There are around 65 different species of squirrels in North America. It’s almost hard to believe these cute critters are classified as pests. However, when you look closely, you’ll notice several problematic behaviors associated with squirrels.
If you live in an area where there are plenty of squirrels, you’ve likely heard the pitter and patter of squirrels on your roof. You’ll often find them hanging out in your yards, gardens, trees, and sidewalks.
Squirrels reproduce most during spring and summer, increasing the chances of pest issues.
Learn more about the different squirrels that can invade your home and how to control the problem.
Red Squirrels As Household Pests
When you think of common squirrel species, you’re likely thinking of the red squirrel.
This critter is a type of tree squirrel, but you’ll often find them running around on the ground, digging up gardens, and generally all over the neighborhood.
What Do Red Squirrels Eat?
They eat varying items as seasons change. Their diet consists of the following items:
- Spring shoots and flower buds
- Autumn tree sap
- Spring flowers
- Nuts (acorns, hazelnuts, beechnuts, etc.)
- Seeds from pines, spruce, firs, oak, etc.
- Fall fungi
- Berries and fruit during autumn
Sometimes, you’ll see red squirrels eating insects and the occasional bird egg.
You’ll often see red squirrels gathering food for winter, scavenging yards.
Thus, if you live in an area with a lot of pine trees, fruit trees, gardens, and forested areas, you can expect these critters to approach your property.
How Do Squirrels Get Into Your Home?
Red squirrels are tree squirrels so they’re used to climbing tall trees to get from one place to another. They’ll typically climb trees to get onto your roof, gutters, and even in your chimney. think about this fact when conducting any routine landscaping.
If you don’t want squirrels jumping onto your roof or wiggling their way into the home via openings, remove (or cut back) any trees hanging over your roof or near windows. Squirrels also like to gather on window sills or any exterior home elements that could function as cubbies.
Similar to trees, inspect your roofing for any vulnerable spots, as well. Squirrels are small enough to squeeze through the tiniest of spaces. Depending on your roofing materials, a properly maintained roof can last up to 30 years.
However, you must always prepare your roof for upcoming storms and repair any post-storm damage like holes, loose shingles, and water damage. Squirrels will often huddle up around homes during storms and will waste no time trying to squeeze their way in to stay dry.
One of the most vulnerable spots for entry is your attic. There are plenty of spaces to hide and nest. This goes for other types of crawl spaces, including HVAC vents.
Squirrels will also find their way through broken or loose windows, chimneys, ventilation, and loose floorboards under the home. Look out for squirrels nesting under the porch, as well.
Don’t Forget About Ground Squirrels, Either!
This species is known for its digging behavior.
They move into areas quickly, burrowing themselves into backyards and garden beds, leaving troublesome holes behind. If your home has a crumbling foundation or damaged siding, ground squirrels can easily dig their way into the home.
What Do Squirrels Do to the Home?
Once squirrels break into your home, they waste no time chewing up the place.
Squirrels work quickly and will build nests with a variety of materials.
Nesting materials include:
- Insulation
- Furniture stuffing
- Wood shavings
- Paper
- Old clothes
- Fabric scraps
- Curtains
Be careful when leaving cardboard boxes in your attic. Squirrels easily chew through cardboard. Instead, store your belongings in airtight plastic containers with latched lids.
Chewing through insulation contributes to heating and cooling loss which results in higher utility bills. This problem forces your HVAC system to work overtime to heat and cool your home, shortening its lifespan; an overworked HVAC is a hazard that increases the risk of electrical fires.
Chewing Through Electrical Wiring
The openings left by squirrels in walls, floorboards, and roofing increase the risk of water damage and flooding which also puts your HVAC system at risk. Plus, exposing any electrical system to water is a fire risk.
Squirrels use their sharp jaws to quickly chew through electrical wires. They’re technically rodents, and thus, their teeth never stop growing. They have to chew to maintain the size of their teeth.
Squirrels are naturally attracted to electrical wiring; it’s like chewing on twigs. They also use chewed wires to nest.
How to Control Different Squirrels
Squirrels can cause a lot of structural damage in a small amount of time. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent them from doing more damage.
For starters, keep any food sources away from the exterior of your home. Prune fruit trees that are growing too close to access points; this goes for nut trees and pine trees with pine cones.
You can set squirrel traps near any of these potential openings:
- Attics and other crawl spaces
- Exterior basement doors
- Siding bases
- Windows
- Gutters
- Roofing
- Under the porch
Applying mesh screens to vulnerable entry spots adds another layer of protection.
You can also apply squirrel repellents to chewable materials like wood paneling, fabrics, and insulation. This repellent makes attractive materials taste bad, repelling squirrels away.
There are chemical-free options, as well. Boiling chili peppers, garlic, and onions in water create a natural squirrel repellent.
Call a Pest Control Company
If your squirrel pest problem is out of control, it’s time to call in a rodent control professional. Once squirrels have invaded and nested inside your home, they’re hard to remove without a professional.
A pest control specialist will use specialized tools designed to remove squirrels from hard-to-reach crawl spaces, including burrows underneath the house.
Once they’ve removed the squirrels, you will need to call other local services to fix issues with siding, roofing, insulation, and more.
Start Controlling Your Pest Problem
Don’t let squirrels take over your home. These critters move quickly. It’s important to be prepared.
Refer to this guide as you continue to learn more about different squirrels.
Add squirrel control to your home improvement checklist. A checklist will help you prioritize your tasks and cut costs by spotting issues before they get worse.
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