With their bushy tails and cute faces, squirrels can be a lot of fun to watch as they scramble up tree trunks and leap from branch to branch. But that cuteness wears off quickly when they start invading your home, causing damage to electrical wires, roofing materials, support beams and anything else they can get their teeth on. If squirrels have become a pesky nuisance in your home, follow these tips to get rid of them.
What to Look For
A warm attic is extremely attractive to squirrels in fall and winter. Signs that a squirrel has invaded your attic include strange noises, chewed up electrical wires, matted insulation and tree debris. Unfortunately, once a squirrel makes it into your home, it’s virtually impossible to evict. Even if you are able to remove it and seal up the entry points it used to get inside, chances are it will return and chew its way back in.
A Foolproof Method
There is really only one foolproof method of getting rid of a squirrel in your home, and that is to live trap and relocate it. This is best done by a professional, since an animal that is not properly relocated will find its way back. Check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for a list of companies that are licensed by the state to remove wild animals.
Preventing Further Invasions
Once the squirrel is successfully relocated, the next step is to repair and seal up the spot where it got in. Once that is done, you can focus on taking steps to prevent further invasions. Start by covering any openings which a squirrel could conceivably use to enter your home, such as vents, exhaust fan openings, chimneys, soffits, fascia boards, downspouts and cracks in the foundation. Other preventive measures to use include:
- Keeping bird feeders away from the house.
- Cutting back any tree limbs that may be hanging over your roof at least 6-8 feet.
- Moving woodpiles that are stacked against the house.
If your roof or attic has squirrel damage, give the experts a call. Muth & Company Roofing is experienced in all kinds of roof repair, and we’ll be happy to give you a fair and honest estimate. Contact us today at (614) 682-3060.