How To Keep Squirrels From Secretly Living In Your Home

Squirrels are everywhere. We see squirrels running across the street, dodging oncoming traffic, scurrying through the yard, and climbing trees. Squirrels are fun to watch, and they bring life to our yards, but the one place we don't want squirrels is in our homes.  

If you are concerned about squirrels taking up residence in your house, you need to secure the services of Celtic Pest Control. We are your local Reno pest control company; we know how to remove squirrels from homes.

Where Squirrels Like To Hide

Of the 200 squirrel species, there are two basic types: flying squirrels and tree squirrels. Both squirrel types use trees to avoid being prey for cats, hawks, and foxes. Also, both types may relocate their nesting to different areas several times throughout the year as the weather changes. Nesting areas for flying squirrels include the cavities of trees and abandoned bird nests, whereas the tree squirrels use twigs, leaves, and grass to create a nest (known as a drey) situated between tree branches.

Although they prefer trees as their home, squirrels will migrate into homes seeking shelter and warmth. Places attractive to squirrels include attics, lofts, and garages. When nesting in homes, squirrels get creative by utilizing insulation, paper, and cotton for the nest's material.

Deterring Squirrels In Your Attic

Because squirrels have no difficulty climbing, attics are a natural place to enter the home. The following are steps you can take to discourage squirrels from entering your attic:

• Trim branches close to the roof. Removing branches near the roofline makes it difficult for squirrels to access the attic. 
• Install a fake owl on the roof. Owls are natural predators of squirrels; the faux owl may scare the squirrel away. 
• Seal openings in the attic. Common entry points are under the eaves and near gutters. 
• Spread mothballs throughout the attic. The fumes from the mothballs are irritating to the sensitive olfactory senses of squirrels. 

If you suspect you have squirrels in the attic, leave at least one opening as a way of escape and seal it once the squirrel leaves the house to forage for food.

Getting Rid Of Squirrels In Crawl Spaces 

Squirrels enter crawlspaces searching for shelter. The safest way to get rid of squirrels in the crawlspace is to use a live squirrel trap. These traps allow the squirrel to enter but not leave. Use peanut butter to entice the squirrel to come into the snare. Once trapped, remove the caged squirrel and release him at a location several miles from your home in consultation with our local wildlife department. Although squirrels won't bite you, they can attack upon release and cause injury with their sharp claws; therefore, wear protective clothing when releasing the squirrel. 

The best option is to keep squirrels from entering the crawlspace. The following are preventative measures that will keep you from having to confront an angry caged squirrel: 

• Seal openings to the crawlspace.
• Remove nearby bird feeders.
• Install motion-sensitive lights around the perimeter of the house.
• Spread mothballs around the foundation.

The safest way to get rid of squirrels in the crawlspace is to utilize our trained pest control professionals at Celtic Pest Control.

Total Wildlife Control For Reno Homes 

Because an encounter with a squirrel in your home can prove harmful to you, a pet, or a family member, you need to contract with experts who know how to remove squirrels in the house. Celtic Pest Control offers services to remove wildlife in Reno area homes. Contact us and let us remove the squirrels and put your mind at ease.