If you’ve ever been startled by the scurrying and scratching sounds coming from the attic, chances are you’re not alone. Many homeowners have faced, or will face, the challenge of dealing with uninvited guests – squirrels. While these creatures may be charming in their natural habitat, they can cause a surprising amount of havoc when they decide to nest in your attic.

In this blog post, we delve into practical and humane strategies for preventing squirrels from making your home theirs, methods for detecting their presence, and effective eviction strategies for squirrel removal. So, if you are hearing the patter of tiny feet above your head, this guide on tackling squirrels in the attic is for you.

Call 615-610-0962 For Squirrel Removal Near Nashville and Clarksville TN

Squirrel Proofing and Prevention

The best way to deal with squirrels in the attic is by preventing them from entering in the first place. Squirrels are opportunistic creatures, and they will take advantage of any openings or vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior to make their way inside. Here are some steps you can take to squirrel-proof your home:

Inspect your roof. Look for any loose or damaged shingles, holes, or gaps that can serve as entry points. Repair these immediately to eliminate potential access points for squirrels.

Keep tree branches trimmed. Branches should be kept far away from your roofline. Squirrels are excellent climbers and can use overhanging branches to jump onto your roof.

Install a squirrel baffle. Placing a baffle around the base of any trees near your home will prevent squirrels from using the trees to gain access to your roof.

Seal any openings or gaps. Seal around plumbing, vents, and chimneys with heavy-duty hardware cloth or metal mesh. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so be thorough in your inspections.

Remove attractions. Remove any access to food, shelter, or water, including bird feeders, bird baths, and pet food dishes.

Most Common Signs of Squirrels in the Attic

The key to successfully evicting Tennessee squirrels from your attic is detecting their presence early on. Here are some signs that you may have squirrels in the attic:

► Scratching, scampering, or rustling sounds coming from your ceiling or walls.
► Visible entry points or holes on the exterior of your home.
► Chewed wires, insulation, or other damage in your attic.
► Droppings and urine stains in your attic or around entry points.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to act quickly before the squirrel population grows and causes more damage.

Squirrel Removal and Trapping

When it comes to evicting squirrels from your attic, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals and should be handled with care and respect. Here are some effective eviction strategies:

One-way exit door: This method involves installing a one-way exit door over the main entry point that allows squirrels to exit but not re-enter. Once all the squirrels have left, seal the opening.

Trapping and relocating: If you choose this option, make sure to use humane traps and release the squirrels at least five miles from your home in a safe location. Be aware that if there are baby squirrels, they must be released with their mother.

Repellents: There are various animal repellents available in the market that claim to deter squirrels. While some may work temporarily, others may not have any effect at all. It’s best to do your research and use natural repellents like predator urine or bright lights, which are known to have some success in keeping squirrels away.

It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional wildlife removal service before attempting any eviction methods. They can advise you on the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation and ensure that all precautions are taken to protect both you and the squirrels.

Wrapping Up

While squirrels may seem like harmless creatures, they can cause significant damage when they take up residence in your attic. By taking preventative measures, detecting their presence early on, and using humane eviction strategies, you can effectively tackle squirrel infestations and protect your home from future invasions. So don’t let those pesky squirrels get the upper hand – use these prevention, detection, and eviction strategies to keep them at bay.

Remember, prevention is key, but if you do find yourself with unwanted squirrel guests, handle the situation carefully and humanely for the best results. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured squirrel removal service in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. We serve residential and commercial customers at the most competitive prices around. Ask us for free advice and estimates, anytime!

Watch For Squirrel Activity

First, you’ll need to assess what type of squirrels are in your area and how active they are. Are the squirrels mostly ground feeders or do they climb onto bird feeders to get food? If the latter is true, then it will be important to choose a squirrel-proof bird feeder that can withstand their attempts to access the bird seed.

Choose a Good Spot for Your Bird Feeder

Another important consideration when creating a squirrel-proof bird feeder is how you position it. Place the feeder away from trees and other structures that could provide easy access points for persistent critters. Additionally, keep the bird feeder at least five feet off the ground so there isn’t any overhanging foliage where squirrels may use as a bridge to the feeder.

Buy Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider purchasing a squirrel-proof bird feeder. These are typically made from high-grade materials such as steel and heavy plastic that can withstand chewing and climbing attempts from determined squirrels. Many of these types of bird feeders come equipped with baffles or cones around the sides that can deter would-be offenders by making it difficult for them to reach the seed. You can also just purchase a squirrel baffle or cone separately and attach it to your current bird feeders.

Use These Bird Feeder Hacks

No matter which type of bird feeder you decide on, there are some basic steps you can take to ensure its success in keeping out unwanted critters. First, make sure to regularly clean and refill your bird feeder so as not to attract too many birds—or squirrels. Additionally, use bird seed blends that don’t contain nuts or other fatty ingredients that might appeal to the local squirrel population.

Make a Squirrel Repellent

If you’re looking for a humane way to keep them away, making homemade squirrel repellent is the perfect solution. First, gather some garlic cloves and cayenne pepper, both of which are known to deter squirrels. Crush the garlic cloves and mix them with the cayenne pepper in a spray bottle filled with warm water. Shake the mixture and spray it on areas where squirrels are likely to be found. You can also sprinkle some of the mixture on the soil in your garden or near bird feeders to keep squirrels away. With this simple recipe, your property will stay squirrel-free while keeping these critters safe from harm.

Squirrel-Proof Your Backyard Year Round!

Creating a squirrel-proof bird feeder doesn’t have to be difficult. With a bit of thought and creativity, you can turn your backyard into a safe haven for birds without having to worry about pesky critters stealing their snacks. Whether you choose to make your own feeder or purchase one, these tips will help you keep your feathered friends fed in peace.

Are you having some serious trouble with nuisance squirrels around your property? We can help! Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured squirrel removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife, including flying squirrels and chipmunks.

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Squirrels in the Attic: Prevention, Detection, and Eviction Strategies