Removing Squirrels & Keeping Them Out

To keep squirrels out of your attic you need to be as tenacious as they are. Nesting adult females cause problems when they build their nests in attics near unscreened vents or rotten roof boards. Eastern grey squirrels can live in attics for years. If you you hear scurrying, chewing or scratching sounds coming from your ceiling, attic, walls or crawl space, these are signs of a serious squirrel infestation and you should call Cottom’s for a squirrel removal estimate.

Additional Info About Squirrel Removal Services in Ohio

Squirrels are lively creatures known for their acrobatics and playful nature, but when they decide to make your attic their new home, they can quickly turn into destructive pests. Squirrel infestations in attics, walls, and crawl spaces pose a serious problem for homeowners in Northeast Ohio. Not only can they cause significant damage to your home’s structure, but they also present a safety hazard by gnawing on electrical wires, creating a risk of fire. At Cottom’s Wildlife Removal, we provide professional and humane squirrel removal services designed to safely remove squirrels from your property and prevent them from coming back.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior and Why They Invade Homes

Ohio is home to several species of squirrels, with the Eastern Gray Squirrel being the most common culprit when it comes to home invasions. Squirrels are highly adaptive and resourceful animals that can squeeze through tiny gaps and chew through wood, vinyl, and even aluminum to gain entry into attics and other parts of your home. They are particularly attracted to attics because these spaces offer warmth, safety from predators, and ample room to build their nests.

Squirrels are most likely to invade during the fall and spring months, when they are seeking safe places to raise their young. Once inside, squirrels will chew on insulation, wires, and structural supports, causing extensive damage. Without professional intervention, a small squirrel problem can quickly escalate into a costly issue.

Signs of a Squirrel Infestation in Your Home

Squirrels are active animals, so they often leave behind obvious signs that they’ve moved into your attic or walls. Some of the most common indications of a squirrel infestation include:

• Noises in the Attic or Walls: Squirrels are diurnal (active during the day), so you’re likely to hear scratching, scurrying, or gnawing noises in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Visible Entry Points: Look for chewed openings around eaves, vents, or damaged roof shingles. Squirrels will create openings to access attics and crawl spaces.
• Nesting Materials: Squirrels build nests using shredded insulation, paper, and other soft materials. Finding these in your attic is a clear sign of an active infestation.
• Droppings: Squirrel droppings are small, rounded, and often found near entry points or along attic rafters.
• Chewed Wires and Damage: Squirrels have strong teeth and will gnaw on wires, wooden beams, and other building materials, creating fire hazards and structural damage.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional wildlife removal service immediately to prevent further damage and ensure your home is safe.

Why Choose Cottom’s Wildlife Removal for Squirrel Control?

Cottom’s Wildlife Removal has been serving homeowners in Northeast Ohio for decades, providing reliable and humane solutions for all types of wildlife issues, including squirrel infestations. Our team of licensed professionals is highly trained in squirrel behavior and removal techniques, allowing us to effectively resolve even the most challenging infestations.

Our Squirrel Removal Process

Our comprehensive squirrel removal process includes the following steps:

1. Detailed Property Inspection
   We start by performing a thorough inspection of your property to identify all potential entry points and assess the extent of the infestation. This includes checking attics, crawl spaces, eaves, and other areas where squirrels are known to gain access.

2. Humane Squirrel Trapping and Exclusion
   We use safe and humane trapping methods to capture and remove squirrels from your home. In addition to live traps, we install one-way exclusion devices that allow squirrels to exit your home but prevent them from re-entering.

3. Sealing Entry Points
   After the squirrels have been removed, we seal all potential entry points using durable materials like steel mesh, metal flashing, and rodent-proof sealant. This prevents future infestations and keeps other wildlife from taking advantage of the same vulnerabilities.

4. Damage Repair and Attic Restoration
   Squirrels can cause extensive damage to insulation, wiring, and wooden structures. Our team provides professional repair services to restore your attic or crawl space to a safe and clean condition. This may include insulation replacement, wire repair, and decontamination.

5. Follow-Up and Monitoring
   We conduct follow-up visits to ensure that all squirrels have been successfully removed and that no new activity is present. We also provide tips and recommendations to help keep your home squirrel-free in the future.

The Dangers of Squirrel Infestations

Squirrels may seem harmless, but they can pose serious risks when they take up residence in your home. Here are some of the dangers associated with squirrel infestations:

• Fire Hazards: Squirrels have a natural instinct to chew, and they often target electrical wiring. This behavior can create a fire hazard, putting your home and family at risk.
• Structural Damage: Squirrels will gnaw on wooden beams, rafters, and other building materials to keep their teeth from growing too long, potentially compromising the structural integrity of your home.
• Health Risks: Squirrels can carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, as well as diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.

Long-Term Squirrel Prevention Strategies

Preventing squirrels from entering your home starts with making your property less inviting and eliminating potential entry points. At Cottom’s Wildlife Removal, we offer comprehensive squirrel exclusion services to keep your home safe from future infestations.

Common Squirrel Entry Points in Ohio Homes

Squirrels are expert climbers and can gain access to your home through a variety of openings, including:

• Roof Vents: Unscreened roof vents are a common entry point for squirrels. Installing vent covers can help block access.
• Gaps in Rooflines and Eaves: Even a small gap in your roofline can be an invitation for a determined squirrel.
• Chimneys: Squirrels often enter through uncapped chimneys. Installing a chimney cap can prevent this.
• Damaged Soffits and Fascia: Squirrels will chew through weakened soffits and fascia to gain entry.

Our team can identify and repair these vulnerabilities to keep squirrels out permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Removal

Q: How do squirrels get into attics?

A: Squirrels can squeeze through small gaps and holes around rooflines, vents, and chimneys. They are also excellent climbers and can access homes by scaling trees or utility lines.

Q: How long does squirrel removal take?

A: The duration of the removal process depends on the size of the infestation and the complexity of the entry points. Typically, squirrel removal and exclusion can be completed within a few days.

Q: What should I do if I see a squirrel in my attic?

A: If you suspect a squirrel is in your attic, avoid blocking its exit. Contact Cottom’s Wildlife Removal immediately for a professional inspection and removal plan.

Q: Can squirrels cause serious damage to my home?

A: Yes, squirrels can cause extensive damage by chewing on wires, insulation, and wooden structures. They also create fire hazards by gnawing on electrical cables.

Contact Cottom’s Wildlife Removal for Professional Squirrel Removal in Northeast Ohio

If you’re hearing strange noises in your attic or have noticed signs of a squirrel infestation, it’s time to take action. Cottom’s Wildlife Removal provides safe and effective squirrel removal services for homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio. Our experienced team is equipped to handle even the most challenging squirrel problems and restore your home to a safe and secure condition. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our squirrel removal and exclusion services.

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