Tag Archives: Squirrel deterrents

Noisy Neighbors Upstairs? How to Handle Squirrels in Your Attic

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If you’ve been hearing curious scampering above your head, you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves dealing with unwanted attic guests, and squirrels are often the culprits. Their presence can lead to more than just sleepless nights. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of your home. In today’s blog post, we ‘ll discuss how to handle squirrels in your attic and restore peace to your living space.

Call 804-292-0156 for Squirrel Removal in Richmond Virginia
Call 804-292-0156 for Squirrel Removal in Richmond Virginia

Why Squirrels Love Attics

Ever wondered why squirrels seem to prefer your attic over the vast outdoors? It’s not just a random choice. Squirrels are attracted by the warmth and safety attics provide. Once inside, they find the space ideal for raising their young, away from predators and harsh weather conditions. Attics offer a quiet and undisturbed environment, allowing squirrels to build nests and store food. The insulation materials often found in attics also make for excellent nesting materials, helping keep their young warm and protected. Additionally, the elevated position of an attic gives squirrels a good vantage point to detect any potential threats.

Signs of  Squirrels in the Attic

Look for nests, droppings, and chewed wires. These are clear indicators that squirrels have taken up residence in your home or attic. You might also notice acorns and other food remnants scattered around, as squirrels often stash food close to their nests to ensure an easy food supply. Additionally, keep an eye out for claw marks on wooden surfaces and slight noises like scratching or scampering, especially during early morning or late evening when squirrels are most active.

Potential Damages and Health Risks

Squirrels in your attic aren’t just a noisy nuisance. They can cause significant damage and pose health risks to you and your family.

  • Chewing Hazards: Squirrels have a constant need to gnaw to keep their teeth sharp. This behavior can lead to chewed electrical wires, posing a fire risk, and damaged insulation, which can reduce your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Health Concerns: Squirrel droppings and urine can contribute to unsanitary conditions, leading to potential health issues. They can carry diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, which can be harmful to humans.
  • Structural Damage: Over time, squirrels can weaken the structural integrity of your home. Their constant gnawing and nesting activities can damage beams, rafters, and roofing materials.

The Importance of Professional Squirrel Removal Services

When dealing with a squirrel infestation, it’s best to call in the experts. Professional squirrel control services offer several advantages.

  • Specialized Knowledge: Professionals have the experience and tools necessary to remove squirrels safely and humanely. They understand squirrel behavior and can implement effective removal strategies.
  • Preventing Future Infestations: Experts don’t just remove the current residents; they also identify and seal entry points to prevent future infestations. This comprehensive approach ensures your home remains squirrel-free.
  • Safety First: Attempting to remove squirrels on your own can be dangerous. Professionals know how to handle these animals without causing harm to the squirrels or themselves.

Squirrel Infestation Prevention Methods

Prevention is key to avoiding squirrel infestations. Here are some tips to keep these furry intruders out of your attic.

  • Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect your home for potential entry points. Seal gaps, cracks, and holes in your roofline, eaves, and foundation. Use metal mesh or hardware cloth, as squirrels can chew through softer materials.
  • Trim Overhanging Branches: Squirrels often access attics by leaping from nearby trees. Keep branches trimmed back at least six feet from your roof to discourage them from making the jump.
  • Use Squirrel Repellents: Natural repellents, such as peppermint oil and predator urine, can deter squirrels. Place these repellents around your attic and potential entry points to keep squirrels at bay.
  • Maintain Your Home: Regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing infestations. Ensure your attic is clean, dry, and free of food sources that might attract squirrels.

Conclusion

Hearing squirrels in your attic can be alarming, but understanding why they’re there and taking the right steps can help you regain peace and quiet. Professional wildlife removal services offer safe and effective solutions, ensuring your home remains a sanctuary for you and not for squirrels. Regular maintenance and prevention methods can further protect your home from future invasions.

If you’re currently dealing with a squirrel infestation or want to prevent one, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional wildlife removal service. They can provide the expertise and peace of mind you need to keep your home safe and sound. Remember, regular home maintenance is essential in safeguarding your space against unwelcome guests.

Take action today to ensure a critter-free attic and home so that you can enjoy the tranquility you deserve. Contact Virginia Wildlife Pros at 804-292-0156 for professional squirrel removal services in Richmond and its outer regions. We serve residential and commercial customers with free quotes, free advice, and quality work.

Related Posts:

Outsmarting Squirrels: Easy Tips for Protecting Your Bird Feeders
Do You Hear Squirrel Noises Coming From Your Attic? What To Do Next
Nesting Nuisances: Handling Squirrels and Their Young in Your Attic

Outsmarting Squirrels: Easy Tips for Protecting Your Bird Feeders

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For many bird enthusiasts, there are few joys greater than watching colorful feathered friends visit your backyard bird feeder. However, this tranquil scene can quickly turn frustrating when squirrels arrive, raiding the feeder and scaring away your avian visitors. Squirrels, with their acrobatic prowess and insatiable appetites, can empty a bird feeder in no time, leaving little for the birds and causing damage in the process.

But don’t despair! Protecting bird feeders from these cunning critters is possible with the right strategies and solutions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind squirrel behavior, discuss cost-effective methods to safeguard your feeders, and even delve into some DIY projects. By the end, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to enjoy a squirrel-free birdwatching experience.

Call 804-292-0156 for Licensed Squirrel Removal and Control in Richmond Virginia
Call 804-292-0156 for Licensed Squirrel Removal and Control in Richmond Virginia

Understanding the Virginia Squirrel Population

Before we delve into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why squirrels in Virginia are such formidable opponents. Squirrels are incredibly intelligent and resourceful animals. Their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, and fruits, making bird feeders brimming with seeds an irresistible attraction. Additionally, squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers, able to leap distances up to ten feet and navigate around common deterrents.

Their relentless determination comes from necessity: in the wild, food can be scarce, especially in colder months. This survival instinct drives them to overcome obstacles that might deter less determined animals. Understanding these aspects of squirrel behavior is the first step in formulating effective deterrent strategies.

How to Stop Squirrels From Stealing Bird Seed

Bird Feeder Placement

Strategically placing your bird feeder can significantly reduce squirrel invasions. Positioning feeders at least ten feet away from any jumping-off point (like trees, fences, or buildings) and five feet above the ground can make it difficult for squirrels to reach.

Squirrel Baffles

Squirrel baffles are physical barriers that prevent squirrels from climbing up or down to the feeder. These can be dome-shaped or cylindrical and are typically placed either above hanging feeders or below pole-mounted feeders. Brands like Audubon and Woodlink offer highly rated squirrel baffles that are easy to install and effective.

Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, investing in a squirrel-proof feeder can be worthwhile. These feeders are designed with mechanisms that block access to seeds when a squirrel’s weight is detected. Popular models include the Brome Squirrel Buster and the Droll Yankees Flipper, both known for their effectiveness and durability.

How to Make Your Own Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

Creating your own squirrel-proof bird feeder can be a fun and rewarding project. Just be sure that the feeder is placed correctly to maximize the effectiveness of your DIY efforts. Here’s a simple guide:

Materials:

  • A Sturdy Bird Feeder
  • Wire Mesh
  • Small Hooks
  • Wooden Dowel

Instructions:

  • Enclose the feeder with wire mesh, ensuring the openings are large enough for birds but too small for squirrels.
  • Attach the mesh to the feeder using small hooks.
  • Hang the feeder with the wooden dowel to keep it balanced and secure.

Building a Squirrel Baffle

Creating a DIY squirrel baffle is another cost-effective solution to keeping hungry squirrels away from your bird feeder poles:

Materials:

  • Large Plastic or Metal Bowl
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Mounting Bracket

Instructions:

  • Ensure the baffle is wide enough to prevent squirrels from bypassing it.
  • Drill a hole in the center of the bowl.
  • Attach the bowl upside down to the mounting bracket using screws.
  • Secure the baffle on the feeder pole below the feeder.

Safe and Humane Squirrel Deterrents

Using natural deterrents is another excellent way to protect your bird feeders without harming squirrels.

Hot Pepper Seed

One effective method is to mix birdseed with hot pepper flakes or powder. Birds are unaffected by the spiciness, but squirrels find it unpalatable. Brands like Cole’s Blazing Hot Blend offer pre-mixed spicy birdseed, making it easy to deter squirrels naturally.

Squirrel Feeders

Another humane option is to provide a separate squirrel feeder stocked with foods they love, such as corn and nuts. This can divert their attention away from your bird feeders, allowing both birds and squirrels to coexist peacefully. When you can’t beat ‘em!

Benefits of Professional Squirrel Control Service

While DIY solutions can be effective, sometimes the problem requires a professional touch. Hiring trained professionals for safe and effective squirrel control can provide peace of mind and ensure long-term results. Wildlife control experts can assess your specific situation, implement exclusion techniques, and provide ongoing maintenance to keep your bird feeders squirrel-free.

Conclusion

Protecting your bird feeders from hungry squirrels is not only possible but also rewarding. By understanding squirrel behavior and employing a combination of strategic placement, physical barriers, DIY projects, and natural deterrents, you can enjoy uninterrupted birdwatching while keeping squirrels at bay. Remember, the joy of seeing birds flock to your feeder is well worth the effort of outsmarting these clever critters.

If you need additional help or want to ensure the most effective squirrel control measures, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. Contact Virginia Wildlife Pros at 804-292-0156 for professional squirrel removal and control in Richmond, or its surrounding towns. We serve residential and commercial customers with free quotes, free advice, and quality work.

Related Posts:

The Benefits of Professional Squirrel Control Services
Do You Hear Squirrel Noises Coming From Your Attic? What To Do Next
How to Get Rid of Pesky Squirrels Without Harming Them

Nesting Nuisances: Handling Squirrels and Their Young in Your Attic

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Squirrels are known for their agile dexterity, fluffy tails, and—unfortunately for homeowners—keen nesting instincts. When squirrels take up residence in the cozy confines of your attic, it can lead to a myriad of issues, from damaging your property to creating a health hazard. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the squirrel conundrum, from identifying their presence to safe removal and future prevention. This shall give you an actionable plan to handle these fluffy-tailed interlopers.

Call 804-292-0156 for Licensed Squirrel Removal Services in Richmond Virginia
Call 804-292-0156 for Licensed Squirrel Removal Services in Richmond Virginia

Squirrels Noises Coming From the Attic?

Imagine this: it’s a quiet evening, and you’re unwinding at home, possibly in the attic working on a project, when you hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet, only to find they’re not so tiny – they belong to a family of squirrels. But what’s the big deal? They’re just harmless critters, right? Not so fast. Squirrels in the attic might be adorable, but they can quickly become a homeowner’s nightmare.

Common Problems Associated With Squirrel Infestations

Squirrel infestations in attics pose several problems, each escalating in severity the longer the squirrels are left to their devices. First and foremost, these critters are not timid when it comes to making their home their own. They’ll chew through insulation, electrical wiring, and even wood to build their nests, leading to the risk of fires and costly repairs. Even if you find them adorable, structural damages caused by them can lead to hefty bills.

There are also several legal considerations regarding squirrel removal and control. Depending on where you live, there may be legal implications to consider before taking any removal action. Some squirrel species are protected and disturbing them could warrant penalties.

Typical Squirrel Infestation Signs

Awareness is your first line of defense. Listen for scratching, rustling, or scampering sounds, especially during the day, which is when squirrels are most active. Stains from their urine or droppings, which look similar to those of rats but larger, are also telltale signs. Becoming familiar with these indicators allows you to act promptly and protect your home.

The most indicative signs of a squirrel infestation in your attic include:

◈ Unusual, repetitive noises during the day
◈ Foul odors
◈ Diminished insulation
◈ Chewed wires or wood
◈ Droppings in your attic

Safe and Humane Squirrel Removal Methods

Once you’ve confirmed the presence of squirrels, the next step is extraction. But how you remove squirrels and their babies is crucial, as both your safety and the well-being of the squirrels need to be considered. For most, the risks and potential legal issues of DIY squirrel removal are too significant to consider. Professional squirrel removal services have the expertise to safely and legally perform eviction procedures, such as one-way doors that allow squirrels to exit but not re-enter. It’s important to note that relocating wildlife is illegal in many areas and can be far more harmful to squirrel populations than people realize.

Why professional animal removal contractors are often the best choice for squirrel removal:

◈ Expertise in identifying species and their behaviors
◈ Safe, humane trapping and removal
◈ Legal compliance and paperwork if needed

Attic Damage Cleanup and Repair

The removal of a squirrel is a significant step, but the post-infestation cleanup/repair phase is just as crucial. Droppings carry diseases, so proper sanitation is necessary. In addition, you’ll need to assess and repair any damage done to the attic’s structure.

Attic cleanup steps after squirrel removal include:

◈ Identifying the extent of the damage.
◈ Sanitizing the area to eliminate health hazards.
◈ Repairing chewed wires, bad insulation, and any other structural damage.
◈ Proper and thorough cleanup ensures your attic is safe.

How to Prevent Squirrels in the Attic

The best way to deal with a squirrel infestation in the attic is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Squirrels are resourceful, but you can be too with these strategic precautions. They can fit through incredibly small openings. Ensuring every nook and cranny is sealed is your best approach. Use mesh wire or hardware cloth to secure vents, chimneys, and any openings they might use to access your attic. Chimney caps, vent covers, and squirrel baffles are wise considerations.

Key points for securing entry points to your attic:

◈ Conduct regular inspections of your home.
◈ Seal any openings, even if they seem too small.
◈ Trim tree branches that provide easy access to your roof.

Squirrel Control Tips

Deterring squirrels involves making your home less attractive to them. Regular maintenance and a diligent upkeep schedule can go a long way. Effective ways to deter squirrels from your property:

☑ Ensure food waste is properly disposed of in sealed containers.

☑ Use motion-activated lights or noise devices to startle them if they approach your home.

☑ Create a less appealing environment by sprinkling predator urine or animal repellent around the perimeter of your home.

☑ Consistency is key – keep these measures in place even after you think the coast is clear.

Conclusion

Squirrels in the attic may seem like an adorable, if unwelcome, surprise, but the potential hazards they bring with them are nothing to ignore. By understanding the issue, safely removing the squirrels, thoroughly cleaning affected areas, and taking preventative measures, you can steer clear of a squirrel saga in your home.

Remember, when it comes to these furry terrors, it’s often best to defer to the professionals. If you’ve encountered a squirrel situation that’s more than you can handle, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Richmond Virginia wildlife control service. They have the experience and knowledge to handle the issue effectively, humanely, and legally.

Protecting your home from squirrel infestations is not a one-time event. It’s a commitment to the ongoing health and safety of your home. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and if you need to, secure the help of people who have dedicated their careers to handling these situations. Your home is your sanctuary, and with the right approach, it can remain free from the unwanted nursery of a squirrel family.

Are you having trouble with nuisance squirrels in your area of Virginia? Contact Virginia Wildlife Pros at 804-292-0156 for professional squirrel removal services in Richmond and its outer regions, today. We serve residential and commercial customers with free quotes, free advice, and quality work.

Related Posts:

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The Squirrel Diet: What These Critters Eat and Why It Matters
How to Get Rid of Pesky Squirrels Without Harming Them