While they may look cute outdoors, you don’t want to have any squirrels in your attic. Squirrels are destructive, territorial rodents that will wreak havoc on your attic should they make it their home. Recognizing the risks and dangers of a squirrel infestation is highly recommended as it is the first step you can take in squirrel-proofing your home. For quality squirrel removal and pest-proofing, call Pest Control Guelph now.
Squirrels are attracted to attics for a variety of reasons. Like trees, they provide squirrels with a place to nest above ground. The warm air and smell of food that escapes the roof vents makes an attic especially attractive to squirrels. To get in, they crawl through deteriorated roof edges or chew through roof vents. They also get in by chewing through dryer vents and exhaust vents that connect to the attic. They’ll even crawl down the chimney and find their way inside. Once inside the attic, squirrels like to nest in the insulation between the roof and the attic.
Nesting in the insulation causes a tremendous amount of damage as the squirrels crush the insulation down and create areas in which there is nothing between the roof and the attic. This increases energy costs as warm air will more easily escape the attic. What’s worse is that squirrels defecate and urinate in these nests, causing odour problems and damaging the attic even further with mold and rot. The moisture of this waste also risks leaking through the drywall and onto the ceiling below. The smell can also attract more squirrels into the attic. Because squirrels are such persistent chewers, they will chew through wood, piping, and wiring as well. Gnawing on live wires is a serious problem as it could cause power outages or fires.
To avoid a squirrel infestation, a professional pest removal technician can install wire mesh along your roof’s edge and on the outside of vents and chimneys. Though squirrels can chew through practically anything, they cannot chew through galvanized steel mesh, a material that a professional can provide. You can also check your roof yourself for any gaps and cracks that need to be repaired and do what you can. If there are squirrels present, the best thing you can do is hire a professional. As squirrels are a protected species in Ontario, a licensed technician will install a one-way door that will simply allow the squirrels to leave the attic and prevent them from coming back.
A squirrel invasion is definitely something you should avoid. These pests are quite destructive once inside the home and risk costing you thousands of dollars. It’s best to protect your home from a squirrel invasion. If you’re worried about getting squirrels, consider hiring a professional. Our crew members at Pest Control Guelph are experienced in squirrel removal and pest-proofing. We check every crack and crevice for all potential entry points and seal them up. Call Pest Control Guelph (519-900-1180) today and ask us about our warranties.
