Squirrels are cute, playful, and also a menace in many Florida neighborhoods. These seemingly harmless creatures can become a nuisance when they invade our homes. Particularly, when they find their way into our attics. Squirrels in attic damage can be quite costly.
Squirrels gnaw on wires, wood, and insulation. But how do you know if you have squirrels in your attic? What do these attic invaders sound like? And most importantly, how can you protect your home from squirrel damage?
Whether you’re dealing with an infestation or want to prevent one, this guide is for you.
A Brief Overview of Squirrels in Florida
What types of squirrels might you find scampering through your backyard? The most common type of squirrel in Florida is the Eastern Gray Squirrel. They are often found in attics due to their preference for high nesting sites.
Another common species is the Fox Squirrel. They are larger and prefer to nest in tree cavities or leaf nests, but can also invade attics. It’s also possible to run into the Southern Flying Squirrel here in Florida.
No matter what type of squirrel you come across, they might be looking to make a home out of your attic.
Why Squirrels Choose Attics?
Squirrels are highly adaptable creatures. They can thrive in a variety of environments, from dense forests to urban neighborhoods. Their survival skills are impressive!
However, these skills can lead to conflicts with humans when squirrels start to see our homes as their own.
Attics offer squirrels a safe and warm place to nest. They are usually quiet, undisturbed, and provide protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Not to mention, attics are often filled with materials that squirrels can use for nesting. Items like insulation, wood, and stored belongings are easily shredded and used for nesting.
And don’t forget, the proximity to food sources is another reason why squirrels choose attics. If your property has fruit trees, bird feeders, or unsecured trash cans, it can attract squirrels.
The Dangers of Squirrels in Your Home
Squirrels in the attic can cost you your sanity and also the money from your bank account. The most immediate problem is the structural damage they can cause. Just like mice, squirrels have sharp teeth that never stop growing, and they gnaw on things to keep them in check.
This gnawing habit can lead to serious damage. Squirrels can chew through wires, leading to electrical fires. They can also gnaw on wooden beams, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
In addition to physical damage, squirrels can pose health risks. They can carry parasites like ticks and fleas, which can spread diseases to humans and pets. Their droppings and urine can also contaminate your home, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards.
Do You Know the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation?
How do you tell if squirrels are inviting your home or attic? There are several ways to tell.
Here are some signs to look out for:
- Chewed wires or wood
- Squirrel droppings
- Nesting materials like shredded insulation
- Unusual smells from urine or droppings
- Squirrel tracks or footprints
- Damage to exterior entry points like vents or eaves
Remember, early detection is key to preventing extensive damage. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call us at World Class Wildlife!
What Do Squirrels in the Attic Sound Like?
No, your house probably isn’t haunted–squirrels make a variety of sounds that can sound spooky. You might hear scratching, rustling, or scampering noises coming from your attic.
These sounds are often most noticeable in the early morning or late afternoon. This is when squirrels are typically most active.
How to Prevent Squirrels in Attic Damage
Squirrels are cute, but it’s best to keep them out of your home. You might need to take preventative measures to make sure they aren’t sneaking their way inside. This involves a thorough inspection of your home and immediate action to seal potential entry points.
Squirrels are agile climbers and can squeeze through small openings. Therefore, a detailed and careful inspection is necessary to identify all possible access points.
Sealing Entry Points and Repairing Damage
Sealing entry points is the first line of defense against squirrels. This involves identifying and repairing any cracks, holes, or gaps in your home’s exterior.
Here are some key steps to follow:
- Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or holes.
- Pay special attention to the roof, eaves, and vents.
- Use sturdy materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth to seal the openings.
It’s important to note that squirrels can chew through weak materials. That’s why it’s important to use strong, durable materials for repairs.
Tree Trimming and Yard Maintenance
Tree branches that hang over your roof provide easy access for squirrels to your attic. Regular tree trimming can help prevent this.
Keep branches at least 10 feet away from your home. This distance is usually too far for squirrels to jump.
Don’t forget that yard maintenance also plays a role in deterring squirrels. A clean and clutter-free yard offers fewer hiding spots and less food, making your property less attractive to squirrels.
Effective Squirrel Deterrents and Repellents
There are several deterrents and repellents available that can discourage squirrels from entering your attic. These include scent-based deterrents, ultrasonic devices, and motion-activated lights or sounds.
Scent-based deterrents, such as peppermint oil or predator urine, can make your attic less appealing to squirrels. Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels. Motion-activated devices can startle squirrels and discourage them from returning.
After the Squirrels: Cleaning and Long-Term Prevention
Once the squirrels have been removed, it’s important to clean and sanitize the attic. Squirrels can leave behind droppings, urine, and nesting materials that can pose health risks. A thorough cleaning can also help to eliminate any scents that might attract other squirrels.
Long-term prevention is key to keeping your attic squirrel-free. Regular inspections can help you spot any potential entry points and seal them before squirrels can get in. It’s also a good idea to monitor for any signs of squirrel activity, such as noises in the attic or damage to the exterior of your home.
Attic Restoration and Insulation Replacement
In some cases, squirrels can cause significant damage to your attic. They may chew through wires, damage insulation, and leave behind a mess. If this is the case, you may need to consider attic restoration services.
Insulation replacement can be particularly important. Squirrels often nest in insulation, and replacing it can help to eliminate any remaining scents that might attract other squirrels. A professional service can ensure that your attic is restored to a safe and clean condition, and can also provide advice on preventing future infestations.
Get Rid of Squirrel Infestations with World Class Wildlife
Squirrels are no match for our squad here at World Class Wildlife. Not only do we safely and humanely remove squirrels, we can also assist with clean-up and sanitization once the infestation is gone. Please call us today if you are having trouble with squirrel attic damage, infestations, or other questions.