As an Austin homeowner, you likely appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us—the sprawling trees, the open spaces, and the wildlife that calls our area home. Among the most common of these wild neighbors are squirrels. While they might seem like harmless, playful creatures in your yard, their nesting habits can lead to serious and costly damage to your home, particularly in attics, walls, and roofs.
Understanding how and why squirrels build their nests in residential areas is the first step toward safeguarding your property. This guide will walk you through the tell-tale signs of a squirrel infestation and provide you with practical steps to help prevent future problems.
Have you spotted a squirrel problem? Don’t wait—contact us now for a consultation at (512) 812-9311 or through our online contact form.
Understanding Squirrel Nesting Habits
Squirrels are highly adaptable and resourceful builders. They create nests for various reasons: to raise their young, to shelter from harsh weather, and to store food. These nests, known as dreys, are often built high in trees using a mix of twigs, leaves, and other plant materials. However, when these natural locations are not available or a more secure spot is needed, they may seek out the warm, insulated spaces of your home.
Why Your Home is an Ideal Nesting Spot
Your attic, chimney, or wall voids offer a perfect alternative for a squirrel seeking a safe and warm environment. Unlike a tree drey, which can be vulnerable to predators and the elements, the interior of your home provides a cozy, protected space. The insulation provides excellent material for building a soft nest, and the enclosed space shields them from rain, wind, and cold temperatures. This is especially true during the colder months or when a female squirrel is ready to give birth.
Common Signs of Squirrels in Your Home
Spotting a squirrel outside is one thing, but knowing if they've made their way inside is a different matter. Keeping an eye out for these clues can help you catch a potential problem early, before it escalates.
- Scratching and scurrying noises: One of the most common indicators is the sound of movement in your attic, walls, or ceiling. Squirrels are most active during the day, so you'll likely hear them in the morning or early evening. The sounds might be a gentle scratching or a quick, scurrying pace.
- Gnaw marks: Squirrels have a constant need to chew to keep their teeth from growing too long. You might find gnaw marks on wood, wiring, or other materials in your attic or around entry points.
- Visual sightings: If you see a squirrel repeatedly entering or exiting a specific spot on your roof, fascia, or chimney, it's a strong sign they have found a way in.
The Damage Squirrels Can Cause
While a squirrel family might seem benign, the damage they can inflict on your property can be extensive and costly. Their nesting and chewing habits can compromise the structure and safety of your home in several ways.
- Chewing on electrical wires: This is arguably the most serious risk. When squirrels chew through the plastic coating of electrical wires, they expose the copper beneath, creating a serious fire hazard. This can happen anywhere in your home where wires are present, but it’s most common in attics and walls.
- Damaging insulation: Squirrels will tear apart, and compact insulation will be needed to build their nests. This not only diminishes the insulation's ability to regulate your home’s temperature, leading to higher energy bills, but it also creates a mess and can introduce parasites.
- Compromising structural integrity: By gnawing on wooden beams, rafters, and other structural components, squirrels can weaken the framework of your home over time. This can lead to costly repairs and may not be noticed until the damage is significant.
- Contamination and odors: Squirrels living in your attic or walls will leave behind droppings and urine. This can create a strong, unpleasant odor that permeates your home and can pose a health risk due to bacteria.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Moving In
Taking proactive steps is key to keeping your home squirrel-free. By making your property less inviting, you can significantly reduce the chances of a squirrel choosing your home for its next nest.
- Seal up entry points: Walk around the exterior of your home and look for any small openings. This includes cracks in the foundation, gaps around pipes, and torn screens. Seal them with durable materials like steel wool, hardware cloth, or caulk. Remember, squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
- Trim back tree branches: Squirrels are excellent climbers and will use overhanging tree branches to gain access to your roof. Trim any branches that are within 10 feet of your roofline to make it more difficult for them to jump onto your home.
- Secure your garbage and food sources: Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. A readily available food source can attract all sorts of wildlife, including squirrels, to your property.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
While DIY prevention methods are valuable, a full-blown squirrel infestation is a complex issue that requires the attention of professionals. Trying to remove squirrels on your own can be risky. If they feel threatened, they may become aggressive, and you could be exposed to diseases. Furthermore, simply sealing an entry point without removing the animals first can lead to a more desperate and destructive attempt by the squirrel to get back in.
Professional wildlife control services have the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove squirrels from your home. The process involves more than just trapping the animal; it includes identifying all entry points, removing the animals, and then securing the space to prevent future problems.
At A to Z Pest Control, we specialize in safe and effective wildlife solutions. For more information on our specific approach to these types of issues, please visit our squirrel control service page.
Protect Your Property with Professional Squirrel Control
The presence of squirrels in your home can be more than just a nuisance; it can be a genuine threat to the safety and integrity of your property. If you're hearing noises in your attic, noticing chewed wires, or suspect a squirrel has made its way inside, it’s time to take action. Ignoring the problem will likely lead to greater damage and a more complicated situation down the road.
A to Z Pest Control has been serving the Austin area and its surrounding counties—Williamson, Bell, and Travis—with a commitment to providing effective and reliable pest and wildlife solutions. Our team is ready to help you reclaim your home from unwanted guests. Don't let squirrels take over your space.
Reach out to us today at (512) 812-9311 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a secure home.