A squirrel is cute at a distance, and a complete menace when it is in your house. There are many different types of squirrels, but they all are capable of inflicting the same damage to your property. To prevent an infestation, you have to take control before it is too late.
When is It a Problem?
It becomes a problem when you have to consider Squirrel Removal options. Before you get to the point of an infestation, there is a period where the damage is manageable. Having a squirrel problem is completely different than having a squirrel infestation. At the latter point, you have housemates and all of their closest relatives living within your walls. It’s important to notice the early signs like noises, teeth marks, droppings. The more frequent they get within your home, the higher a chance you’ll have of dealing with a higher number of squirrels.
Squirrel Activity
Population growth is something that happens gradually and is easy to miss. If the area around your home becomes a hub for squirrels, then there is cause for concern. An increased squirrel population can seemingly happen overnight if you’re not paying attention. You’ll see them running along the powerlines, climbing your roof, playing on the fences and running away from your shed. If you have outside pets, pay attention to how they react to the environment. Dogs are very vocal about any extra activity within their territory.
Strange Odors
Pets will be the first to notice the strange odors inside the house. As it gets stronger, you will get a whiff of an awful scent. Unfortunately, this will only get worse as time goes on. The odor is an accumulation of urine, dead squirrels and droppings. Since some squirrels are creatures of habit, urine and droppings will show up in the same place. There is a danger to dealing with this waste since it contains harmful bacteria. If your pets get to the odors before you, then they are also in danger. And if you leave a dead squirrel in your home for too long, then prepare for other pests to take that as a full invitation.
Droppings
The focus on squirrel droppings requires a lot of attention. Do you ever wonder why stores have such strict guidelines for dealing with waste? A rogue spill on the floor can sometimes end with an entire isle blocked off. For squirrel droppings, it isn’t out of the ordinary to immediately call a wildlife professional to deal with the situation. Bacteria is a small part of it, but you’re also dealing with diseases that can both hurt and kill the people you love. When the droppings are isolated in out of the way places like the roof or your attic, then it is hard to notice. But if it ends up in visible places where you frequent, then there is a squirrel problem that is long overdue.
Teeth Marks
Teeth marks are an annoying feature of having squirrels in your home. It can be small things like wooden beams and duct work to hazardous like electrical wiring. Teeth marks are a telltale sign that a squirrel nest is close by in your home. On the outside, similar damage to your garden can also point to a growing infestation. The teeth marks happen as the squirrels gather materials for their own needs. Misplaced pieces of insulation or woodchips will only get worse as their numbers grow. If you wait too long, then prepare to deal with house integrity issues on top of a squirrel infestation.
Squirrel Nests
There are many different kinds of squirrels. If you want to break it down into two main categories, there are the common ground (Gray) types and the flying types. It’s important to know the difference since their nesting habits are not alike. Gray squirrels have large nests that are active in the morning and afternoon. Flying squirrels have small nests that are most active at nighttime. Flying squirrels in particular are quite invasive, as their litter can stay at home for almost half a year.
Scratching
One of the most horror inducing sounds in a home is scratching from behind the walls. For a horror movie, this is usually what happens before something terrible takes place. For most homeowners it is usually squirrels, mice or a hornet’s nest. Technically, the hornet’s nest can count as a horror moment! For mice, their scurrying is much more frantic, and usually in well-known pest areas. You’ll notice the difference in the frequency of their movement in the daytime. For squirrels, scratching on the walls will also be followed by scratching in the attic. They are more likely to be ‘up’ instead of ‘down’ like mice. You can expect squirrels to be the most active in the morning and the evenings as they travel to the nest.
Food
Have you noticed random acorns in the attic? During the summer and fall months, squirrels will stockpile their food in preparation for winter. Running across a squirrel’s stash puts you in close proximity of the threat, so be careful. Take pictures as needed, but try not to become a threat in such a tight area. Squirrels are unlikely to attack, but stranger things have happened when an invader wants to protect its food.
Water Damage
Check your ceilings and walls for water spots or water damage. The brown spots you see may not be water damage, but a buildup of waste. As the bubble gets larger your entire home becomes a danger zone. This happens as the waste builds up and seeps through your ceiling and walls. Not only is your paint getting ruined, but the actual insulation will need to be replaced before it gets worse.
Get Ahead of the Problem
There is a fine line between a squirrel in its own habitat and an invasive pest in your home. If you think there are squirrels in your house, take action before it is too late. Look for the signs, and avoid any unwanted guests in your domain.
