Squirrels are small and agile creatures, which can easily find their way into your home or property. Their presence can be detected through various signs of infestation that they leave behind. If you’re unsure whether you have squirrels in your area, keep an eye out for the following signs:
Damage caused by squirrels
One of the most obvious signs of a squirrel infestation is property damage. These critters have strong front teeth which they use to gnaw on materials such as wood, plastic, and even electrical wires.
Squirrels often chew through roof shingles or fascia boards to gain access to attics or crawl spaces. Once inside, they can cause significant damage to your home and possessions.
For instance, squirrels may shred insulation material and make nests out of it – which can become a fire hazard if located near electrical wires. They may also leave urine and feces around the house.
Identifying squirrel nests and burrows
Another sign that you might have a squirrel infestation is the presence of nests or burrows in your yard or nearby trees. Squirrels usually build their nests out of twigs, leaves, and other debris found in their natural habitat. Look for nests made out these materials at the top branches of nearby trees, inside attics (if present), or in holes around walls where they may be nesting.
Burrow openings could be found near trees; dens under rocks; beneath decks; sheds; etc. : if you have noticed any unusual damage to your property or unexplainable noises coming from inside your walls – it’s time to start inspecting for signs of squirrel infestation!
Prevention Techniques
Sealing Entry Points to Prevent Squirrel Access
One of the most effective ways to prevent and get rid of squirrels entering your home is by sealing up any potential entry points. This includes checking for any gaps or holes in your roof, walls, or foundation that may be large enough for a squirrel to squeeze through.
It’s important to remember that squirrels are excellent climbers and can also chew through weaker materials such as wood and plastic. To seal these entry points, you’ll want to use materials such as steel wool or wire mesh.
These materials are strong enough to deter squirrels from chewing through them and small enough to prevent them from squeezing through any gaps. You can also use caulk or foam insulation around windows and doors, as well as chimney caps and screens on vents.
Removing Potential Food Sources
Squirrels are attracted to food sources such as birdseed, nuts, and fruits like apples and berries. Removing these potential food sources is an important step in preventing squirrel infestations around your home. Make sure that all garbage cans have tightly secured lids so that squirrels cannot access any leftover food scraps.
If you have a bird feeder in your yard, consider moving it away from the house or using feeders that are designed specifically to keep squirrels out. You can also try planting trees or plants that produce fruit further away from your home so that squirrels have less reason to come close.
In addition, make sure you keep any pet food inside the house when not in use, as this can also attract squirrels looking for a quick snack. By removing potential food sources around your home, you’ll make it less likely for squirrels to want to stick around.
