When people think of rodent infestations here in Salt Lake City, most people think of mice and rats. However, a type of rodent that is often forgotten about is the squirrel. Here in Salt Lake City, squirrel infestations are a huge problem. Much like rats and mice, squirrels are capable of spreading harmful diseases to you and your family, and they are just as skilled at damaging your property as other rodents. Read on to learn how squirrels get into Salt Lake City homes and how to prevent them from returning.
What Happens When Squirrels Invade Homes?
Squirrels may be cute and fun to watch raid your neighbor’s bird feeders, but they are still rodents capable of causing a lot of damage. Below are some of the things that will happen when squirrels invade your home:
- Chewing on power lines: Squirrels are notorious for chewing the power lines attached to your home. This can cause your nearby power lines to droop.
- Chewing a hole in your roof: Squirrels will chew holes in the roof and siding of your home in an attempt to get into your attic. They will then build their nests in your attic and continue to reproduce. This chewing will also damage the insulation you have in your attic.
- Digging holes in your yard: Whether you have a nice lawn or a garden, squirrels will tear up your grass and other various plants as they dig.
- Odor: Like other rodents, squirrels leave behind a distinctive odor that is unpleasant. In addition, if a squirrel were to get stuck in your walls and die, the stench of their decaying body will seep into your home, lasting for days.
How Do Squirrels Get Into Homes?
The first step to keeping squirrels out of your home is to understand how they get inside in the first place. Listed below are some of the ways these nuisance rodents may be getting into your home:
- Holes: Whether these holes are in your roof or the siding of your home, squirrels are capable of squeezing through extremely tiny holes, and will investigate any hole they come across, allowing them easy access into your home.
- Soffit edge: The soffit is the underside of an architectural structure, and oftentimes there is a gap where squirrels and other pests can squeeze through.
- Roof edge: If your gutters are backed up, the extra moisture will wear down the edge of your roof, deteriorating to the point where a hole is created, allowing the squirrels to get through into your home.
- Vents: Most houses have lots of different kinds of vents, and all of them are easy ways inside a home for squirrels. If they are made of flimsy material or damaged at all, squirrels will be able to wiggle their way through.
How Do I Prevent Squirrels From Coming Back?
After you have had a professional handle the squirrel infestation at your home, there are some things you can do to prevent them from returning:
- Seal up holes. Go around your house and seal up any holes you find, no matter how small. Also, check or have a professional inspect your roof for access points as well.
- Fix vents. Install vent coverings that are made of stronger material and fix any existing vent covers that are broken.
- Move bird feeders away from your house. By keeping food sources further away from your house, like bird feeders, you will keep the squirrels away as well.
What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Squirrels?
If squirrels are invading your home, call the pros at Pest Pro Pest Control. We are a family-owned, locally-operated pest control business with a decade’s worth of experience removing squirrels from Salt Lake City homes. With customer satisfaction at the center of our operations, our technicians will work with you to ensure that all squirrels are removed from your home safely and effectively. Give us a call today!