Squirrels are mainly found outside on your property, where they are considered nuisance wildlife. While in your yard, they certainly can make their existence known by causing damage to gardens, bird feeders, and, in some cases, outside structures. However, their propensity to cause damage and spread disease greatly increases when they enter your home. In this case, you’ll want to find the best pest control in New Jersey to take care of the problem.
Heritage Pest Control has been effectively and carefully dealing with squirrel infestations for more than 30 years. During those three decades, we’ve done so with an eye toward environmental safety and personal well-being for you and your entire family.
Being educated on squirrels and their habits is of the utmost importance. Here, we’ll review where squirrels like to hide, how to dissuade them from inhabiting your property, and how to get rid of squirrels in crawl spaces. All of these tips will make your home less hospitable and accessible to these pesky creatures.
Where Squirrels Like To Hide
Squirrels find hiding places outside in the landscaping and natural features throughout your property, as well as in your home itself at times. Additionally, there are both ground and tree squirrels. Due to the varied nature of squirrel species, the types of hiding places also differ.
These pesky rodents in NJ seek out dens and construct drays or nests. Flying or tree squirrels will look for dens in nature, such as tree cavities. Tree-dwelling squirrels also tend to construct nests made of branches, twigs, and leaves. Ground squirrels are more likely found burrowing into the ground on your property. They prefer it when the ground is sloped, which allows them to more readily build their networks of tunnels.
From time to time, your house makes the perfect den for squirrels seeking shelter, especially in the winter. In the winter, squirrels spend much more time in warm nests and dens. Tree squirrels will tend to get into your attic in search of a nice hospitable den. On the opposite end of the spectrum, your basement and crawl spaces are perfect for ground squirrels. These pests may have entered the house without your knowledge through small crevices in your home’s exterior. However, once inside, they can wreak havoc and spread disease. In these instances, Heritage Pest Control offers the best in-ground squirrel control.
Deterring Squirrels In Your Attic
Getting rid of squirrels in your attic is an integral component of squirrel pest control. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to make your attic less hospitable for these pests. Take the following precautions and you’ll reduce the likelihood of squirrels in your attic:
- Trim back branches over your home.
- Seal external cracks.
- Repair flashings on the chimney and roof.
- Replace damaged siding and eaves.
- Secure window screens and vents.
- Eliminate all food sources.
- Use a strobe light.
All of these tips will reduce the likelihood of a relapse of your squirrel infestation. Making the attic less accessible and hospitable to squirrels is an important part of complete squirrel control.
Getting Rid Of Squirrels In Crawl Spaces
Ground squirrels can find their way into your crawl spaces and basement areas more easily than you may think. They don’t need much of an opening to enter, and once there, there is much about your crawl space that makes the perfect squirrel den.
As with getting rid of squirrels in your attic, it is imperative to approach the issues in your crawl spaces with an eye toward future prevention and controlling squirrels you are currently dealing with.
The following are helpful tips for getting rid of squirrels in your crawl spaces:
- Seal all cracks and holes in your home’s exterior and foundation.
- Re-caulk any basement windows.
- Ensure window screens are intact and secure.
- Repair weatherstripping on bulkhead door.
- Remove any nesting materials like branches and leaves.
- Enlist the help of pest professionals.
Because removing squirrels can be dangerous, you should always call for professional assistance so that removal is done safely and effectively. Getting rid of squirrels in your crawl spaces and basements is important for the health of you and your family. Squirrel infestations are no laughing matter. They spread disease through direct contact and feces, including salmonellosis, tularemia, ringworm, and plague.
Total Wildlife Control For New Jersey Homes
Far and away the best way to rid your home of squirrels and all other types of wildlife is by calling the professionals at Heritage Pest Control. Our company was founded in 1989 and our main focus is, and always has been, serving our customers with the most effective and environmentally friendly pest control.
Call us today to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment. We’ll inspect your property and determine a comprehensive program to safely and quickly get rid of your squirrel problem. Moving forward, we’ll assist you in making your home less of a target for squirrels and the damage they can bring.