Squirrels In The Attic

If you discover you have squirrels in your attic, your very first thought could be “How cute.”  It won’t take long for reality to set in though.  Soon you will detect noises of destruction as the squirrels start tearing up your attic.  Your next thought will most likely be, “How do I get them out?”

Squirrels, although they are cute and furry, can wreak huge amounts of havoc in your home.  Squirrel removal is the one way you can get the destruction to stop.  However, there are some things you need to know about squirrels before you set out to get rid of them.

General Facts

There are more than 1,650 species of squirrels and this is the largest mammal group.  This group constitutes 40% of the world’s mammal species today.  This includes species like the tree and ground squirrels, and the flying squirrel, and also ground hogs, prairie dogs and gophers.

This explains why squirrels are so prevalent.  They have adapted very well to our town and cities, partially because of the abundance of food.  Squirrels are social creatures and are often unafraid of humans to a certain point.  Squirrels have learned to live alongside humans and it can be lots of fun watchingtheir antics.  Squirrels have an incredible sense of balance, due largely to their tail.  As they run along some of the power lines, it’s amazing to watch as they seemingly defy gravity.

Most of the squirrels in our nation’s urban districts are the red and gray squirrels.  On average they measure about fifteen inches long and weigh around one pound.  A squirrel’s diet is largely one of seeds, fruits, and nuts.  However, they will frequently eat scraps from trash cans.  They even seem to like snack foods, meats, and breads.  Most squirrels in urban areas only live about one year, due to cars.

Squirrel Issues

When squirrels are causing a nuisance, it is usually because they are in search of food or shelter.  Many times, female squirrels will scratch at roofs, flashing, siding, even concrete ,trying to get in to shelter to give birth to their babies.  A squirrel is very resourceful and can usually construct a new nest in only a matter of hours.

In addition to the destruction to walls, roofs, and foundations, squirrels can cause serious electrical faults in your home.  Squirrels chew on wires as a way to clean and sharpen their teeth.  While this sometimes results in a dead squirrel in the attic, more importantly, your wiring can short out and result in a fire.  Squirrel removal is essential to guard your family and your home.

Squirrel Removal Techniques

Although it is not advisable for the typical homeowner to attempt squirrel removal, there are a few vital have to be completed|measures that have to be taken] once the squirrels have gone.  In the first place, you have to plug all entrance holes which squirrels have used or made.  Many squirrels are able to fit through an hole just slightly over an inch across.  Look carefully or you may encounter the same trouble again.

Be sure the organization that completed the squirrel removal conducted a thorough search for the nest to see if there are babies.  Not only young not|are the babies not able to] survive without their mother, should they die, it can create a rather undesirable odor and cleanup.

Have a look at your wiring for any signs of damage.  If you cannot tell whether it needs to be replaced, get in touch with an electrical company to see what they recommend.

A Final Note

Squirrels may be lovely to watch in the wild, but if they get into your home, you should act fast to prevent damage.  Squirrel removal is the one way to be sure a squirrel won’t return to the area, and if caught live, they need to be released over three miles away.  Check frequently to see if there are any new holes or evidence of nesting.