What to Do About Squirrels Nesting in Your Attic
The arrival of the New Year is supposed to be a time of hope and celebration, but it can be difficult to raise your spirits when you find out a family of squirrels has moved into your attic. Squirrels are persistent home invaders that are quite talented at climbing onto roofs and breaking in through holes in roof shingles or exposed vent openings. While squirrel infestations can occur at any time of year in the Raleigh area, they tend to be most common in January and February, when squirrels are both seeking shelter from colder weather and birthing their first litter of pups for the year.
What can you do about a family of squirrels setting up camp in your attic, scurrying through your ceilings, and chewing up insulation? Continue reading to learn how to remove and prevent attic-dwelling squirrels in Raleigh.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Nesting in Your Attic
Squirrels are known to invade various spaces on properties in Raleigh, including garages, crawl spaces, basements, and sheds. However, attics tend to be the biggest target for two reasons: they're high off the ground, like the trees squirrels usually nest in; and they're among the most isolated parts of the home, which humans rarely enter. Plus, attics are warm, dry, and insulated.
The best way to prevent squirrel issues in your attic is to make sure there is no easy way for these critters to slip inside. At least twice a year, you should perform a roof inspection or hire a professional to do it for you. These inspections can locate the sort of damage that leads to leaking and mold growth, as well as providing an opportunity for squirrels to move into your attic. Make sure to have roof damage repaired before the winter season, when squirrels are most likely to target your attic.
Vents often serve as squirrel entry points as well. If vents leading into your attic are completely exposed or only covered by a flapper, an ambitious squirrel can invade them easily. Flapper vent covers prove ineffective against critters like squirrels since they can just slip through when the flappers are open. The better alternative is to install mesh vent covers. Persistent squirrels may be able to gnaw through these, but it will take them a lot of time and effort, giving you a chance to take additional squirrel-proofing measures.
How to Remove Squirrels from Your Attic
Getting rid of squirrels that have established themselves in the attic of your Raleigh home tends to be much more difficult than preventing their intrusion. While squirrels' first birthing season is during winter, they often give birth to a second round of pups in summer, so don't expect them to leave your attic when the babies are grown.
The best way to remove squirrels from your attic is to set live traps baited with peanut butter or seeds. Just keep in mind that squirrels are more clever than other rodents like mice and rats. They're sure to be suspicious of a new object suddenly appearing in their living space and aren't likely to enter it immediately, even if enticed with the delicious scent of peanut butter. If squirrels see others of their kind caught in traps, they may also learn to avoid them no matter what they smell.
To safely, humanely, and efficiently remove squirrels from your attic, you should consider hiring a professional squirrel control company in Raleigh. Certified wildlife management specialists know the most effective ways to quickly remove nuisance squirrels from your attic without needlessly harming the animals or causing property damage. Beyond removing nuisance squirrels, a professional wildlife control company can also squirrel-proof the exterior of your home so that it will be extremely challenging for more squirrels and other wildlife to find a way inside.
Raleigh's Most Reliable Squirrel Removal Experts
If you have a rabble of squirrels wreaking havoc in your attic, then it's time to let our professionals kick them out. Contact Sustainable Pest Systems today if you're in need of squirrel removal and prevention services in the greater Raleigh area!