After a long winter, those pesky squirrels are ready to come out from hiding and go back to their scavenging. All through the Fall months they spent time gathering and storing away food to come back to in the spring and now they have to go find it. They usually hide their food in tree trunks, buried in gardens or forests, or sometimes even under your backyard structures or in the attic of your home. And you need to be aware of the signs that you may be a victim.
Signs of Squirrels on your Property
Some signs that your property may have a spring squirrel issue are small shallow holes where food may be buried, biting or gnawing on your wooden structures, small footprints in the soil or melting snow, or the sound of scurrying in your attic. Squirrels can also cause all sorts of damage to your property and the bills can pile up fast.
Damage caused by Squirrels
The first thing a squirrel will do once it gets into your home or garage is search for bedding materials. They start with shredding wood framing and gathering soft materials such as insulation. Also since they are heavy chewers they will also chew on any loose wires and PVC pipe they come across which can lead to costly electrical or plumbing damage. They also can cause inconvenient outdoor damage. Your garden, fences, and sheds can also get chewed up and damaged by these rodents and you will have to replace them, which can be costly and stressful.
Preventing Squirrels
The easiest way for a squirrel to enter your home is through a hole. If they see a hole or an opening they will chew through until they can get through. The best method of prevention is to search your attic for any openings that show from both sides and close them off by patching them. Also, be sure to keep all doors and windows closed at all times. Also, try to seal off all insulation and wood framing in the attic so if the squirrels do make their way in, they will not see your attic as a possible home.
If you are struggling with preventing squirrels, already have them in your home, or need to restore your property to brand new, contact us for professional help.