Squirrels are some of the most common and recognizable wildlife in North America, often admired for their acrobatics, quick movements, and bushy tails. However, these agile creatures can quickly become unwelcome guests when they invade homes or businesses, bringing a host of problems with them. At Integrated Wildlife Management, we specialize in the humane removal of squirrels, helping to protect your property from damage while ensuring these lively animals are handled with care.
Squirrels are remarkable creatures with highly developed survival instincts. Known for their ability to climb, jump, and gnaw through various materials, these critters have adapted exceptionally well to urban and suburban environments. While their primary habitat is treetops, the warmth and shelter offered by attics, walls, and other parts of buildings can make human structures irresistible.
Why They Become Pests
The qualities that make squirrels so adaptable in nature are the same traits that turn them into pests when they encroach on human spaces. Their strong claws and sharp teeth allow them to access attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys by chewing through shingles, siding, and vents. Once inside, squirrels seek to create nests for shelter or to raise their young, using insulation, paper, or other available materials.
Their constant need to gnaw poses a significant problem for homeowners. A squirrel’s teeth never stop growing, so they chew incessantly to keep their incisors in check. This behavior can lead to damaged wiring, wooden beams, and other structural components of a home. Chewed electrical wires, in particular, are a serious fire hazard that should never be ignored.
Squirrels are also notorious for creating noise disturbances. From scratching and scampering sounds in the attic to loud thumps as they jump across roofs, their activity can disrupt the peace of a household, especially during early morning hours. Beyond the noise, squirrels leave behind droppings and urine, which can create odors, attract insects, and pose health risks.
The Risks Of Infestations
When squirrels infiltrate a home, their presence extends beyond mere annoyance. One of the most concerning risks is the potential for disease transmission. They can carry parasites like fleas and ticks, which can spread to pets and humans. Additionally, their droppings can harbor bacteria and pathogens that compromise indoor air quality.
Their nesting habits also present challenges. A nest in a chimney or vent can block proper airflow, leading to ventilation issues or even carbon monoxide buildup in extreme cases. Outside, they can wreak havoc on gardens and landscaping, digging up plants, raiding bird feeders, and stripping the bark from ornamental trees.
In commercial settings, infestations can be equally disruptive. Their presence in office buildings, warehouses, or retail spaces can damage inventory, tarnish a business’s image, and even create safety hazards for employees and customers.
Understanding Their Behavior
To effectively manage these pests, it’s important to understand their behaviors and tendencies. Squirrels are highly territorial, meaning that once they establish a nesting site, they are likely to defend it fiercely. This can make removing them without professional assistance particularly challenging.
Squirrels are also highly intelligent and resourceful. They learn from their environment and adapt quickly, making DIY deterrents like repellents or noise machines largely ineffective. Moreover, attempts to seal entry points without removing all the squirrels inside can result in trapped animals, which can lead to further damage as they attempt to escape—or worse, the death of the animal within your walls or attic.
Why Professional Removal Matters
Attempting to deal with an infestation without expert help often results in frustration, wasted time, and incomplete solutions. At Integrated Wildlife Management, we understand the complexities of theirbehavior and use this knowledge to create comprehensive, humane removal plans tailored to your situation.
Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your property to identify entry points, nesting sites, and signs of activity. We then implement exclusion techniques, such as one-way doors that allow squirrels to exit but prevent their return. These methods ensure that all animals are safely removed without harm.
Once they are gone, we focus on prevention. By sealing entry points, reinforcing weak areas, and providing advice on reducing attractants like unsecured food sources or tree branches close to the roofline, we help ensure that squirrels don’t return.
Our services also address the aftermath of an infestation. Cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas is crucial to eliminating odors, reducing health risks, and repairing any damage caused by nesting or chewing. We work to restore your property to a clean, safe, and secure state, minimizing the chances of future issues.
Squirrels may be entertaining to watch in their natural habitat, but when they invade your home or business, they can cause significant damage and stress. At Integrated Wildlife Management, we’re committed to resolving your squirrel problems with humane, effective solutions that prioritize both your property’s integrity and the welfare of these animals.
If you’ve noticed scratching sounds, droppings, or signs of chewing, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact Integrated Wildlife Management today for professional wildlife removal services. Let us help you protect your property and restore your peace of mind. Together, we’ll create a critter-free environment that you can feel confident in.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels
Q1. How can I tell if squirrels have invaded my home?
A1. Squirrels leave behind several telltale signs when they invade a home. Common indicators include scratching or scampering sounds coming from attics, walls, or ceilings, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. You might also notice chewed wires, torn insulation, or small holes in roofing or siding where they’ve created entry points. Droppings and nesting materials like leaves, twigs, and shredded paper in hidden areas are further evidence of their presence.
Q2. What kind of damage can they cause in a home or property?
A2. Squirrels can cause significant damage to both the interior and exterior of a property. Their sharp teeth are constantly growing, so they gnaw on wood, wiring, and even metal to wear them down. This behavior can create fire hazards when they chew through electrical wires. They may also tear up insulation, damage roofing materials to create entry points, and destroy stored items in attics or garages. Outside, they can wreak havoc on gardens, strip bark from ornamental trees, and dig up lawns in search of food or to bury nuts.
Q3. What happens if a squirrel is trapped inside my home and can’t get out?
A3. If one of these critters is trapped inside your home, it can become highly stressed and destructive as it searches for an escape route. This often leads to further damage, such as chewed drywall, furniture, or doors. A trapped animal may also injure itself in its panic, creating additional challenges for safe removal. Calling a professional wildlife removal service ensures that the situation is handled safely and humanely, minimizing harm to both the animal and your property. Professionals can also identify and seal entry points to prevent future intrusions.