Garden squirrels are often a real nuisance to gardeners and bird lovers. They cause a great deal of annoyance to Londoners and do a lot of damage in the garden. However, they can become even more of a problem if they invade your home. In this post, we will explore this issue and look at what you can do about it.
The impact of squirrels coming indoors
Garden squirrels usually stay outside, but they can be tempted indoors. During colder months, they seek warmth and shelter. Squirrels often enter homes through small openings in roofs, eaves, and soffits, as well as damaged vents and chimneys. They are skilled climbers, easily accessing these entry points from nearby trees or power lines. Once inside, squirrels typically inhabit attics. Like rats, they can sometimes make themselves at home in basements. This is also the case with wall cavities and crawl spaces.
Once inside your home, garden squirrels can cause significant damage. They chew on wires, which can create fire hazards. They also gnaw on wooden beams, insulation and other building materials. This can lead to costly repairs. One useful and interesting UK squirrel fact is that they can also bring in nesting materials like leaves and twigs, creating mess and even greater potential fire risks.
Health risks are another concern. Squirrels can carry parasites such as fleas and ticks. They can also spread diseases through their droppings and urine. This can contaminate surfaces and pose a health risk to your family. Squirrels can also be noisy. Their scurrying and scratching in attics or walls can disturb the peace of your daily home life and disrupt your sleep.
Preventing and managing squirrel infestations
To prevent garden squirrels from becoming indoor pests, start by securing your home. Seal any entry points like gaps in walls, roofs and foundations. Ensure that windows and doors close tightly. Installing mesh or wire screens over vents and chimneys can also help.
Trim tree branches that hang over your roof. This prevents squirrels from using them as bridges to your home. Regularly inspect your property for signs of squirrels and address any issues promptly.
Regularly clear away fallen fruits in your garden. This reduces the food sources that attract squirrels to your property. Bird feeders should be squirrel-proof, placed away from your house, and cleaned up regularly to avoid spillage.
Professional squirrel pest control services like Diamond can also help manage severe infestations. We can safely remove squirrels from your property and advise on long-term prevention methods.