Squirrels are rodents we are all used to seeing outside. Some would even say they are cute with their bushy tails and large eyes. However, when they hang around your property or get into your home, they can create problems if left unchecked. Squirrels are mostly nuisance pests, but they can cause damage to your property and may be dangerous if you approach them.
Squirrels are a common reason people search for pest control in Kittitas County. Any attempts at controlling squirrels, whether inside or outdoors, are best left to professionals. Wildlife trapping is not a DIY job, especially with these rodents; they are likely to become aggressive if they feel threatened or afraid.
Habits And Behaviors Of Common Tree Squirrels
We often see squirrels burying nuts to prepare for winter when their food sources become scarce. However, these rodents do not only eat nuts; they are omnivores, meaning they also like to eat plants and meat. They will eat nuts, seeds, and fruits for nutrition, as well as eggs, caterpillars, small insects, small animals, and even young snakes.
Squirrels in Kittitas County commonly nest in tree branches in warmer weather and build nests in tree cavities. They have a terrible habit of eating food from our gardens or food left out for other animals, like birds. They can become a nuisance any time of year, although when they enter our homes in the winter, more people start searching for squirrel control and wildlife removal services.
Squirrels Hanging Around Your Property Can Cause Problems
Kittitas County homeowners are no strangers to seeing squirrels in their yards. For many, they can even be a welcome sight, scurrying back and forth across the lawn. However, in large numbers, they can create chaos, just like any other wildlife intruder.
Here are a few of the problems squirrels can cause that might send you searching for squirrel control near you:
- In the colder months, squirrels will enter your home to keep themselves warm. They cause damage by gnawing on wires, insulation, and the walls in your home.
- Squirrels inside your attic or walls can make a lot of noise.
- Outside of our homes, squirrels can damage electrical wires and telephone lines.
- Squirrels frequently help themselves to bird feeders, leaving nothing left for the birds.
- These rodents also enjoy our gardens' fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Squirrels will become aggressive and bite if they feel threatened or scared. Although it's rare for a squirrel bite can transmit diseases such as rabies, it is a good idea to seek medical attention if you receive a bite.
With all of these potential problems and so much at stake, you can't afford to let squirrels take over your property. It is important to remember to work with professionals familiar with wildlife and pest control and never attempt wildlife trapping on your own. However, there are some helpful tips you can use to minimize your risk of squirrels getting into your home in the first place.
Five No-Sweat Tips To Prevent Squirrels Around Your Home
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best way to save yourself from the costly problems squirrels cause is by preventing them from getting to your home in the first place.
The following are five preventative tips for controlling squirrels around your home:
- Trim back branches six to eight feet away from your roofline.
- Seal any cracks or holes around your attic or roofline with silicone-based caulk.
- Clean up any fallen nuts and fruits around the yard promptly.
- Remove any water sources around your property, such as bird baths, buckets, and children's toys that hold water; they can attract squirrels and other pests.
- Squirrels do not like loud noises, so installing motion-activated noise makers can help to keep them away.
Unfortunately, squirrels are tenacious. Even the best DIY solutions can fail simply because squirrels are such a tough pest to prevent working on your own. That's why it's always heavily advised that homeowners enlist in professional pest control when they're facing squirrels and other wildlife around the home.
The Best Way To Keep Squirrels And Other Wildlife Away
The best way to keep squirrels and other wildlife away from your property is to work closely with a company familiar with professional wildlife control near you to put preventative, proactive measures in place. Local wildlife and pest control companies like Prosite are the safest option for any wildlife removal you may need. Please get in touch with us today to set up your consultation to keep your home wildlife and pest free.