As springtime arrives in Southern Wisconsin, homeowners begin to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days. However, with the season’s arrival comes an increase in wildlife activity—especially from squirrels. These playful yet pesky creatures are known to seek out warm, safe places to nest, and your attic might be the perfect spot. At Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with squirrels in your attic. In this article, we’ll explore why squirrels seek shelter in the spring and share essential tips on how to prevent them from nesting in your home.
Why Do Squirrels Seek Shelter in the Spring?
Spring is an important time for squirrels as they prepare for breeding and raising their young. Female squirrels give birth to their babies in early spring, and they need a warm, quiet, and secure space to nest. An attic provides the perfect environment for them to build a nest and care for their babies. Squirrels are excellent climbers and are adept at finding entry points, making attics, chimneys, and even wall spaces common spots for them to nest.
In addition to finding shelter, squirrels also search for food. They are drawn to areas with easy access to bird feeders, trees, or even pet food left outside. As the weather warms, squirrels become more active, increasing their chances of discovering gaps or weak points in your home’s exterior.
Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Attic
Catching the signs of a squirrel infestation early is crucial in preventing costly damage and stress. Here are a few telltale signs that squirrels may have made your attic their home:
Noises in the Attic: Squirrels are most active during dawn and dusk, and if you hear scurrying, scratching, or chattering noises coming from your attic or ceilings, it’s a clear indication that squirrels are moving around.
Chewed Wires and Insulation: Squirrels love to chew on anything they can find, including electrical wires, insulation, and wood beams. If you notice chewed wires or insulation in your attic, it’s a sign that squirrels have made themselves comfortable.
Visible Nests: Female squirrels build nests using soft materials like insulation, leaves, twigs, and fabric. If you spot a nest in your attic or notice debris piling up near an entry point, there’s a good chance you have squirrels living inside.
Squirrel Droppings: Squirrel droppings are usually small, dark, and cylindrical in shape. Finding droppings in your attic or other areas of your home can indicate the presence of squirrels.
Damage to Roofline or Vents: Squirrels can easily access your attic by chewing through the roofline, vents, or soffits. If you notice signs of damage around your roof, chimney, or vents, it’s important to investigate further.
How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Attic
Preventing squirrels from nesting in your attic requires a proactive approach. By taking steps to secure your home and eliminate potential access points, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a squirrel invasion. Here are some effective tips to keep squirrels out of your attic:
Inspect Your Home for Gaps and Holes
Squirrels can fit through surprisingly small openings. To prevent them from gaining access, thoroughly inspect your home for gaps or holes, especially around the roofline, attic vents, soffits, and chimneys. Look for:
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Cracks in the roof or siding
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Gaps around windows and doors
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Holes around utility lines, vents, or cables entering your home
Seal these openings with durable materials like steel mesh, hardware cloth, or caulking. Be sure to secure vents and chimneys with protective covers to prevent squirrels from squeezing through.
Trim Trees and Branches
Squirrels are excellent climbers and often use tree branches to jump onto roofs. Trim back any branches that hang too close to your roof or near windows, as they provide an easy route for squirrels to gain access to your attic. Keep trees and shrubs well-maintained to minimize opportunities for squirrels to climb.
Secure Food Sources
Squirrels are constantly on the lookout for food, and if your home provides an easy source, they’ll keep coming back. Take the following steps to eliminate food sources around your home:
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Store bird seed in tightly sealed containers and keep bird feeders away from your roof.
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Secure trash cans with tightly fitting lids to prevent squirrels from rummaging through garbage.
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Remove pet food from outdoor areas at night to avoid attracting squirrels.
Use Squirrel Deterrents
There are various deterrents that can help keep squirrels away from your home. These include:
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Repellents: Natural squirrel repellents, such as peppermint oil or predator urine, can discourage squirrels from entering your attic. You can apply these around the exterior of your home or in areas where squirrels are most active.
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Motion-activated devices: Devices like motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or ultrasonic sound emitters can startle squirrels and discourage them from getting too close to your home.
Install One-Way Doors
If squirrels have already entered your attic, a one-way door can be an effective way to get them out without causing harm. These devices allow squirrels to exit but prevent them from re-entering. Once the squirrels are safely outside, you can seal the entry points permanently.
Schedule a Professional Wildlife Inspection
If you suspect squirrels are already in your attic or need help with prevention, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife control company. At Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin, we offer thorough inspections to identify entry points and signs of infestation. We can provide humane removal services and ensure your home is properly sealed to keep squirrels from returning.
What to Do If Squirrels Are Already in Your Attic
If squirrels have already taken residence in your attic, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Squirrels can chew through electrical wires, insulation, and wooden beams, leading to costly repairs. Here’s what you should do:
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Avoid trying to remove squirrels yourself: Squirrels are wild animals and can become aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or cornered. It’s best to leave the removal process to trained professionals.
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Contact a wildlife control expert: A wildlife control company can safely remove squirrels from your attic and take steps to prevent future infestations.
Spring is a busy time for squirrels as they search for shelter and food. Protect your attic from these pesky pests by sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, and trimming nearby trees. If squirrels have already found their way into your attic, contact Critter Control of Southern Wisconsin for professional and humane removal. Our team of experts can ensure that your home stays squirrel-free this spring and beyond.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, contact us today!