Exterminators play a critical role in humanely and effectively managing squirrel infestations, especially when these critters invade homes and cause damage. Instead of resorting to harmful methods, many professionals use humane traps to capture squirrels and safely relocate them.
The goal is to remove squirrels while ensuring they are not harmed, as certain laws and regulations protect wildlife. After removal, exterminators often take additional steps, such as sealing entry points and repairing damage caused by the squirrels. By hiring professionals, homeowners can ensure that the problem is handled responsibly and with long-term prevention in mind.
How Exterminators Identify the Problem
Initial Inspection
When an exterminator is called to handle a squirrel infestation, the first step is a thorough inspection of the property. They will look for signs of squirrel activity, such as droppings, nesting materials, gnawed wires, or chewed insulation.
Exterminators are trained to spot subtle signs of entry points that homeowners might miss, like small gaps in roofing, vents, or attic spaces. These inspections not only confirm the presence of squirrels but also help determine how they are entering the home and the extent of the damage they may have caused.
In addition to looking for physical evidence, exterminators may listen for noises, such as scratching or scurrying sounds, particularly in attics or wall cavities. The time of day is also important, as squirrels are most active in the early morning or late afternoon. This comprehensive inspection helps exterminators develop a specific plan to address the infestation and ensure that the squirrels are removed in a way that prevents them from returning.
Assessment of Infestation Size
Once the presence of squirrels is confirmed, exterminators will assess the size of the infestation. This step is crucial because the number of squirrels in your home will determine the removal approach. For example, a small family of squirrels may require just a few traps and quick relocation, while a larger infestation might involve multiple traps and a more complex strategy.
Exterminators will also evaluate how long the squirrels have been inside, as prolonged infestations tend to cause more significant damage, like chewed electrical wires or structural damage to attics and roofs.
The size of the infestation also affects the timeline for removal. A large group of squirrels may take several visits to capture and relocate safely, and additional time will be needed to seal off multiple entry points. This thorough assessment helps ensure that the extermination process is both effective and humane, protecting both your home and the animals.
Extermination vs. Humane Removal
Humane Removal Practices
Exterminators prioritize humane methods when dealing with squirrels, as many areas have regulations that prohibit harming these animals. The most common approach is to use live traps, which allow the exterminator to capture the squirrel without causing injury.
These traps are strategically placed near entry points or areas where squirrels are active, using bait like nuts or peanut butter to lure them in. Once caught, the squirrels are carefully relocated to a suitable environment far from residential areas, where they can thrive without causing further issues.
Humane removal not only ensures the safety of the squirrels but also aligns with ethical standards and local wildlife laws. Many professional exterminators specialize in this type of removal, as it is both effective and responsible.
Legal Restrictions on Extermination
In many regions, extermination of squirrels is either highly regulated or outright illegal due to wildlife protection laws. These laws are designed to preserve local ecosystems and protect species that are crucial to maintaining natural balance.
Exterminators must adhere to these legal restrictions, which often require that squirrels be handled through non-lethal methods. This means using trapping and relocation as opposed to poisons or other harmful tactics.
Before any removal begins, a professional exterminator will be aware of local laws and follow proper protocols to ensure that all actions are compliant. Violating these regulations can result in fines or legal action, which is why it’s important for homeowners to rely on licensed and trained professionals.
The Process of Squirrel Removal
Step 1: Setting Traps
The first step in the removal process is setting humane traps designed to capture squirrels without causing harm. Exterminators strategically place these traps near areas with high squirrel activity, such as attic spaces, rooflines, or entry points.
To lure the squirrels into the traps, exterminators use appealing bait like peanut butter, seeds, or nuts. These traps are monitored regularly to ensure squirrels are promptly removed once caught, avoiding any prolonged captivity that could stress the animals.
Exterminators typically set multiple traps throughout the affected area to cover all potential squirrel pathways and increase the likelihood of capturing all the animals. Depending on the infestation’s size, the trapping process may take several days.
Step 2: Sealing Entry Points
After successfully trapping the squirrels, exterminators focus on preventing future infestations by thoroughly sealing all entry points. They carefully inspect the property to locate any small cracks, holes, or gaps that squirrels could use to enter.
Exterminators use durable materials like steel mesh, metal flashing, or caulk to cover these openings, ensuring they are fully secured and inaccessible.
This step is crucial because, even after the squirrels are removed, the property remains vulnerable if the entry points are not properly sealed.
By blocking off access, exterminators help homeowners avoid repeat infestations. In some cases, they may also recommend using repellents or physical barriers around the home’s perimeter to deter squirrels from attempting to return.
Post-removal Strategies
Damage Repair
Once the squirrels have been removed and entry points sealed, the next important step is repairing any damage they may have caused to your home. Squirrels are known to chew through insulation, electrical wires, and even wooden structures as they build nests or explore new areas.
Exterminators often assess the extent of this damage during their initial inspection and can either offer repair services themselves or recommend trusted professionals who specialize in restoration. Repairing this damage is essential, not just for the aesthetics of your home, but also for safety reasons, especially when it comes to issues like exposed wiring.
In addition to structural damage, squirrels can also leave behind droppings and nesting materials that need to be cleaned up thoroughly. Professional exterminators may offer cleanup services to remove hazardous waste and disinfect the area.
This is particularly important if squirrels were nesting in your attic or walls, as their droppings can carry diseases and attract other pests. By repairing damage and cleaning up after the squirrels, exterminators help ensure your home is safe, clean, and fully restored.
Ongoing Prevention and Monitoring
After the removal process, many exterminators recommend ongoing prevention strategies to ensure squirrels don’t return. This can include regular inspections, particularly during the fall and spring when squirrels are most likely to seek shelter indoors. Exterminators may also install additional deterrents, such as squirrel-proof barriers on chimneys, rooflines, and vents, or suggest using repellents around the exterior of your home.
In some cases, exterminators offer follow-up services to monitor the situation over time, ensuring that no new squirrels are entering the property. These preventative measures are key to keeping your home squirrel-free in the long term. By staying proactive and vigilant, homeowners can avoid future infestations and the costly repairs that come with them.
Follow-up and Maintenance
Scheduled Follow-up Visits
After the initial removal and prevention efforts, many professional exterminators offer scheduled follow-up visits to ensure that squirrels do not return. During these visits, exterminators will recheck previously sealed entry points to confirm they remain secure and inspect your home for any new signs of squirrel activity.
Regular monitoring is especially important during peak seasons when squirrels are more likely to seek shelter indoors, such as in the fall or during extreme weather conditions.
In addition to inspecting for squirrels, exterminators may also check for any structural weaknesses or areas of your home that could potentially attract other pests. By addressing these issues early, exterminators help maintain your home’s defenses and prevent costly problems down the road.
Homeowner Tips for Long-term Prevention
Along with professional follow-ups, exterminators often provide homeowners with valuable advice on how to keep their home squirrel-free in the long term. This includes tips like regularly trimming trees that are close to your house, securing trash bins, and removing food sources like bird feeders that attract squirrels.
Simple actions like these can make your property less appealing to squirrels, reducing the chances of them attempting to re-enter your home.
Exterminators may also recommend checking your attic, roof, and vents for damage periodically, as squirrels are persistent creatures that will seek out new weaknesses if given the opportunity.
By following these tips and staying vigilant, homeowners can greatly reduce the risk of future squirrel problems. Combining professional maintenance with these DIY preventative measures creates a solid defense against future infestations.
