Austin Squirrel Removal

How Do I Know If I Have Squirrels in My Home?

If you suspect that squirrels may have infiltrated your home, it's important to be vigilant for several telltale signs that indicate their presence. Recognizing and acting on these red flags early can help prevent further damage and other consequences that these furry intruders may cause.

You may have a squirrel problem if you notice one or more of the following warning signs:

• Strange noises. One of the most common indicators of squirrels in your attic or walls is the sound of scampering, scratching, or gnawing, especially during the early morning or late evening. These noises result from their constant activity as they forage for food, construct nests, and interact with each other.
• Droppings. Squirrel droppings may be found in or around your home. They are small and dark and can often be found near entry points and feeding areas. Identifying these droppings can be challenging, as they resemble those of rodents. Our wildlife removal experts at Critter One can examine the excrement and identify the type of critter you are dealing with.
• Chewed wires and wood. Evidence of gnawing on electrical wiring, wooden beams, or other structural materials can signify an ongoing problem. Squirrels instinctively chew to keep their teeth sharp, which can lead to significant damage if not addressed quickly.
• Damage to entry points. Look for chewed holes or gaps around soffits, roof vents, or areas where utility lines enter your home. Squirrels typically exploit these areas for access, and any visible damage should be repaired promptly to prevent additional intrusions.
• Nest materials. Finding shredded insulation, dried leaves, or twigs in attic spaces often points to the presence of a squirrel nest. 
• Food debris. Remnants of nuts, fruit rinds, or pine cones can often be found near the sites where squirrels feed. Discovering such debris around your home can be an indication that squirrels have been foraging nearby or have established a habitat there.

Why Do I Need to Have Squirrels Removed?

You shouldn’t underestimate the chaos even a single squirrel can cause. These critters can pose a variety of threats that justify their removal when they encroach upon human living spaces. 

Squirrels love to gnaw on just about any material available, which can lead to serious structural damage within homes. For example, squirrels habitually chew on materials like wood, siding, and electrical wires. This behavior is not merely destructive but also perilous, as gnawing through electrical wiring considerably elevates the risk of electrical fires.

Squirrels are also carriers of numerous parasites and diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. They can harbor fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread throughout the home, leading to infestations that are both bothersome and costly to manage. Diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella can also pose significant health risks.

When squirrels invade gardens, they are known to dig up plants and bulbs, strip bark from trees, and raid bird feeders. This behavior can cause financial loss and aesthetic issues as well as destabilize local seed and plant populations, impacting other wildlife and garden health.

Timely removal is essential to mitigate these risks and maintain the safety, structure, and integrity of your home. Our Austin squirrel removal experts can efficiently and humanely relocate squirrels while securing potential entry points against future intrusions.

Will Squirrels Eventually Leave My Attic on Their Own?

When squirrels find a comfortable and safe nesting place like an attic, they are usually not in a hurry to leave, especially if it provides shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions. Attics are often ideal for these animals because they are quiet, secluded, and generally free from disturbances, making them perfect for nesting and raising their young. Female squirrels are especially likely to stay through birthing seasons, raising their litters before considering moving on. This nesting behavior significantly reduces the likelihood that they will leave voluntarily.

Squirrels are creatures of habit and tend to return to familiar nesting sites even if they do leave temporarily. They have strong homing instincts and are likely to return to the same location unless deterred. If your attic has been suitable for nesting or shelter, it will likely continue to be attractive, particularly when exterior conditions force wildlife to seek refuge. As such, relying on them to leave on their own without intervention can prolong their stay and increase the risk of damage or infestation.

We can evict these critters safely and ethically. Our crews can also help seal access points to keep them from returning to your attic. 

How Do Austin’s High Summer Temperatures Affect Squirrel Activity?

Austin’s sometimes-extreme summer temperatures can significantly affect the behavior of local squirrel populations. During the hottest parts of the day, typically noon to mid-afternoon, squirrels tend to reduce their activity to avoid overheating. Instead, they are most active in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler and more bearable. 

The heat can also influence their nesting habits, prompting them to seek out shaded, well-ventilated, or even indoor areas like attics to escape the sun’s intensity. Prolonged heat waves might also impact their food sources as plants and trees suffer from drought, leading squirrels to forage closer to human habitats where food and water are more readily available. 

In other words, when temperatures start to rise, you need to be on heightened alert for squirrel activity near your home. If you think one or more of these critters may have gotten inside, don’t wait to get in touch with our Austin squirrel removal professionals.

If you’re dealing with squirrels in or near your home, we can save the day. Call (726) 200-1018 or contact us online now.