6 Effective Strategies to Prevent Pesky Squirrels from Invading Your Cumming Home

Richard Neumayer • April 17, 2024

Cumming, Georgia, with its abundance of trees and natural beauty, is an ideal sanctuary not just for humans, but for wildlife as well. Squirrels, in particular, can become a real nuisance when they decide to take up residence in your attic or crawlspaces. Their constant gnawing, scratching, and exploring can cause substantial damage to your property and become a major source of stress.

If you're hearing mysterious noises coming from your roof or attic, or have noticed signs of chewed wires or damaged insulation, you might have a squirrel problem. Don't wait for the situation to worsen! Here are six effective squirrel removal strategies you can implement in your home today:

1. Seal Up Entry Points

Squirrels are agile climbers and resourceful creatures. Even the smallest crack or opening in your roofline, soffits, fascia boards, or around chimneys can be an invitation for them to enter your home. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, paying close attention to areas where rooflines meet walls, vent pipes protrude, and utility lines enter your home. Look for any gaps, holes, or potential entry points.

Once you've identified these entry points, seal them permanently. Use appropriate materials like caulk, metal flashing, or hardware cloth to close up any gaps. Remember, squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so ensure a tight seal. For larger openings, consider consulting a professional handyman or contractor to ensure a proper and long-lasting fix.

2. Maintain a Clean and Tidy Home

Squirrels are constantly searching for food and shelter. Leaving food scraps, crumbs, or pet food readily available indoors or around your property can attract them. Practice good sanitation habits by keeping your kitchen counters clean, storing food in airtight containers, and disposing of garbage regularly. Make sure pet food bowls are emptied after feeding times and avoid leaving uneaten pet food outdoors.

Additionally, cluttered attics or crawlspaces can provide squirrels with a sense of security and potential nesting materials. Organize your attic and remove any unnecessary items that could be attractive to these furry invaders.

3. Eliminate Food Sources Around Your Property

Beyond what you have inside, your yard could be a smorgasbord for squirrels. Bird feeders, overflowing compost bins, and fruit trees laden with ripe fruit can all be magnets for these resourceful animals. Consider relocating bird feeders away from your house, or using squirrel-proof feeders with baffles to deter them. Maintain your compost bin properly and ensure it's tightly sealed. If you have fruit trees, harvest ripe fruit promptly and clean up any fallen fruit from the ground.

4. Utilize Natural Scents Squirrels Dislike

Squirrels have a keen sense of smell. Certain natural scents can be quite unpleasant to them, acting as deterrents. Here are a few readily available options you can try:

Peppermint Oil: Sprinkle cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around potential entry points or in your attic (if safe to do so). The strong minty scent can be quite repulsive to squirrels.
Cayenne Pepper: Mix cayenne pepper with water and spray it around potential entry points (make sure it's not in areas where pets or children can come into contact).
Mothballs: While not the most pleasant odor for humans either, the strong scent of mothballs can repel squirrels. However, be cautious, as mothballs can be toxic if ingested, so use them with care and keep them out of reach of pets and children.

Important Note: Be sure to reapply these natural repellents regularly, especially after rain or heavy winds.

5. Trim Vegetation Around Your Home

Tree branches that overhang your roof or come in close proximity to your home can act as a highway for squirrels, allowing them easy access to your roof and potential entry points. Keep tree branches trimmed back at least 6 feet from your house to eliminate convenient pathways for squirrels. This will not only keep them from reaching your roof but also allow for better sunlight penetration, making your attic a less desirable nesting location.

6. Utilize Safe and Effective Repellents

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, squirrels may persist. In such cases, consider using commercially available squirrel repellents. Opt for products specifically labeled for squirrel removal and ensure they are safe for use around your home and pets. These repellents often come in granular or spray forms and can be applied around potential entry points and areas frequented by squirrels.

When DIY Methods Fall Short, Partner with Catch A Critter

While these strategies can be highly effective deterrents, preventing a determined squirrel invasion can sometimes prove challenging. If you've implemented these measures and squirrels are still causing problems, it's time to call in the professionals.

Catch A Critter, Cumming's trusted wildlife removal specialists, have the expertise and experience to handle even the most stubborn squirrel infestations. Here's what sets Catch A Critter apart:

Safe and Humane Removal: Our experienced technicians prioritize the safety and well-being of both your family and the squirrels. We use humane exclusion techniques to remove squirrels from your property without causing harm.
Comprehensive Inspection and Sealing: We conduct a thorough inspection to identify all potential entry points and use high-quality materials to seal them permanently, preventing future invasions.
Attic Restoration (if needed): If squirrels have already taken up residence in your attic and caused damage, Catch A Critter offers comprehensive attic restoration services. We can clean up any debris, remove contaminated insulation, and address any structural damage caused by the squirrels.
Peace of Mind: With Catch A Critter on the case, you can be confident that your Cumming home is protected from any more squirrel intrusions.

Conclusion

Squirrels may seem cute and harmless, but their presence in your home can be a huge headache. By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of a squirrel invasion. However, if you're facing a persistent squirrel problem, don't hesitate to contact Catch A Critter, Cumming, GA squirrel removal experts. Our team has the knowledge and tools to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property, preventing future damage and restoring peace of mind to your home. Contact Catch A Critter today for a free consultation! Remember, a proactive approach is key to preventing costly squirrel damage. Take action today and keep your Cumming home squirrel-free!

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By Richard Neumayer • March 21, 2025

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Humane Methods to Permanently Remove Squirrels from Attics

By Richard Neumayer • February 20, 2025

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A squirrel is looking out of a wooden box in the snow.

Winter Squirrel Problems? Protect Your Home This January

By Richard Neumayer • January 29, 2025

Winter months bring more than just chilly weather. They can also bring squirrels seeking warmth into your home. If you're tired of dealing with noisy critters in your attic or walls, you're not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge in January, but don't worry, there are humane ways to handle squirrel removal . This post covers everything you need to know about keeping your home safe and squirrel-free this winter. Why Do Squirrels Invade Homes in Winter? When the temperature drops, squirrels search for cozy spaces to nest - spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities make perfect shelters. They’re looking for: Warmth: Squirrels can’t tolerate freezing temperatures and need a place to stay warm. Food Storage: They often bring nuts and seeds into their nesting areas. Safety: Indoor spaces protect them from predators. Unfortunately, their presence can lead to damage like chewed wires, insulation destruction, and unpleasant odors. Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem If squirrels have moved in, you’ll likely notice these signs: Scratching Sounds: Especially in the early morning or late evening. Droppings: Found near nesting or feeding spots. Chewed Entry Points: Damaged vents, soffits, or roof edges. Nesting Materials: Shredded insulation, leaves, or fabric. How to Protect Your Home from Squirrels This January Follow these tips to protect your home: 1. Seal Entry Points Inspect your home for openings where squirrels can sneak in. Focus on: Gaps in roofing or siding. Open chimneys (install caps for extra protection). Damaged vents or screens. A small gap the size of a quarter is enough for a squirrel to squeeze through. Use durable materials like wire mesh or metal flashing to cover these areas. 2. Keep Your Yard Tidy Squirrels are drawn to cluttered yards that provide food and shelter. To make your yard less appealing: Trim tree branches away from your roof. Rake fallen nuts and fruits. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house. This not only discourages squirrels but also other critters looking for a home. 3. Remove Food Sources Squirrels often invade homes in search of food. Take these precautions: Use sealed containers for pet food and birdseed. Avoid leaving food scraps outdoors. Keep garbage bins tightly closed. These simple steps can make your home far less attractive to wildlife. 4. Install Deterrents There are humane ways to discourage squirrels from settling near your home: Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but safe for humans and pets. Natural Repellents: Use scents like peppermint oil near entry points. Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can scare squirrels away from your yard. Why Humane Squirrel Removal Matters It’s tempting to resort to harmful methods, but they’re not necessary. Humane squirrel removal in Cumming , focuses on relocating squirrels without causing harm and preventing their return through exclusion techniques. This approach respects wildlife while protecting your property. According to the Humane Society, methods like one-way doors allow squirrels to exit safely but block re-entry. This minimizes stress on the animal and avoids unnecessary harm. When to Call for Professional Help Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If squirrels persist despite your efforts, it’s time to consider professional squirrel removal . A licensed wildlife removal service can: Safely trap and relocate squirrels. Repair damage and seal entry points. Provide advice on long-term prevention. Catch A Critter , with its eco-conscious and humane practices, is a trusted option for homeowners dealing with squirrel issues. FAQs About Squirrel Removal Can I Remove Squirrels Myself? You can try, but it’s tricky and may not be legal in some areas. Always check local regulations and prioritize humane methods. Do Squirrels Cause Fire Hazards? Yes. Squirrels often chew on electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires. This is one of the top reasons to address the issue quickly. How Long Does Squirrel Removal Take? It depends on the size of the infestation. Professionals often resolve the issue within a week. Why Choose Catch A Critter for Squirrel Removal At Catch A Critter , we understand how frustrating and overwhelming squirrel problems can be. That’s why we prioritize humane removal techniques that are effective and eco-friendly. Our team is passionate about protecting your home and wildlife, giving you peace of mind without harming the environment. Conclusion Winter squirrel problems don’t have to ruin the start of your year. From sealing entry points to calling a trusted wildlife removal service like Catch A Critter , there are many ways to protect your home. Squirrels can cause significant damage, but with the right steps, you can keep your property safe and cozy this winter. If you’re ready to take action, contact Catch A Critter today for compassionate, effective squirrel removal solutions.