How to Prevent Squirrels from Accessing Homes and Buildings

Seeing squirrels frolicking around in parks is fun to watch, but when they invade your garden or your home, it can become a nuisance.

Like rodents, squirrels will make their way into buildings and homes looking for food and shelter during the colder months. Easily accessible from nearby trees, squirrels take up residence in attics where it’s warm and dry.

Threats

• Squirrels can chew through various materials. In the attic, squirrels can create holes in siding and damaged insulation.
• Once in an attic, they can cause extensive damage to electrical wiring creating a fire hazard.
• Squirrel’s urine and feces leave a very unpleasant odour. If left for long periods of time in areas such as attics, removal and replacement of insulation may be required to remove odours.

If you have squirrels in the attic, contact a pest control professional from Abell to have them removed safely without harm.

Here’s how to prevent of squirrels:

1. Screen vents and chimney openings
2. Regularly inspect soffits, especially at junction points where two roofs meet and seal and gaps with robust material such as metal or wire mesh.
3. Make sure tree limbs are cut back 6 to 8 feet from the roofline
4. Dispose of garbage regularly using a sealed container and keep food in airtight containers
5. If you have fruit trees on your property, pick or dispose of ripe fruit promptly
6. Refrain from feeding squirrels close to the house. Protect backyard bird feeders with squirrel-proof devices.