How Squirrels Are Getting into Your Attic This Winter (and 5 Ways to Stop Them)

Thanks to their scurrying sounds, it is fairly straightforward to inform whenever you’re coping with a squirrel drawback in your attic. However, discovering their actual entry level is extra of a problem. The greatest approach to determine it out is to suppose like a squirrel.

“Squirrels are ruthless, athletic, and might be aggressive to get what they need, which is oftentimes entering into your own home,” says Keith Hinds, vp of operations at Modern Pest Services. “The very first thing to recollect is how sturdy of climbers they’re, and suppose with that in thoughts.”

If a squirrel fails to enter your home on their first attempt, they’re going to search for a brand new entry level. Here’s a round-up of the commonest ways in which squirrels enter properties, in response to pest management specialists.

By Using Tree Branches as Transportation

Tree branches are amongst squirrels’ favourite modes of transportation for getting in your roof, and subsequently into your attic.

“A tree department that hangs over or near the home could lead on a squirrel proper to your attic,” Hinds says. “Keep branches trimmed at the least 8 toes from your home. You’ll take away the pure ‘bridge’ and can restrict this quick access level.”

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Through Your Chimney

If you have received squirrels in your attic and a chimney, these two details could also be associated. Similar to a hole tree, a chimney makes for a comfortable nesting spot.

“One entry level into an attic space is an previous chimney flue with a niche {that a} squirrel can exploit,” says Morgan Wilson, technical companies supervisor at Fox Pest Control. “A easy repair to this might be to put a cap on the chimney.”

Via Roofline Gaps and Soffit Intersections

If you have received any gaps close to your roofline the place the roof meets the fascia or soffit, a intelligent squirrel can discover them. These spots typically showcase uncovered wooden, which Wilson says is a way more engaging gnawing materials for squirrels. If the opening is not large enough, the squirrel will make it larger.

“Inspect the seams and discover sturdy materials to seal them in case you can,” Hinds says. “Galvanized metal mesh or {hardware} material can seal them and hold squirrels from getting by.”

Damaged or Rotted Fascia Boards

If your own home has a couple of spots on its fascia with water injury and decay, it is greater than an eyesore. Once wooden begins decomposing, it is softer and, subsequently, a lot simpler to chew by.

“If part of your home is already delicate or rotten, a squirrel can positively chew by and get in,” Hinds says. “If you discover these fascia boards, then substitute them or reinforce them with steel flashing to remove any of those locations that could possibly be a problem.”

By Crawling Inside Vents

Attics want correct air flow. Vents do the vital job of letting humid and scorching air out, however they’ll additionally let squirrels in.

“Attic vents are widespread factors of entry for many wildlife able to squeezing by or bending the vents,” Wilson says. “Wooden vents are significantly susceptible to squirrels.”

Luckily, this can be a preventable drawback and a simple repair. She suggests securing the vent from the skin with {hardware} material.