As temperatures begin to drop in Denver, homeowners may find that squirrels, among other pests, are seeking warmth and shelter inside attics, garages, or basements. While squirrels might seem harmless when scurrying around trees and parks, they can cause significant damage if they make their way into homes. These critters not only chew through wires, insulation, and wooden beams, but their presence can also lead to noise disruptions and health hazards from droppings and nesting materials.
It’s essential for Denver homeowners to be aware of the signs of a squirrel infestation and the most humane, effective removal techniques. Taking the right approach to squirrel removal will protect both your home and the squirrels themselves, ensuring a safe and pest-free environment as the colder months approach.
Squirrels, like many animals, prepare for the winter months by storing food and seeking a warm, safe place to nest. In the wild, they typically reside in tree cavities or build nests in thick branches. However, as urban development reduces natural habitats, squirrels often turn to man-made structures for warmth and protection. Attics, chimneys, and wall cavities offer ideal environments where squirrels can stay warm, undisturbed, and close to food sources.
The combination of Denver’s cold winters and the city’s increasing urbanization drives squirrels to seek shelter indoors. Homes with accessible attics, broken vents, or openings in the roof are especially at risk. While they might seem like benign visitors, squirrels can cause serious damage if they settle indoors for the season, making early detection and removal essential.
Recognizing the signs of a squirrel infestation can help homeowners take action before the problem worsens. Here are some key indicators that squirrels may have entered your home:
Scratching and scurrying sounds: One of the most common signs is hearing scratching, scampering, or gnawing noises coming from the attic, walls, or roof, especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon when squirrels are most active.
Once you identify these signs, it’s important to take action quickly, as squirrels can cause extensive damage in a short amount of time. However, safe and humane removal methods should always be prioritized to protect both your home and the local wildlife.
Humane methods are crucial when it comes to squirrel removal. Not only is it illegal in many areas to harm or kill squirrels, but humane removal also helps avoid unnecessary stress or harm to the animals. Below are some of the safest and most effective ways to remove squirrels from your home during the fall and winter months.
Sealing entry points is an essential first step before removing squirrels. This prevents additional squirrels from entering your home after removal. Start by inspecting your attic, roof, vents, and eaves for gaps, holes, or damage. Squirrels can fit through small openings, so sealing even tiny cracks is important.
Once the entry points are identified, cover them with durable materials like steel mesh or metal flashing. This will prevent further access while allowing the removal process to proceed. It’s important to ensure that squirrels are not trapped inside the house when sealing their entry points, as this can lead to further damage and stress for the animals.
One-way exclusion doors are another highly effective and humane method for removing squirrels. These doors allow squirrels to exit the home but prevent them from re-entering. Once installed at the primary entry point, squirrels will leave the house to forage, and when they attempt to return, they will be blocked by the door.
Exclusion doors are effective because they allow squirrels to leave naturally without the use of traps or harmful techniques. After confirming that all squirrels have exited, the exclusion device can be removed, and the entry point can be permanently sealed. Homeowners should monitor the area for a few days to ensure all squirrels have vacated before sealing the entry.
In some cases, live trapping may be necessary to safely and humanely remove squirrels from the home. Live traps are designed to capture squirrels without causing harm. Once caught, the squirrel can be safely relocated to a suitable outdoor environment, away from homes or urban areas.
When using live traps, it’s important to place them in areas where squirrels are frequently seen, such as attics or near food storage areas. Traps should be checked regularly to prevent undue stress on the captured animals, and the release location should be chosen carefully to ensure the squirrel has access to food and shelter.
While live trapping can be effective, it’s important to consult local wildlife regulations before relocating squirrels, as there may be specific rules governing their release.
For homeowners who prefer a hands-off approach or for particularly complex infestations, professional pest control services offer an effective solution. Pest control experts specializing in humane wildlife removal can assess the situation, use the appropriate techniques, and ensure that all squirrels are safely removed without harm.
Many Denver-based pest control companies, such as Animal & Pest Control Specialists, are experienced in handling squirrel infestations humanely. They utilize exclusion devices, live traps, and professional-grade sealing methods to ensure the squirrels are safely relocated and prevented from re-entering the home.
Once squirrels have been safely removed, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Implementing the following preventive measures can help protect your home from future squirrel problems:
Regular inspections of your home’s exterior, particularly before and during the colder months, are essential. Look for any signs of damage or openings in your roof, eaves, and vents that could serve as entry points for squirrels.
Maintaining tree and shrub care is equally important. Trim tree branches and shrubs that are close to your home. Squirrels often use branches as a bridge to access rooftops or attic spaces. Keeping vegetation trimmed back can minimize access points.
Installing chimney caps and vent covers made of durable materials like steel mesh can prevent squirrels from entering through these areas. Squirrels often enter homes through uncapped chimneys in search of warmth.
Additionally, removing food sources can deter squirrels. They are attracted to food, so minimizing access to food sources around your home can help. Secure garbage tightly, and consider moving bird feeders farther away from your home, as they can attract squirrels to your property.
Taking these steps will help ensure that once squirrels are removed, they don’t return to seek shelter in your home again.
If you’re noticing signs of squirrel activity in your home or want to ensure your property is protected from potential infestations this winter, now is the time to act. Contact Animal & Pest Control Specialists today. Our experienced team can assess your home for vulnerabilities, safely remove any unwelcome guests, and provide lasting solutions to keep your home protected through the colder months.
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