Hearing a scratching noise in your attic is an alarming sign that a squirrel family is nesting in your insulation. You might think of handling it alone; after all, it could save money, and it seems like a quick fix. But what starts as a simple plan can quickly turn risky. Many homeowners misjudge how serious a squirrel problem can be. DIY methods often lead to more damage, stress, and even safety hazards. In this blog, we will explore the common DIY mistakes for squirrel control and share safe, expert-backed solutions to help protect your home and family.
Common DIY Mistakes for Squirrel Control to Avoid Now
When you eliminate these wildlife creatures, you probably make inevitable mistakes, which can cause huge trouble with great intensity. Right through this guide, we will make you learn some common DIY mistakes for squirrel control to keep in mind and avoid firsthand.
Misidentifying the Problem
This has been the most common DIY mistakes for squirrel control in which you misidentify the problem. They are very similar to raccoons and rats, which confuses many homeowners. This confusion makes them use the wrong methods accordingly. If you have these wildlife creatures, you can notice the signs of chewed wood, the presence of nests and daytime noises. Correctly identifying the pest helps to take the right approach for quick elimination.
Using Store-Bought Traps Incorrectly
Many traps do not show successful results due to poor placement. Using the wrong bait or setting it at the wrong time are a few of the biggest reasons. Meanwhile, incorrect use can also injure squirrels or cause unnecessary suffering. In some areas, there are legal and humane rules about trapping wildlife. Always check local guidelines and aim for methods that are safe and kind to the animals.
Sealing Entry Points Too Early
Another common DIY mistakes for squirrel control are sealing holes before making sure they have left. This traps animals inside, causing bad smells and sometimes aggressive behaviour. The best approach is to identify entry points, monitor activity, install one-way exits, as well as only seal openings once they are gone for good.
Ignoring Hidden Entryways
They can squeeze through holes as small as a golf ball. While many people seal visible gaps, they often miss hidden spots like vents, chimneys, as well as eaves. For a thorough job, a full attic inspection or the use of a thermal camera can reveal these hidden entryways and prevent future problems.
Underestimating Structural Damage
DIYers often miss some serious damages like shredded insulation, broken wood and chewed wires. If ignored, these chewed fires can pose the risk of massive fire hazards. Professionals not only remove them but also inspect and repair damage to keep your home safe and secure.
Not Addressing Important Attractants
Many forget to remove what attracts squirrels nearby. Compost bins, pet food and bird feeders are major attractants for them. Keeping the landscape and attic clean is the best solution for squirrel control in King City.
Ignoring Major Health Risks
These pests are responsible for posing significant health risks, including fleas, ticks or diseases like leptospirosis. Hence, their droppings can cause severe breathing problems, especially when air ducts or insulation are contaminated. Hiring expert services of squirrel control in Richmond Hill is the best for efficient removal and cleanup.
Major Attractants for Squirrels to Your House
Because they are curious and inventive, they are lured to homes for food, safety and a warm place to sleep. For them, the largest attracters are easy-to-reach bird feeders loaded with seeds, trash cans and nearby trees or gardens with ripe fruit. Because of their warm, sheltered nature, chimneys, attics as well as crawl spaces appeal to them as well.
Leaving pet food unsecured outside or having compost on the ground could also encourage them to come. They will be less drawn to your home if you secure your food, shorten shrubs reaching your roof and close all the ways they can enter. Realizing what attracts them helps you keep your house pest-free.
Precautionary Measures to Prevent Squirrel Infestation
A major invasion can badly harm your house, electrical wiring, insulation and garden. You should take specific steps to help prevent them from getting close to you. To start, go over your roof, attic and walls and cover all openings, gaps as well as holes. Keep tree branches away from your house to make it harder for burglars to climb the roof. It’s best to keep bird feeders where they can’t reach them to stop feeding them food.
Always close the containers where you keep food for your pet or your garbage and pick up any fruits or nuts you notice in your yard. A chimney cap will keep squirrels out and protect your home. Rubbing peppermint oil or setting up commercial deterrents outside your house is effective too. If you inspect the outside of your home frequently and repair any damage right away, you are less likely to have an infestation. Taking these easy measures will help you to perform efficient squirrel removal in Vaughan.
FAQs: Common Questions People Often Ask
- Can I use a rat trap to catch a squirrel?
No, squirrels have a different behaviour and anatomy which is different from trats. Using the wrong traps will either fail the result or cause injury to the animal.
- How can I confirm they are gone from my attic or not?
Silence is the best sign. You will start noticing that there are no more droppings or use the motion sensors to confirm.
- Is it illegal to relocate them myself?
In many regions, relocating wildlife without a license is illegal or inhumane. Always check local laws.
- Can they return after removal?
Yes, if entry points aren’t sealed or if other attractants remain, squirrels can return, or new ones may enter.
Kick Squirrels Out for Good: Hire us for a Professional Removal!
Don’t risk your home or health with DIY squirrel control. At North Star Pest Control, we offer humane, effective solutions that protect your attic from unwanted guests. Our licensed technicians use advanced tools to remove them safely and seal your home for long-term peace of mind. We are just one call away from making your attic safe again.