Squirrel Infestation Signs: How to Detect and Prevent Squirrel Problems
Squirrels are a common sight in San Jose, but when they invade your attic, walls, or crawl spaces, they become more than just a nuisance. A squirrel infestation can lead to property damage, electrical hazards, and health risks, making early detection crucial.
At Critter Control of San Jose, we specialize in professional squirrel removal services, ensuring that your home stays safe from these destructive rodents. If you suspect squirrels are nesting in your home, here’s how to identify the signs and what to do about it.
Common Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
1. Scratching and Scurrying Noises
Squirrels are highly active animals that move around during the day. If you hear scratching, scurrying, or gnawing noises coming from your attic, walls, or ceiling, you may have a squirrel problem. These noises are most noticeable in the early morning or late afternoon when squirrels are searching for food.
2. Squirrel Droppings in the Attic
Squirrel feces resemble large, dark brown pellets and are commonly found in attics, along beams, or near nesting sites. If you notice droppings in your attic or storage areas, it’s a strong indication of a squirrel infestation.
Related Article: How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic
3. Chewed Electrical Wires and Wood
Squirrels have powerful teeth that never stop growing, which is why they constantly chew on wood, wires, and insulation. Look for gnaw marks on beams, chewed wiring, and shredded insulation. Exposed electrical wires can create serious fire hazards, making it essential to remove the infestation quickly.
4. Nests Made of Leaves and Insulation
Squirrels build nests using leaves, twigs, paper, and attic insulation. If you find clumps of nesting material in your attic or behind walls, it’s a sign that squirrels have made themselves at home.
5. Entry Holes in Roof and Vents
Squirrels enter homes through damaged roof shingles, soffits, vents, and small gaps in the exterior. If you notice chewed or broken entry points, squirrels may be using them to access your attic.
6. Strong Odors from Urine and Droppings
Over time, squirrel infestations can create a strong, unpleasant odor due to their urine and droppings. This smell can spread through ventilation systems, affecting indoor air quality.
7. Daytime Activity Around the Roof
Unlike rats or mice, which are more active at night, squirrels are most active during the day. If you frequently see squirrels climbing on your roof, entering vents, or disappearing into small openings, they may already be inside your home.
Dangers of a Squirrel Infestation
Squirrels may look harmless, but they can cause significant damage to your home and pose health risks.
1. Fire Hazards from Chewed Wires
Squirrels chew on electrical wiring, which can lead to short circuits and fire hazards. Damaged wires increase the risk of house fires, making early squirrel removal essential.
2. Structural Damage to Your Home
Squirrels gnaw through wood, insulation, and roofing materials, causing costly repairs. Their constant burrowing can weaken the structure of your attic or crawl space.
3. Health Risks from Squirrel Droppings
Squirrel feces can carry harmful bacteria, parasites, and diseases that pose health risks to humans and pets. Exposure to squirrel droppings, urine, or nesting materials can lead to respiratory issues and infections.
4. Contamination of Attic Insulation
Squirrels rip apart insulation to build nests, leading to higher energy bills and reduced home efficiency. Contaminated insulation often needs complete replacement, adding to the costs of an infestation.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic
1. Professional Squirrel Inspection
At Critter Control of San Jose, we start with a comprehensive inspection to identify:
- Squirrel entry points
- Nesting areas
- Property damage caused by squirrels
2. Humane Squirrel Removal Services
We use safe and humane methods to remove squirrels, including:
- Live trapping and relocation
- One-way exclusion doors to allow squirrels to exit without returning
- Safe deterrents to prevent re-entry
3. Sealing Entry Points and Exclusion Techniques
Once squirrels are removed, we seal all potential entry points using:
- Heavy-duty steel mesh
- Vent covers
- Sealing gaps and cracks in the roof and siding
4. Cleanup and Sanitation
After the infestation is removed, we offer decontamination services, including:
- Dropping and urine removal
- Odor neutralization
- Attic insulation repair and replacement
5. Preventing Future Squirrel Infestations
To keep squirrels from returning, we recommend:
- Trimming tree branches that provide easy roof access
- Removing food sources, such as bird feeders and pet food
- Installing chimney caps and vent covers
Why Choose Critter Control of San Jose for Squirrel Removal?
- Expert Wildlife Technicians: Our team specializes in squirrel removal and prevention.
- Humane and Eco-Friendly Methods: We use safe, non-lethal techniques to remove squirrels.
- Emergency Services Available: If you need urgent squirrel removal, we offer 24/7 emergency services.
- Comprehensive Squirrel Proofing: We don’t just remove squirrels—we prevent them from coming back.
Protect Your Home with Professional Squirrel Control
Ignoring a squirrel infestation can lead to expensive repairs, health hazards, and ongoing damage. If you’ve noticed signs of squirrels in your attic, act quickly to prevent further issues.
Schedule a Free Squirrel Inspection Today!
At Critter Control of San Jose, we offer expert squirrel removal and prevention services to keep your home safe. Don’t wait until the damage gets worse—call us today for a free inspection and customized squirrel removal plan!
Contact us now for reliable, professional squirrel removal services in San Jose!
