Are you a homeowner who has an issue with squirrels? If yes, this blog is for you! Squirrels are very demiurgic creatures and have exceptionally powerful jaws. They can gnaw through any dwelling roof or soffit line in a single bound! There are several species of squirrels in Virginia including flying squirrels, and gray squirrels.
Squirrels usually create more than one entry point including going through the roof vents. And if you try to close the holes without remediating the problem, they will chew their way out. Plus, it is considered to be cruelty to trap the wildlife in your attic. Especially if there are baby squirrels involved.
An example of a severe squirrel infestation is outlined in case study #301. This particular customer had her home overrun by squirrels. In the guest room, they had actually gnawed their way through the walls and ceiling and we cohabitating within the living space. The walls of the home were drenched in urine and showed staining on every single wall of the home. The attic had multiple squirrel families burrowed within the insulation and had also developed a rodent problem as well. The insulation was so soiled that it could not be determined whether it was pink or yellow. This was a result of waiting entirely too long to remove these animals. Not only did the exclusion take a long time, it was very expensive and did extensive damage that the homeowner’s insurance did not pay for. Keep this case study in mind when you begin to hear noises in the attic or see the suspicious activity as it will prevent an infestation and additional damages caused by a long stay in the attic.
As long as the squirrels have food and water, they will flourish. Squirrel problems are common in homes that have had a previous wildlife issue as they can smell the pheromones from the previous houseguests you had in the attic. Wildlife removal of this type must be performed by a licensed wildlife removal expert who is licensed. To live-trap animals, you have to have a trapping license.
Your home is probably the largest investment you have and you need to protect it. This is why wildlife control is very important. We can help you get rid of squirrels. There is really no good squirrel repellent to use so what we do is either trap the squirrels or do an exclusion door so they can get out of the attic but cannot get back in.
Squirrels love insulation as it makes for a very warm and cozy nest to have babies. A squirrel nest out in the wild looks like a huge pile of leaves high in a tree, but if given the option, they will choose your attic over a tree. They will also choose a crawlspace as well. Whatever the choice, you do not want squirrels in your house. They will chew on electrical wiring, wood, shingles… whatever it takes to make themselves feel right at home.
Squirrel Removal Q & A:
Do mothballs get rid of Squirrels?
The distinctive smell of mothballs. Be cautious, though, as mothball scent can also be highly bothersome to people. Repel squirrels by simply placing mothballs beside your plants or in household problem areas, such as the attic. Replace these mothballs when their smell begins to fade, every few weeks or so.
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away?
While you might find the scent of coffee delicious, squirrels don’t. A light layer of coffee grounds around hibiscus plants can keep them from being the pests’ next meal. Just sprinkle some fresh grounds on the soil surrounding the plants to keep squirrels away. Every two weeks, add a new layer of grounds.
Is there an essential oil that will repel Squirrels?
Yes! In a spray bottle, mix one part vinegar to two parts water, a drop of dish soap, and add the essential oils to it. Squirrel repelling oils are garlic, red pepper, lemongrass, thyme, cinnamon, and clove.
How can I keep Squirrels off my bird feeder?
Slip the feeder onto a long wire and hang it between two trees, but away from any low branches. Also, string empty thread spools on the wire to act as a further deterrent. 2. If your bird feeder sits on a pole and you’re pestered by squirrels stealing the seeds, go to the pet store and buy a squirrel baffle.
Are Squirrels important to our environment?
Squirrels bury their nuts in the ground, a behavior called caching. They dig up and eat most of the food they bury, but some of it is forgotten. The nuts and seeds that are not recovered sprout in the spring and grow into plants and trees, thus assisting with forest renewal.
Are Squirrels smart?
While a squirrel isn’t going to pen the next bestseller or ace a calculus class, the squirrel is smart in his own way. When looking at animal intelligence, humans shouldn’t judge animals by human standards. … Memory and abstract thought are two hallmarks of intelligence that squirrels have proven they are capable of.
What is the bite force of a Squirrel?
Gray squirrels have a bite force of around 7,000 pounds per square inch (psi). For comparison, most humans have a bite force around 500 psi. Like other rodents, squirrels’ incisors grow constantly throughout their lives.
Do Squirrels have a lot of teeth?
Squirrels have four front teeth that grow continuously, at a rate of about six inches per year. This helps their incisors endure the constant gnawing.
