How to Manage and Deter Squirrels This Summer

We have all witnessed squirrels running around and climbing up trees looking for food, looking cute and harmless. However, the reality is that squirrels can cause great destruction if they find their way into your house. The good news is there are ways to manage and keep squirrels away this summer. In addition to these preventive tips, the pest experts of Twin Forks Pest Control® are here to advise on what attracts squirrels to a house and the signs of an active infestation.

Why Squirrels Invade Your Home

Just like humans, squirrels prioritize safety and shelter. The main reason that squirrels invade homes, specifically unfinished areas, is to have a place to temporarily escape from predators and severe weather, as explained by AtticConstruction.com. Quiet spaces are attractive to squirrels with offspring because they can safely leave their young while searching for food. Additionally, squirrels can quickly turn various items in your home into nesting material. Whether it is insulation or drywall, they can be very crafty, but at the expense of your home’s integrity.

Signs of Squirrel Invasion

Squirrels are very creative in making your home more comfortable for them and they are usually conspicuous about it. ThisOldHouse.com states that they leave several signs behind in their travels. If you think have an infestation, but have not seen the squirrels yet, chances are that you have most likely heard them. Hearing running, scratching, or chewing is a good indicator that you have a squirrel or multiple squirrels seeking shelter in your attic, roof, or crawl space. Another visible sign is damage to your electrical wires or insulation because squirrels are notorious for chewing through them and using them as nesting material. Next to seeing the squirrels themselves, a significant indicator that you have a squirrel infestation is their footprints, with four toes on their front paws and five toes on their back feet.

How to Prevent Squirrel Infestation

Fortunately, there are several ways to discourage squirrels from invading your home. Squirrels typically find their way into your home by jumping onto your roof from a tree, so PestKilled.com says to make sure to keep your tree branches trimmed. Another practical preventive tip is to not leave trash outside of your home for several days. Like a lot of rodents, squirrels are attracted to garbage, especially when there are food scraps. Instead, take out the trash the day before sanitation picks it up. Lastly, in addition to these tips, frequently inspect your attic, roof, and crawl spaces for holes or damage.

Trust Twin Forks Pest Control® to Keep Squirrels Away

The professional Twin Forks Pest Control® team is skilled in squirrel control and is ready to eliminate squirrels that have invaded your home. We have been eliminating pests from homes across the East End area of Long Island with high-quality products, both traditional and organic, since 1997. If you suspect that you are experiencing a squirrel infestation, do not wait another day. Get started by either filling out our free estimate form or call (631) 201-5646 if you’re in the Southampton area, (631) 324-9020 if you’re in the East Hampton area, or (631) 298-0500 if you’re in the Southold area.