Fall Brings Pretty Colors, Cooler Weather… and Squirrels in Your Attic
Why September and October are prime time for squirrel problems, and why a quick fix is not the answer
Fall in the Piedmont is hard to beat. The leaves change, the air cools off, and everyone starts thinking about cozy evenings at home. Unfortunately, the local wildlife is thinking the same thing. As the weather turns, animals start looking for a warm, safe place to spend the colder months, and all too often, that place is your house.
This post focuses on one of the most common fall invaders we deal with: squirrels. (Squirrels are not the only ones moving in this time of year. Watch for our related posts on mice and other fall wildlife.)
Why squirrels want to live in your attic
From a squirrel's point of view, your attic is the perfect home. It is a lot warmer than being outside, it is comfortable, and it offers protection from predators. Squirrels also do not mind nesting right in your insulation.
Why we get so many squirrel calls in the fall
Squirrels have two breeding seasons each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. That is why our phones get busy with squirrel calls in September and October, and why many of those calls involve juvenile squirrels in the attic. A mother squirrel looking for a safe place to raise her young will find any weak spot she can on your home.
The damage squirrels cause
Squirrels in the attic are more than just a nuisance. They can cause significant damage to your home, both inside and out.
Inside the attic, squirrels chew on ductwork and electrical wiring, and they damage and soil your insulation.
Outside the home, squirrels chew holes in siding, roofing, and wood trim. Those openings do not just let squirrels in. They can also let water in, leading to water damage down the road.
Squirrels look for weak spots
Squirrels are constantly looking for vulnerable areas on your home. If you have rot on any of your trim, siding that has come loose, or shingles that are not in good shape, you are much more likely to have a problem with squirrels or other critters.
A quick fix for squirrels is not the answer
Here is a situation we see all the time: a homeowner has a squirrel in the attic, gets a quick fix, maybe has a squirrel or two caught and removed, and considers the problem solved. Then, a year later or even sooner, they have squirrels again.
Why does this happen? Once a squirrel or other critter has gotten into your home and taken up residence, it leaves behind odor and scent. That scent continues to draw interest from the same species. We see this often with squirrels and raccoons. Removing the animal without securing the home is basically leaving the welcome mat out for the next one.
The real solution: secure the whole home
To keep squirrels out for good, you have to reinforce the entry points and secure the entire home. If you only address one spot, there is a good chance you will end up with squirrels back in future years.
Securing the home includes reinforcing common entry points such as:
Gable vents
Roof returns
Fascia boards
Drip edge and the areas along the gutter lines
It also means making sure there is no rotting wood that gives squirrels an easy way in. Every one of these details plays a part in making sure squirrels do not have easy access to your home.
Hear noises in the attic this fall?
If you are hearing scratching or scurrying overhead, do not wait for the damage to add up. Piedmont Wildlife Control will remove the squirrels and secure your whole home so they do not come back next season.
Call us today at (919) 245-3300 to schedule an inspection.
