Winter is coming, and squirrels can decide your home is the best place to stay during it. But squirrelly guests aren’t limited to cold weather months. They can technically happen all year round.
Why do Squirrels nest in homes and attics?
1. Food Sources
Animals of all types go where they can safely find food. Squirrels commonly eat nuts, acorns, birdseed, insects, fungi, fruit and vegetables so if you have a bird feeder, nut or fruit tree and vegetable garden, you’ve probably already attracted squirrels to your property. If they then find an entry point, the squirrel can easily switch from living in your yard to living in your attic, coming and going as needed to get food – if it doesn’t try to steal the food you already have inside.
2. Predators
A wide range of animals are known to prey on squirrels. Hawks and owls are common predators but foxes, cats, dogs, coyotes, weasels and snakes also kill and eat squirrels. Nesting inside a human home provides protection, at least when the squirrel isn’t outside getting food. Pregnant squirrels are especially prone to enter human homes so they can give birth and keep their babies in a secure place from predators.
3. Winter
And, as stated at the beginning, protection from winter weather is a key reason squirrels enter homes. Contrary to popular belief, Squirrels don’t hibernate in the winter. They’re simply less obvious because they are hiding in a warm nest instead of going out in bad weather. Since squirrels can get through an opening only 1 ¼ inch in diameter – and some argue even smaller – it’s very easy for them to get into your home.
Would you believe that some DIY squirrel removal advice actually suggests leaving them in place, especially if you think babies are involved? Squirrel removal is tricky, and you don’t want to trap squirrels of any age in your walls (they could cause massive damage trying to get out and if they die there, the smell will be terrible and could attract bugs) so professional squirrel removal is the best option.
Why You Need Professional Squirrel Removal:
1. Parasites
Squirrels can carry parasites that can make you, your family or your pets sick. That may include being infested with fleas, ticks and mites.
2. Noise
Squirrels can be quite loud. Between chattering, skittering, jumping, etc., they can make a racket at all hours.
3. Rabies
While rabies isn’t common among squirrels, and it’s generally even less common for squirrels hiding in homes, it’s much better to be safe than sorry.
4. Damage to Your Home
Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to a building. They’ll chew on wooden shutters and siding, destroy insulation and more. The most dangerous thing a squirrel can do is cause a fire by chewing on wiring which can lead to an electrical short.
5. Other Disease
Squirrels carry a variety of disease. Only a few of them can be transmitted to humans but many can infect your pets. Among the diseases that squirrels can carry are typhus, ringworm, tularemia, and others.
Let Arrow Handle Squirrels
Squirrel removal can be difficult so it’s best to call in a professional like Arrow Exterminating. The sooner you contact us then the sooner we can help you live in a critter-free environment. To get started, contact Arrow Exterminating today.
