How to Remove Grey Squirrels in the Attic

Most people who dial a professional squirrel exterminator's hotline would ask for help in removing a grey squirrel invading their attic. This fact is not that surprising though because grey squirrels are quite abundant in many areas in the United States and in Europe, a number enough to make house invasions a common scene. These little critters make it to the attic by slowly chewing up the weak portions of the roof. These wooden portions might have been weakened by moisture or direct physical damage. They can also chew their way into the attic through the vents and the soffits. Grey squirrels would patiently make an entry into your attic because it is vital for their survival. Unfortunately, with the rapid integration of squirrel and human habitats, squirrels have figured out that it is more comfortable to stay in an attic where it is warm and predator-free than to spend time outside where it is cold.

However, no matter what the squirrels are really up to, the definite result of their actions is damage, at least in the point of view of the house's owner. While squirrels get the warmth that they want once they get into the attic, humans lose theirs. As squirrels continue to live in the attic, they will eventually shred up and destroy the house's insulation system which supposedly keeps the people inside the house warm. If not shred, they would make the insulation smell awful because of their urine. Worse, their urine will also stain the ceiling which will be visible from the inside of the house. This too will produce a very strong awful odor. The house owner has to worry about the feces that they deposit inside the house too. These by-products can cause serious bacterial and viral diseases when left un-cleaned for some time.

But none of the things yet mentioned constitute the most serious possible danger that squirrels in the attic can do. The most serious problem by far is fire hazard. Because these critters are nibblers like their cousins (i.e. mice and rats), they would not hesitate to chew on the electrical wiring in and around the house, which by the way are most common in attics. Squirrels do not really electrocute themselves to death once they chew on the wiring, what they do is that they chew on the insulation of the wiring, thereby exposing its live part out into the open. As a result, the once this exposed portion touches water or any conductive material, electrical short circuits will happen. This can either result to sparks which can start a fire or damage appliance which can start a fire as well.

But all of these could have been avoided if the house was squirrel-proofed in the first place. Grey squirrels will not make such damages inside a house if they have not been given the chance to get in. But for those who have realized this fact late, there's still hope. By following effective techniques in squirrel removal or by hiring a squirrel exterminator and squirrel-proofing the house thereafter, the house owner too can rest from worrying about such dangers from happening.

The first thing that should be taken into consideration when it comes to squirrel removal is their behavior. These animals are mischievous in nature so they are used to escaping. But, they so not have complex thinking too so they would also end up falling down into chimneys, walls and other holes. They will also get themselves stuck in wood-stoves and other places by squeezing into areas where they are not supposed to. These behaviors will help you get the clues that you need on how you are going to deal with the squirrel inside your house. If they are not creating "party" sounds in your attic, then they might be struck somewhere, of course this should be backed by a previous knowledge that squirrels are indeed living in your house.

Removing Grey Squirrels in the Attic

These squirrels are diurnal, or they are like most mammals which are active during day time. Grey squirrels are the common squirrels that we see in your backyard or in the road during the morning and in the late afternoon. They are considered to be the most destructive squirrels in residential places. The only effective way to remove these squirrels from your attic is to trap them and then squirrel-proof your attic to stop other squirrels from coming in. To trap the squirrel, you will need to purchase a squirrel trap which you can install in the entrance that they have made in your attic. Although you can try to catch them using nets and other stuff, the trap is most recommended because it can be left to work by itself and it can be used by anyone even those who do not have any experience in squirrel control. You can also call a professional squirrel exterminator and have them catch the squirrel for you. This might cost you some dollars, but it will also unburden you with the trouble of having to do the task on your own.

You just need to remember that squirrels are territorial animals. Thus, you can catch the squirrel that is currently living in your attic, but if you will not squirrel-proof your house, once the other squirrels have sensed that the previous occupant of your attic is already gone, they will compete to be the next resident and so your problem with squirrels will never end. To squirrel proof your house, make sure that you cover all possible entry points which they can use. Cut down all tree branches too that stretched too close to your house, since squirrels can use these are "bridges". You can also buy chilli sprays and use it in the weak portions of your roof and vent. This will make the squirrels avoid these portions because they do not like the taste of chilli. But if you are not really confident that you can do all these stuff on your own, simply call a professional and end your problems right away.