How do Squirrels enter the home? 

A photo of a squirrel preparing to run.

Charming and playful are some words that many individuals connect with squirrels. Just as these critters can be innocent, they can become a nuisance if they make their way inside your home. Lansing Michigan Squirrel control service will remove any unwanted squirrels from a property. The information below can help you prevent squirrels from entering your home, and show you what actions to take if you think one has currently made its way inside.

How Can a Squirrel Get In?

Squirrels can chew through shingles, aluminum, and wood siding, which can have access to a home’s attic. Attics are desirable to squirrels due to the fact that they supply a warm and dry atmosphere to build a nest, away from threatening outside elements.

In some cases, squirrels likewise climb into chimneys to nest. They might get stuck, forcing them to find a detour out. This implies you may find that a squirrel has actually entered your home through a basement duct, or even through your house’s fireplace.

Finally, while some squirrels might purposefully invade your house, they can also make their way inside by mistake– often through an open window or door.

How Can I Prevent Squirrels From Getting In?

To help deter squirrels from getting inside, trim back any tree branches that could provide them with a simple course to your home and roof. Have an expert examine the edge of your roof for any fractures or spaces that may need to be filled, and avoid putting easy food sources, like garbage cans or bird feeders, near the exterior of your house.

To help keep squirrels out of your chimney, consider having a chimney cap installed. Be sure to inspect local building codes before a chimney cap installation and ask an expert if the chimney will still vent properly after a cap is positioned on it.

What Should I Do If a Squirrel Gets in?

A picture of a black squirrel in a forest.

Squirrels can cause significant damage and present a health threat to your family if they enter your house. So, it’s important to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Show That Squirrel the Door

Close all interior doors and open a window or exterior door in the room. Leave the squirrel alone, so they can find their way out.

If there is no possible exit, set a humane trap baited with peanut butter on the floor near the squirrel and leave them alone for a few hours.

If obtaining a live trap isn’t an alternative, try this approach using a blanket:

Put on heavy gloves– Gradually approach the squirrel with the blanket held in front of your body, so that they do not see a human form. Drop the blanket on the squirrel and quickly roll it up, making sure not to put too much weight or pressure on them.
Take the squirrel in the blanket immediately outdoors and carefully open the blanket on the ground, letting the squirrel escape.
Once the squirrel is out, search for the entranceway and take action to keep it from happening again. Look for tracks in soot or dust around the fireplace or heating system that might show the animal came down the chimney or flue and check the attic for evidence of a nest or entry hole that might need repair.

Relocation Doesn’t Work

Live-trapping squirrels and taking them to “the woods,” where they will live happily ever after, is not the ideal solution to local issues. Research shows that a couple of squirrels might survive the relocation. And when a squirrel is removed from a backyard, another squirrel will relocate, often within a few days.

While squirrels may appear innocent in nature, they can develop into a problem when they have access to your house. Make certain to take preventative steps when you can and get in touch with an expert for assistance if one gets into your home.

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