons, (and other critters) can get up to a roof even if you have no trees around your house.
Use Natural Repellents to Deter Squirrels, Raccoons, and Other Critters
Squirrels dislike strong odours so natural repellents are effective. Citrus peel can be thrown up in your attic, or tossed around the exterior of your house and garden. Spraying a mixture of apple cider vinegar, dish soap and cayenne pepper around entry holes can help to deter squirrels. Soaking cotton balls in vinegar or using a strobe light in the attic can also keep squirrels away.
When to Call a Squirrel Removal Service
Persistent Infestations and Recurring Problems
If you’re hearing noises in your attic indicating that squirrels keep coming back after each DIY removal, you have wildlife issues that should be addressed properly and professional help may be needed. If it’s during baby season, babies would have to be extracted by hand. Pest control experts at Wildlife Removal Thornhill can do a thorough inspection, remove any babies, implement exclusion techniques and ensure long term prevention.
Protect Your Home from Further Damage
Squirrel removal technicians use humane methods to remove squirrels and prevent structural damage to homes. They also offer attic insulation removal and cleanup services to remove contamination from squirrel feces. Working with trained technicians ensures the problem is solved safely and effectively.
Why Choose Our Squirrel Control Services
At Wildlife Removal Thornhill, we offer humane and professional squirrel control services. Our team has years of experience in dealing with squirrels and can help you with your specific problem. We will identify where they gain access to your house,
Wildlife Removal Thornhill
Our squirrel removal services are humane and non-invasive. We use special equipment and techniques to safely remove these wild animals from your property without harming the animals or your home. Our team can identify any entry areas and seal them to prevent future infestations. We also provide tips on how to prevent squirrels from coming back including how to secure bird feeders and trim tree branches.
By choosing our squirrel removal services you can rest assured your home and property will be protected from squirrel damage. Our services include:
- Live squirrel removal
- Squirrel proofing and prevention
- Entry point sealing
- Bird feeder protection
- Tree branch trimming
Don’t let squirrels take over your home and property. Call us today to schedule a consultation and get started on a squirrel free home.
Conclusion
Squirrels can cause a lot of damage for humans when they enter houses in Thornhill, gnawing on wires, damaging insulation and creating fire hazards. Quite a large percentage of house fires are caused by squirrels, although rodents like mice and rats are capable of doing this too. Whether a rodent or a wildlife animal, having an issue with either of them in your attic should be dealt with quickly. Identifying entry points, using humane removal and sealing the home can prevent future infestations. If youre dealing with ongoing squirrel problems, professional pest control services is the best and most long term solution to keep your home, your family, and your pets safe and squirrel free.
