Getting back from trip to seek out your home in chaos is a nightmare no home-owner desires. Furnishings shredded, partitions chewed, and even faucets left operating—that’s precisely what occurred to Kari and Dustin Drees. Whereas they had been away, a squirrel bought into their residence and brought on tens of 1000’s of {dollars} in injury. Tales like theirs spotlight simply how essential it’s to squirrel-proof your property earlier than heading out of city.
Squirrels may cause critical destruction in the event that they enter your property, particularly when left unchecked for days. Taking steps for trip pest prevention can prevent from pricey repairs and stress. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Management in Oakville, we’re right here that can assist you keep away from these conditions. Begin with these sensible tricks to forestall squirrel injury and shield your property when you’re away.
Why Trip Pest Prevention Issues
Squirrels could appear cute in your yard, however they could be a actual drawback inside your property. These animals are extraordinarily resourceful and may use tiny gaps to seek out their means in. As soon as inside, they may chew on electrical wires, rip aside insulation, and even injury wood window frames. Whether or not they’re constructing a nest or just attempting to flee, their behaviour can result in critical and costly points. Trip pest prevention isn’t nearly avoiding a large number; it’s about defending your property, your funding, and your peace of thoughts.
Fortunately, there are steps you’ll be able to take to squirrel-proof your property and guarantee it stays safe when you’re having fun with time away. From sealing entry factors to putting in one-way doorways, these preventative measures are easy but efficient.
Tips on how to Forestall Squirrel Injury Whereas You’re Away
Maintaining squirrels out of your property can really feel like an actual problem, particularly once you’re not there to control issues. Fortunately, with some planning and the fitting precautions, you’ll be able to safe your home in opposition to curious wildlife when you get pleasure from your trip. The following pointers will assist shield your property and belongings from undesirable animal invasions.
Seal All Entry Factors
Squirrels are consultants at discovering weaknesses in your house. Small gaps in your roof, partitions, or basis make simple entry factors. Earlier than leaving, test for holes, cracks, or unfastened shingles. Pay shut consideration to areas round vents, chimneys, and attic areas. Right here’s what you are able to do to safe these areas:
- Use heavy-gauge wire mesh to cowl vents and chimney openings.
- Apply sealant to cracks round home windows and doorways.
- Set up climate stripping to cowl small gaps in your house’s basis.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Squirrels are expert climbers and use overhanging branches as a straightforward option to attain roofs, soffits, and chimneys. As soon as they acquire entry to those areas, it’s only a brief journey into your attic or partitions. With out trimming again branches, you’re basically giving squirrels a wide-open invitation to discover your property.
To chop off their pathway, trim tree branches so that they’re a minimum of 6 to eight toes away from the home. This easy step can go a good distance in protecting them off your roof. It additionally reduces the probabilities of squirrels chewing by your eaves or gutters since they received’t have the ability to climb onto these buildings. Usually sustaining bushes round your property not solely stops animal entry but in addition helps enhance yard security by decreasing the chance of falling branches.
Safe Trash and Meals Sources
Even for those who lock the home up tight, the odor of meals can appeal to wildlife to your property. Don’t make your property an interesting goal. Take these steps earlier than you permit:
- Retailer rubbish in sealed, animal-proof bins.
- Clear your barbecue grill to take away lingering meals smells.
- Hold any chook feeders, pet meals, or firewood removed from the home.
With out quick access to meals, squirrels and different wildlife are much less prone to hold round.
Set up One-Manner Doorways
A secure and humane option to cope with squirrels that will already be in your house is to make use of one-way doorways. These doorways are designed to permit squirrels to exit your home safely however forestall them from re-entering. As soon as the door is put in, the animals can go away by it every time they’re prepared, however the design ensures they will’t return as soon as they’re outdoors.
This is without doubt one of the handiest methods to take away squirrels with out inflicting them hurt. After the squirrels have left, our crew will seal up the entry level to verify no new wildlife can use it as a means inside. These doorways give peace of thoughts that the issue is dealt with completely and humanely. Poorly dealt with removing can stress squirrels or trigger injury, however we guarantee our strategies are secure for each your property and the animals.
Shield Your Chimney
A squirrel falling down the chimney may sound uncommon, nevertheless it occurs extra typically than you may suppose. Open chimneys are like tunnels main straight inside, making them a standard entry level for wildlife. As soon as a squirrel is inside, it may possibly roam freely round your home, resulting in injury and numerous cleanup work.
Set up a chimney cap to stop animals from climbing in. The perfect caps are sturdy and constituted of supplies like steel that squirrels can’t chew by. They block entry however nonetheless enable smoke to flee once you’re utilizing your hearth. Test that the cap matches securely and seals correctly. For those who’re uncertain about set up, we at Skedaddle are completely happy to assist guarantee your chimney is squirrel-proof and able to maintain wildlife out.
Examine Your Roof and Attic
Over time, put on and tear can create weaknesses in your roof and attic, making it simpler for squirrels to sneak in. Older roofs might need cracks or unfastened shingles that squirrels can pull aside, whereas broken vents could be an open door for wildlife. With out common inspections, these hidden points may go unnoticed till the injury has already been completed. Right here are some things to think about:
- Earlier than leaving your home for an prolonged trip, rise up on a ladder or name knowledgeable to examine your roof and attic.
- Test for apparent indicators like lacking shingles or gaps close to dormers and vents.
- Contained in the attic, search for uncovered insulation or small chew marks, as these can point out previous wildlife exercise.
Catching and repairing these issues early will prevent money and time in the long term.
A Precautionary Story
For those who’re questioning simply how a lot injury one squirrel can do, take a second to learn the story of Kari and Dustin Drees. Whereas they had been away, a squirrel made its means down their chimney and spent days tearing by their new residence. It chewed on window frames, defecated on furnishings, scratched flooring, and even managed to activate the kitchen faucet. By the point it was eliminated, the injury was estimated at $15,000.
This sort of chaos can take months to wash up. Worse but, many insurance coverage insurance policies, like within the Drees’ case, don’t cowl injury attributable to rodents. You may learn the complete story right here. Don’t wait till it’s too late to guard your property.
Why You Ought to Depart Wildlife Management to the Specialists
Taking issues into your individual arms may appear tempting, however wildlife management is greatest left to professionals. Squirrels could be aggressive when cornered, and improper dealing with can result in accidents or property injury. Utilizing DIY instruments or traps may trigger extra hurt than good, driving the squirrel deeper into your partitions or attic.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Management, we use secure and dependable strategies to take away animals. Our confirmed one-way door methods guarantee wildlife can exit your property comfortably however received’t get again in. Plus, we handle the foundation of the issue by sealing any entry factors and offering long-lasting safety.
Take pleasure in Peace of Thoughts on Your Subsequent Journey
Your private home needs to be a spot of consolation, not a haven for wildlife. After we enable you squirrel-proof your property, you’ll be able to journey stress-free, understanding your home is protected. With Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Management in Oakville, trip pest prevention is simple, efficient, and humane.
For those who’re prepared to guard your property and stop squirrel injury, contact us. Our crew of consultants is right here that can assist you safe your property and maintain wildlife the place they belong. Request an estimate at the moment, and we’ll work with you to organize your property so you’ll be able to get pleasure from your travels with out fear. Don’t wait till chaos hits your lounge—we’ve bought you coated!
