How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Your Attic?
Preventing squirrels from entering your attic can save you thousands in repair costs and prevent the spread of disease to the people living in the home. The amount of damage one squirrel can cause is shocking and it’s recommended to take preventative measures to ensure these rodents don’t take over your home. Simple things such as securing trash bins or repairing damaged structures may deter squirrels. Keep reading for easy things all homeowners can do to prevent squirrels.
Learn More: FAQ Squirrels
Trim Trees Around The Home
Squirrels use trees for transportation and as an easy way to access your roof. These recommendations apply to all trees and branches within six to eight feet of the house.
- Trim limbs away from the house so that the nearest perch is at least six to eight feet away.
- Fasten sheet metal around the trunk six to eight feet above ground to keep squirrels from climbing the tree.
- Wrap wires around the trunk and connect them with springs to secure the sheet metal. (As the tree grows, the springs will allow the sheet metal to spread.)
Install Prevention Devices
Installing a drip edge is a great way to protect your roof from squirrel damage. It’s a metal piece that slides beneath the first row of shingles and hangs over the fascia’s edge. This device allows water to drain into the gutters, and it’s also known as a drip cap. Without a drip edge, siding can accumulate water damage and weakens the wood, allowing squirrels to chew through it easily.
The drip edge makes it more difficult for a squirrel to squeeze between the shingles and the fascia boards when it comes to pests. A squirrel can chew its way through the decking and into your attic if it peels up a shingle. Wildlife removal companies such as animals happen, have trained staff that can install such devices properly.
Secure Garbage And Gardens
Food sources around your home will keep squirrels around. If a steady food source is present, the squirrels will look to nest in a nearby location (often attics). Unsecured garbage bins and gardens are the most common food sources found around residential homes.
Squirrels can easily chew through plastic garbage cans, especially if they know that their next meal is just around the corner. Using metal garbage cans secured with a bungee cord prevents squirrels from getting to the trash via chewing or by removing the lid.
Animals of all kinds go where they can find food in a safe environment. Squirrels eat nuts, acorns, birdseed, insects, fungi, fruit, and vegetables, so if you have a bird feeder, nut or fruit tree, or vegetable garden, you’ve most likely already attracted squirrels. If they find an entry point, the squirrel can easily transition from your yard to your attic. Building a tall steel wired fence can keep these critters out.
Inspect & Repair Damage
Homeowners should inspect your roof, gutters, and attic for problems every few months. Make it a part of your seasonal cleaning or yard work routine.
Take a walk around your home, looking for any damaged shingles or gutter problems. If you notice any issues, address them immediately or contact a contractor.
Look for any tears in the insulation, strange odors, wet spots, or animal droppings in your attic. All of these signs indicate that you may have a squirrel or raccoon problem in your attic.
It’s also critical to keep track of any repairs. Squirrels and raccoons will be more attracted to your roof if it has weak spots.
Where To Get Help With Preventing Squirrels From Entering The Attic?
Contacting a trusted wildlife removal company can aid your effort in preventing squirrels from getting inside your home. Animals happen has been removing and preventing animals for years and can help you retake control of your home. Call us with any questions or concerns regarding pest removal.