If you live in a wooded area, and you have an abundance of squirrels that enjoy this habitat, keeping them from taking up residence in your home is necessary. While squirrels tend to spend most of their time outdoors, harbored in trees, they do make their way into homes if they are in search of warmth or food. Here are steps to take to keep squirrels out of your home and what to do if you discover one or more have made their way to the inside.
Keep On Top Of Tree Maintenance
To make it harder for squirrels to access your rooftop or windows on the sides of your home, you need to be proactive in caring for the foliage in close proximity to your structure. Make it a priority to cut back tree limbs that are within jumping distance of your home. This way, squirrels are less likely to get to your upper tier, thereby protecting your interior from their presence.
Remove Attractions From Your Property
Squirrels will stay in an area where there is plenty of food and water to access. They will move on to another area if they are unable to find something to eat or drink. Remove nuts that have fallen from trees from the ground as soon as they are noticed. Refrain from setting up bird feeders in your yard, as they not only attract birds, but also wildlife such as bears, raccoons, and squirrels. If you feed outdoor pets or livestock, be sure to take up their feeding dishes as soon as they have enjoyed their meals. Cover any water sources when they are not being used. This includes birdbaths, children's pools, and fountains.
Take Steps For An Effective Removal
If a squirrel does happen to make its way inside of your home, and you are aware of its location, contain it in the room where it is staying and open the windows so it makes its way to the exterior of your abode. If there is no safe way for the squirrel to exit, encourage it to move to another room by waving a broom near to scare it to another location. If you suspect several squirrels are living in your attic, between walls, or in an area you are unable to access, contact a business that offers residential wildlife removal in your area to inquire about their practices to remove them safely. Many residential services use trapping methods rather than chemical agents so squirrels can be relocated.