Squirrels in the Attic: What You Need to Know

Discovering that you have an uninvited guest in your home can be quite disconcerting, especially when that guest is a squirrel. Although fuzzy and often adorable, these creatures can wreak havoc in your attic, causing significant damage and potential health risks.

This blog post delves into the key aspects of squirrel infestation, providing you with much-needed insights into squirrel removal and control strategies. Stay with us as we explore the signs of an infestation, the potential dangers it carries, and the most effective methods you can employ to reclaim your space from these agile invaders.

Call 317-847-6409  to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-847-6409 to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic in Indianapolis Indiana

Signs of Squirrel Infestation

The first step in dealing with a squirrel problem is to be aware of the signs that may indicate an infestation. Some common red flags include:

Strange noises coming from the attic or walls, such as scratching, scampering, or squeaking.

Chew marks and gnawed openings on your roof or around your home’s exterior.

Droppings and debris, such as leaves, twigs, and insulation, scattered around your property.

If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to take action immediately before the problem escalates. Ignoring a squirrel infestation can lead to costly repairs and potential health hazards for you and your family.

The Dangers of Squirrel Infestation in Your Home

Aside from causing property damage, a squirrel infestation can also pose health risks. These rodents are known carriers of diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans through direct contact or exposure to their droppings. Some of these include:

Leptospirosis: A potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.

Salmonella: A type of food poisoning caused by consuming contaminated food or water.

Tularemia: A disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and, if left untreated, lead to severe complications.

In addition to these health concerns, squirrels can also attract other pests into your home. Their nesting materials and droppings can serve as a food source for insects and other rodents, creating a cycle of infestation that can be challenging to break. Accordingly, you should never keep a wild squirrel as a pet, even if it is a baby.

Squirrel Removal and Control Strategies

If you suspect or confirm a squirrel infestation in your attic, it is essential to act quickly. Here are some effective strategies for removing and controlling squirrels:

Use one-way exclusion devices: These devices allow squirrels to leave but not re-enter the attic, effectively trapping them outside.

Install physical barriers: Seal off any potential entry points, such as holes or gaps in your roof or walls.

Keep trees and branches trimmed: Squirrels are excellent climbers and can use overhanging branches to access your home’s roof.

Use squirrel deterrents: Natural animal repellents like peppermint oil or predator urine can discourage squirrels from entering your attic.

It is crucial to note that while DIY methods may work in some cases, it is always best to seek professional wildlife control company help. Pest control experts have the necessary permits, training, licensing, knowledge, and equipment to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your home.

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, a squirrel infestation can be a significant nuisance and potential threat to your property and health. By being mindful of the signs, dangers, and removal and control strategies discussed in this blog post, you can take the necessary steps to address and prevent a squirrel infestation. Remember, early detection and prompt action are crucial in dealing with these agile invaders.  So, if you suspect a squirrel problem in your attic, don’t hesitate to seek professional help for efficient and long-lasting results. With proper precautions and proactive measures, you can keep your home squirrel-free and safe for years to come. 

Don’t let these furry creatures take over your space – tackle the issue head-on and reclaim your attic today!  Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured animal trapping and removal for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Identifying the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation in Your Home
How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Stuff
Will the Color Red Scare Squirrels Away?

Identifying the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation in Your Home

Do you think your home may be infested with squirrels? If so, it’s important to identify the signs of a squirrel infestation as soon as possible. Squirrels can cause significant damage to your home and property if left unchecked for too long.  They can chew through walls and electrical wires, contaminate food sources, and leave droppings throughout the attic or other parts of the house. By recognizing the signs of an infestation early on, you can take action right away to prevent any further damage from occurring in your home.

Continue scrolling down to learn some common indicators that you have a problem with squirrels in the attic or elsewhere on your property.

Call 317-847-6409  for Squirrel Removal and Control in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Call 317-847-6409 for Squirrel Removal and Control in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Top 4 Signs That Suggest Your Home Has a Squirrel Infestation

Noises: A surefire indication that there are squirrels living in or around your home is if you hear scratching, gnawing, or scampering noises coming from the walls or ceiling. This type of sound indicates that a squirrel (or multiple squirrels) have settled into your attic or other parts of the house.

Droppings: Another telltale sign of a squirrel infestation is droppings. Squirrels tend to leave behind droppings where they inhabit, and these can be found near food sources, nesting areas, and entry points throughout the house. By identifying these droppings, you can pinpoint exactly where the squirrels are living in your home.

Gnawed Holes: If you notice any unusual holes in your walls or ceiling, it’s a sure sign that you have an infestation. Squirrels are known to chew through wood and other materials in order to gain access to the attic or other parts of the home.

Structural Damage: In some cases, squirrels may cause significant damage to your home if they are allowed to remain unchecked for too long. They can chew through electrical wires, insulation, and ventilation systems, leading to expensive repairs down the line. If you notice any kind of structural damage in your home, it’s likely caused by squirrels and should be addressed right away. 

Get Rid of Squirrels Today!

If you believe you have a squirrel infestation in your home, it’s important to take action quickly. Contact a professional squirrel removal service to get rid of the critters and prevent any further damage from occurring. They will be able to identify the entry points and set up traps to safely remove the squirrels from your home. Remember, with early detection and quick action, you can avoid costly repairs in the future!

Chipmunks in the Attic or Home

Your problem critters might just be chipmunks – not squirrels. The signs of a chipmunk infestation are quite similar to those of squirrel infestations. When chipmunks manage to make their way into an attic, it can spell disaster for homeowners. These critters are known for making a mess as they build nests and gnaw on stored items, wreaking havoc quickly in any space.

It is important to identify signs of chipmunk infestations early on in order to take the necessary steps towards chipmunk control. Knowing the common signs of having a chipmunk in the attic, such as noise coming from within and damage to insulation, will help to locate them and subsequently get them out of your home. Thankfully, there are a number of DIY approaches that can be taken when dealing with chipmunk infestations or if necessary professional services can be brought in to completely address the issue.

Ready to figure out what’s going on with the squirrels on or inside your property? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for safe and effective animal removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana for squirrels, chipmunks, and all other types of wildlife. Our wildlife removal services are humane, effective, and available for both residential and commercial clients.

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How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Stuff

Squirrels are cute, but they are not very polite when it comes to your belongings. Everything from trashcans and birdfeeders to potted plants, flowerbeds, and more are prime targets for nuisance squirrel tampering. If the squirrels around your property are getting into all your things, it is time to stop them in their tracks.

Continue below to learn some safe, easy, and humane ways to keep squirrels out of your stuff!

Squirrel Removal Control Indianapolis Indiana 317-847-6409
Squirrel Removal Control Indianapolis Indiana 317-847-6409

Squirrel Control Tips

Keeping Squirrels Out of Trashcans

Typically, raccoons and opossums are the critters that carry the reputation for pillaging trashcans and dumpsters. But surprisingly, squirrels will gladly take a dirty dive when a garbage receptacle is open and accessible. Trashcans are essentially a free, all-you-can-eat buffet for squirrels, and they will go out of their way to get inside them. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to keep squirrels out of your trashcans.

Enclosures – Remove access to your trashcans by moving them to an enclosed area, like inside the garage or shed. If this is not an available option for you, look into purchasing a garbage can enclosure. These look like large, wooden laundry hampers with locks.

Bracing – When trashcans fall over, squirrels get a free-for-all. In fact, toppled trashcans are what attracts nuisance squirrel activity in the first place. They remember that these large, plastic cans carry all sorts of delicious scraps. By bracing your trashcans, you can prevent them from falling over and giving squirrels a reason to come by.

Metal – Make the switch to metal trashcans. Metal cannot be chewed through like plastic, so they stand up well to nuisance squirrel tampering. Of course, your municipality might not allow it for your pick-up garbage receptacles, you can use metal cans for the rest of your on-property waste collection needs.

Deterrents – Use a combination of non-toxic critter repellent and critter deterrents to keep your trashcans clear of nuisance squirrel activity. You can make your own repellent by combining capsaicin oil, ground cayenne pepper, and water into a plastic spray bottle. You can also install devices like motion detection sprinklers and lighting to scare off squirrels.

Keeping Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are a common target for squirrels. They just love all of the seeds, nuts, and legumes inside conventional birdseed products, and with their climbing and grasping skills, they can easily get into those little hanging houses. Fortunately, there are some ways you can stop squirrels from stealing all of your birdseed.

Safflower Seeds – Squirrels do not like safflower seeds. But birds like cardinals, chickadees, woodpeckers, finches, and even dogs love them. Fill your birdfeeders with safflower seeds and you will see the nuisance squirrel activity dwindle within a day.

Avoid Trees – Squirrels are excellent climbers and leapers. For this reason, it is recommended to hang your bird feeders far away from trees and tree limbs so that squirrels have less access to them.

Deterrents – Deterrents work well here, too. You can combine a peppery non-toxic squirrel repellent spray and apply it to the pole and base of your bird feeders. Birds will mind it, but squirrels hate the sensation they get from sniffing or licking pepper.

Baffles – Squirrel baffles are cone-shaped domes that you install around a bird pole so that squirrels cannot get access to a birdfeeder. They simply slide off! Baffles are inexpensive and available at your local gardener home improvement store. If you don’t want to buy a baffle, you can just grease the bird feeder pole. Squirrels will just slip off when they try to climb up!

Are you looking for professional squirrel control assistance in the Indy area? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for licensed and insured animal trapping and removal for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Will the Color Red Scare Squirrels Away?

The color red has so many meanings and applications depending on the context. As for nuisance squirrels, it may be useful for safe and humane wildlife abatement. You see, there is a theory that squirrels are afraid of the color red, and therefore, steer clear of anything resembling the crimson hue. Whether or not this theory is actually true has not been thoroughly investigated, however several home and property owners swear by the method!

If you are dealing with a population of bothersome squirrels on your property, continue reading to learn if the color red will scare them away, as well as some verified squirrel control strategies that will help you resolve your nuisance wildlife problem.

Critter Control Squirrels Indianapolis IN 317-847-6409
Red-Headed Woodpeckers are Enemies to Squirrels!

Squirrels Do Not Like Woodpeckers

Where did the theory of squirrels being afraid of red colors come from? Well, there have been several studies done on the subject, and many rendered results that suggest squirrels do not like red. It is thought that squirrels do not like red because it is the primary color of their number one enemy, the Red-Headed Woodpecker. Squirrels do not like these common Indiana birds and will avoid them at all costs because they compete over territories. Researchers, scientists, and industry professionals have noticed this trait, which is where the theory may originate.

Although studies support the theory, it is not one that is scientifically proven nor confirmed. If you would like to try it out yourself, consider adding pops of red around your property, such as bird feeders, flowers, flowerpots, and outdoor furniture pillows.

Proven Methods of Squirrel Control

Environmental Modification – Environmental modification refers to making changes around your property that support squirrel interest and attraction. Things like bird feeders, bird feed, overgrown tree branches, easily accessible areas of shelter (log piles, hollowed trees, bird houses, etc.), and potted plants are common things that attract nuisance squirrels. By removing or obstructing these attractions, you can better abate nuisance squirrel activity around your property.

Bird Feeder Baffles – If nuisance squirrels are pillaging your bird feeders, there are several methods you can apply to keep them from accessing the feed. Baffles are one of the most effective wildlife abatement devices you can install directly onto bird feeder poles to prevent squirrels from accessing the seed. You can also cover your bird feeder pole with PVC pipe and make it extra slippery for squirrels to climb.

Tree Trimming – Squirrels are excellent climbers and will use overgrown tree limbs and branches to access roofs, vents, and gutter systems. In fact, long tree branches are often the bridge to squirrels in the attic and similar in interior infestations. It is important to have your trees trimmed annually if they are close to your house or building. This will prevent squirrels from having access to the roof areas.

Animal Repellent – You can make your own nontoxic animal repellent by combining water with ingredients that squirrels do not like. Squirrels, like most living creatures, are sensitive to certain sensations and odors. Ingredients like menthol,eucalyptus, spearmint, hot pepper, and even cinnamon and nutmeg can keep certain critters away simply because they don’t like the way they smell or the sensations they cause.

For your first homemade animal repellent, combine water with cayenne pepper and menthol into a spray bottle and apply it around the perimeter of your property or in areas where you notice heightened squirrel activity. Just be sure to keep children and pets away, as the sensations can bother their nose, throat, and eyes.

Professional Wildlife Abatement – When it seems like nothing will put an end to your nuisance squirrel problem, it is necessary to hire a local Indianapolis IN wildlife removal company for effective squirrel control and animal-proofing services. They have the proper training, tools, and permits to provide safe squirrel trapping service in a convenient time frame.

Are you dealing with a nuisance squirrel problem that you wish to resolve before the year’s end? Contact Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 to get affordable critter control for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial and residential properties.

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Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana
Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana

Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Control

Squirrels are so cute! But we must remember that they are also rodents, which means they can be quite the nuisance if you don’t take the proper precautions to protect your home from wildlife damage. Keep in mind that squirrels have to constantly chew to keep their teeth from growing too much, so they are capable of causing extensive structural damages to both interior and exterior areas of a property. This includes gardens, siding, roof shingles, wood, plastic, plastic piping, electrical wiring, insulation, drywall, vents, and much more. Add in their messy and unsanitary droppings, transmissible diseases, parasitical contagions, breeding season, and nesting habits, and you have a huge threat to your property!

If you suspect that the squirrel activity is increasing around your home, it helps to start educating yourself with facts about nuisance squirrel problems. Read through the frequently asked questions below to learn what they are capable of, how they can get inside your house, what you can do to put a stop to their destruction, who to trust for safe and humane squirrel control, and much more!

Indianapolis Squirrel Removal and Control 317-847-6409
Indianapolis Squirrel Removal and Control 317-847-6409

Squirrel Removal and Control FAQS

Why Did Squirrels Target My House?

When it comes to squirrels, they live as opportunists. That means they will take what they can get when they can get it; and in terms of your home, that includes safety, shelter, and food. If you have outdoor pet food, gardens, nut trees, bird feeders, bird baths, and other sources of food or water, squirrels are more attracted to your property.

If you have an attic area, squirrels will try to access it to protect themselves against predators, raise baby squirrels, or hibernate in a warm place for the winter. If they accessed your attic or other interior area of your home, you have openings or gaps (i.e. chimneys, unscreened vents, holes in siding, warped roofing, etc.) that need to be sealed up in order to exclude them and prevent future wildlife intrusion.

How Do I Know if I Have Squirrels in the House?

The most common sign of a squirrel infestation is hearing their noises, such as scurrying, thumping and scratching. Additional signs include finding droppings or food debris around entry and exits areas, evidence of chewing, chewed holes or gaps, unpleasant odors, and more. The best way to determine whether or not you have squirrels in the house is to contact a licensed Indiana wildlife removal and control company for a full-property inspection.

How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels?

To get rid of nuisance squirrels on your property, you can implement many strategies. Most methods involve environmental modifications, such as tree trimming, log pile removals, fencing, automated lighting, automatic noise machines, or homemade repellents that can be sprinkled around your property. You can also remove all the outdoor sources of food and water, and install fencing around your gardens. If you already have squirrels in your house, such as the walls or attic, you will require professional animal trapping and removal services. The longer you wait to remove squirrels, the more damage they will do. This leads to costlier repairs and longer renovation times.

Where Can I Get Affordable Squirrel Removal in Indiana?

Call Modern Wildlife Control at 317-847-6409 for professional Indianapolis critter removal services for squirrels at affordable prices. Our specialists have more than 10 years of hands-on experience and retain the latest technologies and innovative resources to safely manage any job, regardless of size or scope. We can implement the proper course of action to reverse animal involvement and protect your property from further intrusion. Request a free quote for squirrel removal, or schedule an on-site inspection.

Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana
Modern Wildlife Control Indianapolis, Indiana