Has your home experienced unusual changes recently, such as disturbed insulation or noises in the walls and ceiling? If so, you could be in the midst of a squirrel problem. Squirrels seek human homes for many reasons, and once they arrive, they can be difficult to get rid of. While you can take some basic steps toward squirrel removal on your own, leaving the task to the professionals is the safer and more effective way to handle the problem.
In order to understand why squirrels chose your home in the first place and what to do about it, you must know what these pests are looking for and why humane removal should be at the top of your priority list. Here are the best methods for humanely removing squirrels to help you understand why both the method and the execution of your strategy matter.
Key Takeaways
- Squirrels nest in homes because they are safer and more comfortable than living outdoors.
- Removing squirrels on your own is rarely successful and may only teach them how to avoid your traps.
- Professional removal combines knowledge of squirrel behavior with specialized tools.
- Professionals eliminate the risk that you may catch an illness from a squirrel.
- A skilled team can use humane methods that show compassion to the animal, preserve the local ecosystem, and maintain compliance with local laws.
Why Do Squirrels Invade Homes?
Squirrels are adaptable mammals that can make a home out of just about any space outdoors, but they are always on the lookout for an ideal place to live. Human houses provide such an environment: warmth, ample nesting opportunities, protection, and often a regular supply of food. Because all of their needs are met in abundance in a human house, they have no need or desire to go elsewhere.
Methods for Removing Squirrels on Your Own
If squirrels have found that your house is the perfect place to make their nests, you must act quickly. Squirrels multiply rapidly, and their industrious nature means they can seriously damage your home within just a few days.
If you choose to attempt squirrel removal on your own, your options include:
Deterrents, such as bright lights and noise makers- Repellants, such as predator scents
- Sealing entryways
While these methods may make your home more cumbersome to enter, squirrels learn quickly. They will often circumvent or get used to these methods after a few days or weeks, leaving you with the costs of your failed removal attempts and nothing to show for it.
Why Professional Removal Is the Best Option
Unlike DIY options, professional removal targets long-term success. The pros will address not just your existing problem but the root cause that allows squirrels to enter your home. They can even evaluate your property and see what makes it so appealing to these mammalian pests.
Some of the professional removal options that your team may use include:
- Live trapping: By placing traps that capture the animals live, professionals can safely and humanely relocate them to an area that prevents them from returning to your property.
- Exclusion doors: These one-way doors allow squirrels to exit, which they must do from time to time to find food or water. However, when they return, they will not be able to re-enter. Over time, this whittles down the squirrel population in your home while allowing for families and young squirrels to reunite with their parents.
- Sealants: Squirrels can fit through even small spaces, so they may be entering your home in places you did not expect. A professional team can identify these vulnerabilities and seal them to stop squirrels from invading.
In addition to their more targeted approach with specialized tools, pest removal professionals offer advantages in terms of safety and legal liability. They understand squirrel behavior and how to handle adult squirrels and babies. This protects homeowners from potential illnesses carried by squirrels, as well as scratches and bites. If your jurisdiction has specific rules about squirrel control, your team will know and follow them.
Do Humane Methods Matter?
Many homeowners wonder whether they can simply eliminate their squirrel population using methods such as poison. When it comes to squirrel control, humane methods matter. Some local laws prohibit harming squirrels, and DIY methods could lead to fines or other consequences.
In addition, humane methods are more compassionate to the animals; not just the squirrels themselves, but any predators who might suffer from eating a poisoned squirrel. Squirrel families can remain together when relocated properly, and the local ecosystem does not suffer undue casualties.
Get the Pest Control Help You Need from the Pros
If squirrels are keeping you up at night, you do not have to live with your new tenants. The professionals at Spartan Animal & Pest Control can create a customized squirrel removal strategy that addresses the unique vulnerabilities of your home. Contact Spartan to get rid of squirrels and stop them from coming back.
