Squirrels in Your Attic: A Guide to Safe and Humane Animal Removal

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Budgetanimal

Discovering that squirrels have made themselves at home in your attic can be a frustrating and concerning experience for any homeowner or property manager. The pitter-patter of little feet at first provides a quaint, woodland charm to the home’s atmosphere, but it quickly turns into a nightmare when the adorable intruders start chewing through your wiring or causing structural damage. This guide is designed to help you not only handle the immediate issue but do so with respect for the safety, well-being, and legal status of these commonly misunderstood creatures.

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Why are Squirrels an Issue in Attics?

Squirrels are crafty creatures, known for their agility and acumen. When they choose to set up camp in your residence, they’re usually not looking for trouble – just a cozy spot to call home. However, the consequences of their presence can be far-reaching, from the immediate dangers of electrical fires to the long-term implications of compromised housing insulation. While the urge to handle the situation swiftly is understandable, it’s crucial to remember that ensuring the safety of the animals and maintaining compliance with wildlife regulations are just as important.

The first step in resolving a squirrel infestation is identifying that it’s happening. This might seem straightforward, but signs of these nimble critters can be subtle. Once you’re confident that squirrels are the issue, employing safe and humane removal techniques should be your next priority. Understanding the relevant legal and ethical considerations is also vital, as it ensures that your actions are responsible and provide a framework for future interactions with wildlife.

Identifying Squirrel Infestation

Squirrel infestations are often first noted by scratching or scurrying sounds in the attic or chimney. You might also hear the animals vocalizing. Physical signs include damage caused by chewing, nesting materials such as shredded insulation, and droppings. Squirrels often enter buildings in search of shelter and a place to raise young, making your attic an ideal spot.

Sounds and Noises – One of the most tell-tale signs of a squirrel infestation is the sound of the animals moving around, particularly at dawn and dusk when they’re most active. They’re loud, and hearing them move is often the first indicator of their presence.

Damage – Squirrels have sharp teeth and are known to gnaw through wood, electrical wiring, and even PVC plumbing. This kind of damage poses both safety and structural risks.

Droppings and Odors – Accumulating droppings and the urine of these animals can lead to foul smells and can also pose health risks to the indoor air quality of your home.

Nesting Material – Squirrels build nests out of any material they can find, and your attic’s insulation and materials may be used to create these homes, leading to further structural and safety issues within the space.

Safest Squirrel Removal Techniques

Once you’ve confirmed a squirrel infestation, it’s critical to remove them safely. This is a task best handled by professionals. Licensed and insured wildlife removal companies not only have the expertise to handle the animals without harm, but they also have a suite of tools and techniques to ensure the removal is complete and permanent. Professional squirrel removal services are also well-versed in local wildlife regulations and will act in accordance with them, ensuring that your squirrel removal is legal. Furthermore, they will be equipped to deal with any biohazards created by the infestation.

Risks of DIY Animal Removal

When dealing with wildlife, you enter a different legal category than in simple pest prevention. Various local and national regulations exist to protect animals, and it’s important to understand the laws in your area so that you remain in compliance. DIY removal is risky for both humans and the animals. Squirrels can carry diseases such as rabies, and inexperienced individuals are more likely to be exposed to dangers during trapping and removal.

Recommended Squirrel Control Measures

Respect for animal welfare should guide all your interactions with wildlife. The goal is not just to remove the immediate problem but to ensure that the squirrels are unharmed in the process and that the solution is a humane one. With that being said, prevention is often more effective and less hassle than cure. In the case of nuisance squirrels, control measures can deter these creatures from considering your property as a potential nesting site.

Seal Entry Points

After the squirrels are gone, it’s essential to seal entry points. Carefully inspect your home’s exterior, looking for gaps and openings through which a squirrel might enter. Seal these up with the appropriate materials to prevent future access. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for new entry points. Remember, squirrels and other wildlife are persistent and opportunistic, and a small breach could be their way in.

Remove Attractants

The primary reason squirrels are attracted to your home is the presence of food or the potential for shelter. Store food securely and ensure there are minimal hiding spots like overgrown vegetation near the home. You may want to invest in squirrel baffles for bird feeders and other areas you don’t want them climbing.

Squirrel Repellents

Natural wildlife repellents can discourage squirrels from the immediate vicinity. These include things like hot pepper sprays, putrescent egg crumbles, castor oil, or even predator urine, but their effectiveness may vary.

Conclusion

A squirrel infestation in your attic is a disruptive event, but it is one that can be effectively and humanely resolved with the right approach. By acting responsibly and proactively, you can ensure the safety of both your home and the wildlife that might otherwise cause you trouble. Understanding your rights, the animals’ needs, and the most effective removal and prevention methods creates the foundation for a safe living environment for all parties involved.

Remember, while squirrels may be a nuisance to you, they’re neighbors in their own right, living in the very nature we strive to conserve. Treating them with respect as you address the situation not only aligns with ethical practices but also sets a positive example for the sustainable management of our shared environment.

Should you discover squirrels in your attic, don’t panic. Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured squirrel removal service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

Winning the War Against Garden Squirrels: Proven Tactics

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Budgetanimal

Squirrels can be charismatic, with their playful antics and fluffy tails, but when these critters invade your beautiful garden, their charm quickly dissipates. Suddenly, they become the enemy, nibbling at your plants, and digging up your bulbs. These small creatures can wreak havoc on your green sanctuary, causing you unnecessary stress and frustration. But do not despair, as this war is not lost.

This blog post will guide you through proven tactics for effective squirrel control, including squirrel removal and repellent methods. Brace yourself for the battle and let’s reclaim your garden from these furry intruders!

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How to Identify a Nuisance Squirrel Problem

The first step in any war is to assess the situation. The same applies when it comes to controlling pesky squirrels. As such, you must identify if there’s an issue before taking action. Here are some telltale signs that point to a possible problem:

▹ Damaged or missing plants and bulbs
▹ Gnawed flowerpots
▹ Hollowed-out garden beds
▹ Hollowed-out garden beds
▹ Squirrel droppings near plants and fruits
▹ Unusually active squirrels in the garden

If you detect any of these signs, it’s time to take action. Don’t worry though – with some patience and effort, you can win this war!

Squirrel Removal

The first step in winning the war against garden squirrels is to understand their behavior and habitat preferences. Armed with this knowledge, you can preemptively keep them away from your precious plants or remove them if they have already invaded. Some common tactics for removal include:

Live Traps: Using a trap baited with food such as nuts can help you catch the pesky squirrels, which can then be released elsewhere. Only licensed professionals can trap and release nuisance squirrels. Do not attempt this yourself.

Exclusion: If you know where the squirrels are accessing your garden, seal off these entry points using metal or wooden barriers.

Repellents: There are many commercial repellent products containing either taste or smell to deter squirrels from entering your garden.

How to Make a Non-Toxic Squirrel Repellent Spray

If you want to use a more natural solution for deterring squirrels from your garden, make your own non-toxic repellent spray. All you need is one or two of the following ingredients: garlic cloves, chili powder, capsaicin oil, and/or vinegar. You can also use fox urine, as they are a common predator of squirrels. Then just mix 2 tablespoons of each ingredient with 3 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well and spray it liberally around your garden to keep squirrels away naturally.

Squirrel Control

Once you have removed the squirrels, it is time to implement wildlife abatement measures to prevent them from returning. Here are some tips for effective squirrel control:

Plant Species: Choose plants that squirrels don’t find appealing, such as prickly shrubs (globe thistle, marigolds, cucumbers) and trees or plants with strong scents (menthol, chili pepper, eucalyptus).

Fencing: A fence around your garden can discourage squirrels from entering. Make sure the fence is at least 3 feet tall and buried 6 inches deep for maximum effectiveness.

Scare Tactics: Use motion-activated sprinklers, decoys, or even barking dog recordings to scare away any squirrel that dared cross the line.

Squirrels and Bird Feeders

Are you looking for ways to protect your bird feeders from pesky squirrels? If so, here are some tips:

Opt for a squirrel-proof feeder. There are several on the market and they can be very effective.

Hang your bird feeders high and away from trees and rooftops where squirrels can easily climb up to them.

Add baffles above and below the feeders to prevent squirrels from reaching them.

Place the feeders near a window and use slinky toys to keep squirrels away.

In Conclusion

Winning the war against garden squirrels requires patience and dedication, but it is possible with these proven tactics. Understand their behaviors and habitat preferences, remove any intruders, implement control measures, and use natural or commercial repellents to keep them away. With these tips in your arsenal, you can reclaim your garden from these furry intruders! Finally, don’t forget to protect your bird feeders with squirrel-proof feeders and baffles.

Hopefully this blog post has helped provide useful information on controlling local squirrel populations. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for squirrels, chipmunks, and more!

How to Identify and Prevent Damage from Squirrels in Your Home

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Budgetanimal

Are you dealing with a squirrel problem in your home? If so, it’s important to identify the type of squirrel and its behaviors as soon as possible. Knowing what kind of damage they can cause, how to spot evidence of their presence and how to prevent them from entering your property are all essential steps for protecting your home.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips on how to identify and prevent damage from squirrels in your home. We’ll cover topics such as proper removal techniques, exclusion methods and more so that you can keep these pesky critters out of your living space once and for all!

Got Squirrels? Here’s How to Find Out

Look For Signs of Squirrel Activity

When it comes to identifying squirrels in your home, look for telltale signs of their presence. They often leave droppings that are easily spotted, and you may also see them moving around on trees or utility lines. Pay special attention to any holes they have chewed out of your exterior walls or roofs. These can be entry points for other animals as well, so it’s important to identify them early and seal them off when possible.

Hire Squirrel Removal and Exclusion Specialists

Once you’ve identified the squirrels in your home, the next step is squirrel removal. This can be accomplished through a variety of methods, ranging from live trapping and relocation to professional exclusion and animal proofing services. Live trapping is a humane approach that allows the safe and speedy capture of squirrels without harming them. On the other hand, exclusion and squirrel proofing methods are much faster and more effective.

Squirrel Control

When it comes to prevention, there are several steps you can take to discourage squirrels from entering your home and causing damage. Make sure that all exterior doors and windows are tightly sealed to keep animals from sneaking inside. Trim back any overhanging tree branches or twigs around the house that may provide access points to the roof or upper levels of your property. Additionally, use deterrents such as sprinklers, motion-activated lights and other products specifically designed for squirrel control.

Squirrel Repellent

Do you know how to make squirrel repellent? If not, it’s easy to purchase commercially made repellent. By using either technique, your yard can become a squirrel free zone! Making it yourself is surprisingly simple and requires only a few common items from the store. Try common critter repelling ingredients like predator urine, peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or capsaicin oil to start! Simply mix with water and spray! Buying a ready-made squirrel deterrent product takes no time at all and is highly effective against pesky critters. Whichever route you decide to take, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your lawn or garden won’t be troubled by bothersome animals.

Stop Squirrels in Their Tracks!

By following these tips, you can help identify and prevent damage caused by squirrels in your home. If you need assistance with squirrel removal techniques or exclusion methods, contact a local wildlife control expert for assistance. They can provide effective solutions to your squirrel problems and help you keep these critters out of your living space once and for all!

By using the right techniques and applying proper prevention methods, you can ensure that your home is safe from damage caused by squirrels. Start by contacting Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured squirrel removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana, and surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden This Spring

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Budgetanimal

Squirrels are cute, playful, and entertaining little critters to have around the yard. However, if you manage a garden every year, you might not be the biggest fan of them. And that’s okay! Squirrels are a common nuisance for gardeners since they are very good at sneaking around and causing all sorts of gardening problems. If you are tired of living under the tyranny of nuisance garden squirrels, it may help to take a new approach.

Continue reading to learn some effective tips for protecting your garden from squirrel damage, safely and humanely.

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Squirrel Control for Flowerbeds and Gardens

Make Some Environmental Modifications

The first step to stopping those furry little critters is modifying your surroundings. This means doing whatever you can to thwart squirrel activity and access. Put away accessible pet food dishes and water bowls, get rid of bird baths and houses, and eliminate low-hanging branches near roofs, patios, gardens, sheds, garages, and more (trim at least 6 feet away). You will also do well to seal up your garbage cans and only take them outside the morning of collection day.

If you have trees that are near your home and garden, you might want to consider installing metal sheets around the trunks to prevent squirrels from climbing them. These metal tree wraps discourage traction. And if they cannot climb your trees, it is not likely that they’ll stick around your property for too much longer.

Animal-Proof the Garden

If you are planting bulbs this year, consider planting them with cages. These metal cages can be purchased at any local gardening or home improvement store; or you can make them yourself using standard sheet metal. You can take it a step further by installing a metal mesh sheet over the top of your garden soil. Just be sure the mesh openings are at least 2 1/2 inches in diameter so they do not obstruct plant growth. You can use other types of garden barriers and reinforcements too, such as chicken wire fencing and hardware cloth. These methods will work well to prevent nuisance critters from digging up your garden plants.

Rely on Sensory Barriers

There are many non-toxic, homemade repellents you can use to thwart nuisance squirrel activity in certain areas of your yard. Many spices and smells are disliked by wildlife, including cayenne pepper, peppermint, menthol, and cinnamon. Sprinkle these spice mixtures around the perimeter of your garden for added protection. You can also use bowls of moth balls or ammonia soaked cotton balls, as well as, predator urine (coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, etc.), fake owl decoys, and even bitter apple spray. Just be sure to reapply regularly to maintain a constant and strong barrier.

Professional Squirrel Control Service

If nuisance squirrels are an ongoing problem for your property, it is very likely that they have caused problems in other areas of your home. Always try to catch a squirrel problem early on if you can. It is important to hire a professional wildlife control company to inspect your house for squirrel openings, damages, infestations, and all other wild animal susceptibilities. Professional wildlife intervention and proofing services will save you loads of time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Are ready for a more professional and advanced approach to squirrel control? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 to get rid of squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana at a price you can afford. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Today is National Squirrel Appreciation Day!

Today is National Squirrel Appreciation Day!

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Budgetanimal

Did you know that today, January 21^st, is the annual National Squirrel Appreciation Day? It’s True!

Americans all across the country celebrate this day by giving back a little more to the local squirrel populations within our communities. You too can do your part to support the neighborhood squirrels, all without posing any risk of animal damage to your property. Continue below to learn some fun facts about squirrels, as well as, some tips for showing your appreciation for these furry little critters this season!

Indianapolis Squirrel Removal and Control — National Squirrel Appreciation Day – January 21st

Fun Facts About Squirrels

Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that can fall under one or more of the three following categories: 1) Tree squirrel, 2) Ground squirrel, and 3) Flying squirrel. They belong to the Animalia family, Sciuridae, which also includes animals like chipmunks and prairie dogs, as well as, woodchucks, groundhogs, and other species of marmot.

They are most known for their big bushy tails and tiny dexterous paws. They range in size, depending on species, gender, and basic genetics. For instance, the African pygmy squirrel can be as small as 7 to 10 centimeters and weigh less than half an ounce, whereas the Alpine marmot measures in at over 2 feet long and up to 18 pounds!

Squirrels live in wooded or forested areas where there is an abundance of trees, undergrowth, and plants, as well as a reliable water source. This is also due to their primary diet of nuts, seeds, flowers, mushrooms, and herbaceous plants.

Some squirrels prefer widely-spaced forests with oaks, pines, and mixed tree species, while others, like the Eastern grey, squirrel, prefers trees that are closer together in order to move from tree to tree between canopies. They either build their nests out of tree branches, leaves, and organic material, or they find a tree cavity for shelter.

Supporting Local Squirrel Colonies

To do your part and support your local neighborhood squirrels, you can hang squirrel houses and feeders on the perimeter of your property. You can also modify your outdoor environments to thwart squirrels from getting too close to your structures. Ultimately, such modifications will deliver protection to squirrels because it keeps them in their safe and natural habitat, rather than your chimney or attic.

Dealing With a Nuisance Squirrel Problem?

If you have a nuisance squirrel problem in or around your property, never poison, trap, or harm them under any circumstances. Instead, always use safe and humane methods to control nuisance squirrels, such as a natural repellent. See our blog, “Non-Toxic Repellent Recipe for Nuisance Wildlife” to learn how to make your very own at home. If your squirrel problem persists, please contact a licensed wildlife removal company that can provide non-lethal squirrel removal and control services.

Safe Squirrel Removal and Control for Indiana

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control services for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! We work with all species of Indiana wildlife, except dogs, cats, and waterfowl. Request a free estimate, today.

What You Can Do About Winter Pest Problems

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Budgetanimal

When the spring and summer months finally arrive, several species of wild animals come out of hibernation or hiding for the season. This is when home owners start to notice signs of pest problems and wild animal presence on their properties. Although warmer weather brings on a whole new arena of wild animal invasion and pest control problems, winter time is also a season to consider when it comes to home and property protection.

You see, there are various species of wild animals that can still pose a threat to our properties during the winter months. It is recommended to learn how to animal-proof your property and inspect your home for animal invasion, such as bats, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, skunks, and even snakes. In fact, take some time to read our recent blog, “How to Animal Proof Your Home Before Winter is Here” to catch up on some important tips you might have missed a few months back.

As for now, continue reading to catch up on some helpful winter pest control tips for home and property protection from wild animals.

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Winter Animal-Proofing Tips

Do you know what the best tactic is for winter home protection against wild animal damages and intrusions? The answer is preventative maintenance! If you live near wooded or forested areas, or a body of water such as a creek, pond, river, or lake, your property is automatically more susceptible to nuisance wildlife interference since this is where animals go to live and survive.

In addition to trees and water, there are various other things that attract nuisance pests to a property. The primary attractions are food, water, and shelter. Animals need a place to hibernate for the season, so they will go to extreme lengths to find a cozy and private spot that is far away from harsh weather and predators.

So what do they like? Wild animals like bats, raccoons, and squirrels tend to target our attics, crawl spaces, garages, outdoor sheds, roofs, basements, siding, and patios! Thousands of dollars in home damages and endless stress can be a result of animal infestations such as these.

In order to stop nuisance animals from trespassing onto your property, certain preventative measures must be taken. This includes:

☑ Do not leave pet food outside.

☑ Do not leave trash bags outside.

☑ Monitor and manage your compost.

☑ Lock your garbage can lids, and only take them outside on the morning of trash pickup.

☑ Make sure all exterior areas of your house are sufficiently sealed (i.e. roof shingles, siding, foundation, gutters, garages, etc.).

☑ Remove bird baths and squirrel feeders.

☑ Lock doggie doors at night.

☑ Call a professional company for full-property inspection as soon as you suspect animal intrusions or activity.

Stop Nuisance Wildlife Before it’s Too Late

Winter pest control can be manageable if these strategies and preventative maintenance are implemented regularly. As mentioned, it is especially important for homeowners who live near wooded areas and bodies of water to take nuisance wildlife preventative maintenance seriously. Raccoons, bats, and other wild animals are smarter than we think when it comes to finding clever ways into our homes and properties.

They can cause an extreme amount of mess and damage that may or may not be covered in your home owner’s insurance policy. It is vital to stop animal intrusions before they begin. As soon as you are aware wild animals are visiting your property, call an Indianapolis wildlife control company for expert advice you can trust.

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal And Control

317-875-3099

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.