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Understanding Squirrel Behavior
When it comes to squirrel removal, knowing your adversary is half the battle. These furry little acrobats aren’t just invading your space because they’re curious; they’re in search of three essentials: food, shelter, and a place to raise their young. Their remarkable adaptability means they can thrive in urban, suburban, and rural environments alike. In our experience at Wildlife Removal Pros, we’ve observed that squirrels are particularly drawn to attics and garages, where they’re less likely to be disturbed.
Spring and fall are prime times for these critters to seek out cozy quarters. While they may appear endearing with their playful antics, their nesting habits can wreak havoc on your property. They gnaw relentlessly to keep their ever-growing teeth in check, which can lead to serious damage within your home.
Signs of Squirrel Invasion
Before you embark on the journey of squirrel removal, it’s crucial to confirm their presence. Start by keeping an ear out for unusual sounds like scampering or scratching, particularly in the early morning or evening. This could indicate squirrels running amok in your attic or walls.
Another telltale sign is the unpleasant odor of squirrel urine or the presence of droppings. These rodents are not potty-trained guests, after all. Check for nibbled fruits or vegetables in your garden, too. If you find nests in the trees close to your home or chew marks on the exterior of your house, it’s likely time to call in the experts.
Humane Squirrel Exclusion
At Wildlife Removal Pros, we advocate for humane squirrel removal, focusing on exclusion methods that don’t harm these agile creatures. One effective method is installing one-way doors at entry points, allowing squirrels to leave but not return. It’s an act of balancing compassion with practicality.
We also stress the importance of sealing potential entry points with durable materials. Squirrels have strong teeth, so we use metal flashing, heavy-gauge wire mesh, or similar materials to discourage their return. Remember, the key is prevention as much as it is removal.
Trimming tree branches that provide easy access to your roof can also help discourage squirrels from setting up camp in your humble abode. This method combined with exclusion tactics offers a long-term solution to your squirrel quandaries.
Post-Removal Cleanup
Once the squirrels have been evicted, the clean-up begins. Squirrel tenants are messy, often leaving behind nesting materials and waste. It’s not just about aesthetics; these remnants can attract other unwanted pests or even harbor diseases. That’s why our team gears up to decontaminate affected areas thoroughly, ensuring your space is safe and inviting once more.
Our attic restoration services are especially integral post- squirrel removal. We replace soiled insulation and repair any damages these critters may have caused. It’s not just an investment in your property; it’s a commitment to your health and peace of mind.
Professional Approach to Squirrel Removal
Attempting squirrel removal on your own can be a risky endeavor. Without the right know-how, you might end up with a persistent problem or even injury. That’s where Wildlife Removal Pros comes in.
Our certified professionals are trained to handle these animals safely and effectively, using traps and baits when necessary. We understand the local squirrel population’s behaviors and patterns, which allows us to tackle the problem with precision.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
After the squirrel removal is complete, the last thing you want is a repeat visit. We advise homeowners to keep a clean yard free of food debris that might attract squirrels. Regularly inspect your house for new entry points, especially in the changing seasons when squirrels are on the move.
Maintain your garden vigilantly as well. Harvest fruits and vegetables promptly, and consider using netting to protect your produce. By taking these steps, you can significantly lower the chances of another squirrel infestation.
In Lexington, where wildlife is as much a part of the city as the residents, being proactive is your best defense. Our team stands ready to assist with further advice and services, ensuring your home remains your sanctuary, free of unwelcome furry intruders.
Wildlife Removal Pros Difference
What sets Wildlife Removal Pros apart isn’t just our expertise in squirrel removal; it’s our commitment to doing the job right. We don’t just remove the animals; we look at the big picture, assessing your property to understand why the squirrels were there in the first place and how to keep them out for good.
Our approach is comprehensive yet customizable to each unique situation. We’re not content until we’ve fortified your space against future invasions. Our clients in Lexington and the surrounding counties know that when they call us, they’re getting a partner in wildlife control–not just a quick fix.
How do I get rid of unwanted squirrels?
Removing unwanted squirrels from your property requires a two-pronged approach: exclusion and habitat modification. At Wildlife Removal Pros, we’ve found that installing one-way doors at their entry points effectively allows squirrels to leave without re-entry. It’s critical, though, to seal up these areas after they’ve exited with materials that will stand up to their gnawing, such as metal flashing or heavy-gauge wire mesh. But that’s only part of the solution. To really keep them from coming back, we also recommend making your property less inviting by trimming branches that overhang your roof and keeping your yard free of food debris that might tempt them. It’s like setting the rules in your territory – if the conditions aren’t to their liking, they’ll move on to more hospitable pastures.
How much does it cost to get rid of squirrels?
The cost of professional squirrel removal services can vary widely, depending on the severity of the infestation and the complexity of your home’s architecture. Here in Lexington, we conduct a thorough evaluation of your property to identify just how crafty these critters have been in making themselves at home. Based on the assessment, we provide a detailed quote tailored to your specific situation. While some may be tempted to tackle the job on their own to save costs, it’s important to consider the potential for ongoing damage to your home and the value of enduring solutions that the pros, like us, offer.
What is the most effective squirrel deterrent?
From our extensive experience, the most effective squirrel deterrent combines exclusion techniques with environmental adjustments. While one-way doors are fantastic for getting squirrels out, deterrents like motion-activated sprinkler systems or even certain scents like peppermint oil can be ancillary measures. But let’s be clear: these critters are adaptable. The certainty of a deterrent’s effectiveness increases substantially when you modify your property to reduce its attractiveness to squirrels. This includes securing trash bins, removing food sources such as bird feeders, and even using protective netting over your garden.
How do I get rid of squirrels near me?
If you’re dealing with a squirrel situation in or around your Lexington property, reaching out to a local professional, like Wildlife Removal Pros, is your best course of action. We understand how these animals think and move, which means we can efficiently address the problem at its source. Whether you’re in Fayette County or one of the surrounding areas, we’re just a call away. By considering the unique traits of our local squirrel populations, we can apply targeted strategies to remove them safely and effectively.
What should I do to prepare for a professional squirrel removal service?
Preparing for a professional squirrel removal service begins with a bit of observation. Taking note of the signs of infestation can give us a better starting point. Once you’ve contacted us, we might ask you to keep an eye out for any potential entry points or areas of damage. However, there’s no need to go poking around in your attic or scaling your roof–that’s what we’re here for. Ensuring that the areas we’ll need to access are clear of obstructions can also be helpful. When we arrive, we’ll conduct a thorough inspection to confirm the presence of squirrels and formulate a plan. Ultimately, the best preparation is reaching out to us, the pros, to take it from there.
Resource Section
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Information on the health risks associated with squirrels and other rodents, including diseases they can transmit to humans. https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/index.html
- Humane Society of the United States – Guidelines for humane wildlife control and prevention tips to keep squirrels and other animals away from your home. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-squirrels
- USDA Wildlife Damage Management – Technical series on managing wildlife damage, including sections on squirrel exclusion methods and habitat modification. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/wildlifedamage/sa_technical/ct_wildlife_damage_management_technical_series
- Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management – A consortium of universities providing research-based information on how to responsibly manage wildlife damage and conflicts. https://icwdm.org/
- National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) – A national non-profit organization that provides education and resources for wildlife control operators, with a focus on humane and ethical practices. https://nwcoa.com/
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Resources on pesticide use and regulations, which could be relevant for homeowners considering chemical squirrel repellents. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration
- University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program – Educational materials on integrated pest management practices for dealing with squirrels and other pests. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74122.html
- Cornell University Wildlife Damage Management – Fact sheets and resources on wildlife damage management, including prevention and control of squirrel invasions. https://wildlife.cornell.edu/