How to get rid of squirrels in loft
Are you being bothered by unwanted squirrels in your loft? If so, you’re not alone. Squirrels can be a major nuisance, creating noise, mess, and even damage in your home. However, getting rid of them doesn’t have to be a difficult or expensive process. In this article, we will present you with effective and humane tips on how to remove squirrels from your loft and prevent them from returning.
Squirrels are agile and persistent creatures, constantly looking for shelter and food. Unfortunately, your loft can provide both. Squirrels can enter through small gaps and cracks, and once inside, they can cause significant damage by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and stored items. To regain control of your loft, it’s important to act quickly and efficiently.
One recommended method is to identify and seal all entry points that squirrels may use to access your loft. This can be a time-consuming task, but it’s crucial for long-term success. Inspect your loft thoroughly and look for any gaps, holes, or damaged vents. Use sturdy materials like steel mesh or wire wool to seal these openings, as squirrels can easily chew through softer materials like wood and plastic.
Common Methods to Prevent Squirrel Infestation in your Loft
Having squirrels in your loft can be a nuisance and potentially cause damage to your property. Preventing squirrel infestation is essential to maintain a healthy living environment. Here are some common methods to keep squirrels away from your loft:
1. Seal all entry points: Inspect your loft for any cracks, holes, or gaps, and seal them with wire mesh or caulk. Squirrels can squeeze through small openings, so ensure all entry points are secure to prevent their entry.
2. Trim tree branches: Squirrels use tree branches as a way to access your loft. Trim any branches that are close to your roof to eliminate a potential squirrels’ pathway.
3. Install chimney caps: Chimney stacks are a favorite entry point for squirrels. Installing chimney caps can prevent squirrels from entering through the chimney and accessing your loft.
4. Keep bin lids secure: Squirrels are attracted to food sources, including rubbish bins. Ensure bin lids are tightly sealed and consider using squirrel-proof bins to prevent squirrels from accessing the rubbish.
5. Use squirrel deterrents: Various squirrel deterrents, such as ultrasonic devices or motion-activated sprinklers, can help deter squirrels from coming near your property. Place these deterrents strategically around your loft or garden to keep squirrels at bay.
6. Remove food sources: Clear any potential food sources that may attract squirrels. Secure bird feeders and remove fallen fruits or nuts from your garden. Rotting food can draw squirrels to your property.
7. Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean your loft and garden area, removing debris, leaves, and clutter that can provide hiding spots for squirrels.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to squirrel infestations. By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of squirrels taking up residence in your loft.
Seal Entry Points
Squirrels can find their way into your loft through small openings and gaps in your home’s exterior. To effectively get rid of squirrels, it is crucial to seal all possible entry points that they could use.
Start by inspecting the exterior of your house for any openings or holes. Common entry points for squirrels include damaged roof tiles or shingles, gaps around vents and pipes, and openings in soffits, eaves, or fascia boards. Use a ladder and a flashlight to carefully examine these areas.
Identify and Assess Openings
Look for signs of squirrel activity, such as claw marks, chewed wood, or droppings. Use caulk or expandable foam to seal any small openings or cracks that are less than one inch in diameter. Fill the openings completely, and make sure that the seal is airtight and watertight. For larger holes or damaged areas, you may need to use wire mesh or metal flashing to provide a more secure barrier.
Pay special attention to areas around vents and pipes. Use wire mesh or a wire mesh cloth to cover these openings, as squirrels may attempt to chew through weaker materials like plastic or rubber. Secure the wire mesh with screws or staples, ensuring that it is properly attached to prevent squirrels from pulling it apart or squeezing through any gaps.
Maintain and Monitor
Regularly inspect your home for any new openings or signs of squirrel activity. Squirrels can be persistent and may try to create new access points if they are determined to get into your loft. Timely repairs and sealing of any new openings can help prevent further infestations.
In addition to sealing entry points, consider trimming any tree branches or shrubs that provide easy access to your home’s roof. This can make it more difficult for squirrels to gain entry and decrease the likelihood of a squirrel infestation.
Note: If the squirrel infestation persists even after sealing all entry points and taking preventive measures, it may be necessary to contact a professional pest control service. They have the experience and knowledge to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your loft.
Use Squirrel Deterrents
Squirrel deterrents can be effective in preventing squirrels from entering your loft or attic. Here are some popular options:
1. Remove Attractants
Start by removing any attractants that might be drawing squirrels to your loft. This can include bird feeders, nuts, and other food sources. By removing these attractants, you can make your loft less appealing to squirrels.
2. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your loft for any openings or gaps through which squirrels might be entering. Use steel mesh or wire wool to seal these entry points, as squirrels can chew through softer materials like wood or plastic. It’s crucial to thoroughly seal all possible entry points to prevent the squirrels from coming back.
3. Install Spikes or Slanted Panels
Installing spikes or slanted panels on the exterior of your home near potential squirrel entry points can deter them from climbing or jumping onto your roof. Squirrels find the unstable surface uncomfortable and will likely move on to a different area in search of food and shelter.
In some cases, erecting a barrier at the base of trees near your house can also prevent squirrels from accessing your loft. This can be done using smooth metal collars or a smooth plastic cone around the trunk, making it difficult for the squirrels to climb up.
4. Use Squirrel Repellents
Squirrel repellents are another option that can be effective in deterring squirrels. There are various types available, including motion-activated repellents that emit a high-frequency noise or spray water when motion is detected. Natural repellents, such as peppermint oil or vinegar-soaked cotton balls, can also be used around your loft. It’s important to follow the instructions provided for the specific repellent you choose.
Remember that squirrel deterrents might need to be used in conjunction with other methods to ensure the best results. Additionally, regularly inspecting your loft for new potential entry points and promptly addressing them will help prevent future squirrel intrusions.
Call Professional Pest Control
If the squirrel infestation in your loft proves to be persistent or difficult to manage on your own, it may be necessary to call in professional pest control services. Hiring a professional can provide several benefits:
Expertise and Experience
Pest control professionals have the knowledge and experience to effectively deal with squirrel infestations in lofts. They can accurately assess the situation and implement appropriate methods to eliminate the problem. Their expertise ensures that the issue is resolved efficiently and effectively.
Safe and Legal Methods
Pest control professionals are trained in using safe and legal methods to remove squirrels from your loft while complying with all applicable regulations. They have access to specific tools and techniques that are not readily available to the average homeowner.
Additionally, professional pest control technicians are aware of the potential hazards involved in removing squirrels and can take necessary precautions to minimize risks to both humans and animals.
Long-Term Solutions
By hiring professional pest control services, you can expect a thorough and long-term solution to your squirrel problem. These experts not only remove the current infestation but also address the root cause of the issue to prevent future occurrences.
Professional squirrel control typically includes inspecting your property for entry points, sealing them off, and implementing deterrents to prevent future access.
Peace of Mind
The presence of squirrels in your loft can be unsettling and disruptive. Engaging professional pest control services can provide peace of mind, knowing that experts are taking care of the problem and working towards a permanent solution.
Additionally, professional pest control companies often offer warranties or guarantees on their services, providing reassurance that if the squirrel problem persists, they will come back to address it without additional charges.
In conclusion, if your attempts to get rid of squirrels in your loft have been unsuccessful or if you prefer to have experts handle the situation, it is recommended to call professional pest control. They have the knowledge, tools, and experience necessary to eradicate squirrel infestations effectively and provide long-term solutions.
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