How Squirrels Get Into Homes and What You Can Do to Prevent It
Squirrels may seem harmless, but when they invade your home, they can cause significant damage and create serious safety hazards. Understanding how squirrels get into homes is the first step toward effective prevention. In Minnesota, squirrels often take advantage of small openings and structural vulnerabilities to gain access to attics, walls, and crawl spaces.
One of the most common entry points is through roof vents and soffits. Squirrels are excellent climbers and can easily reach your roof by scaling trees or utility lines. They can chew through weakened wood, loose shingles, and damaged vents to create an opening large enough to squeeze through. Gaps around chimneys, attic fans, and fascia boards are also frequent targets for these persistent rodents.
Once inside, squirrels build nests using insulation and other materials, potentially causing electrical hazards by chewing on wiring. Their constant gnawing can lead to structural damage and increase the risk of fire. Additionally, their droppings and urine can contaminate insulation and create unpleasant odors, posing health risks to your family.
Preventing squirrels from entering your home starts with a thorough inspection. Seal any gaps, repair damaged roofing materials, and install chimney caps and vent covers. Trim tree branches that hang close to your home, eliminating easy access points. For persistent infestations, it’s essential to work with a professional pest control company.
At Adams Pest Control, we specialize in humane, eco-friendly wildlife removal and exclusion services. Our experts can identify vulnerabilities, safely remove squirrels, and implement long-term prevention strategies to keep your home safe and secure. Don’t let squirrels turn your home into their nesting site — trust Adams Pest Control for reliable squirrel control solutions.
Why Squirrels Get Into Homes and How to Keep Them Out
Squirrels are adorable mischievous pests. How cute are they as they gather up acorns and crack them open. They can be quite entertaining as they scurry about, playing and jumping from tree to tree.
But, when they get into homes, they are anything but fun. They can cause many a sleepless night, as they scratch at walls, run around attics and wreak havoc. Not to mention the damage that they can cause. Squirrels are known for sneaking into homes through the smallest of holes, through damaged areas or any type of small gap. They will chew their way through and once they get in often times they can’t get back out. They will proceed to cause some serious damage by chewing on insulation and electrical wires, they will make their nests and leave their urine and feces wherever they go. In any case, whether it’s the noise, the damage or the odor, the squirrels have to go. A professional pest control company with a wildlife management division can help you gain control of your squirrel problems.
Prevention is the best way to deal with pests of any kind, and squirrels are no different. You will need to close or seal up any potential entry points. You will need steel screening and flashing to prevent them from chewing their way in, especially as the weather gets colder. It’s probably a good idea to keep bird feeders away from your home, otherwise, you are enticing them closer and making your home look very appealing. You can trim back trees and remove wood and junk piles from your property to limit access to nesting and climbing close to your home.
