You may already be familiar with the iconic image of the grey squirrel, but it’s important to remember that these furry critters can become far more than just a cute visitor to your backyard. In this article, we’ll discuss the potential dangers of having uninvited guests in your home and what you can do to protect yourself from these furry invaders, squirrels.
Squirrels are small, nimble rodents that are found in woods and trees across North America. These adaptable creatures can also live in cities and suburbs, where they often become a nuisance to homeowners. While most squirrels are harmless, they can cause damage to your property and pose a health risk to you and your family if they are not properly controlled.
The Different Types of Squirrels in Toronto
There are two main types of squirrels that inhabit the Toronto area: the red squirrel and the grey squirrel. The red squirrel is smaller than the grey squirrel and has a reddish-brown coat. These squirrels typically nest in trees and do not often venture into homes or other buildings.
Grey squirrels, on the other hand, are larger than red squirrels and have a greyish-brown, or sometimes black coat. They are more likely than red squirrels to enter homes in search of food or shelter, which can make them a nuisance to homeowners.
The Dangers of Having Squirrels in Your Home
While most squirrels are harmless, they can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as rabies and salmonella. In addition, their constant scratching and chewing can damage insulation, wiring, and woodwork in your home. If you suspect that you have a squirrel problem in your home, it is important to contact a professional pest control company for assistance.
The Risks of Squirrels in Your Home
There are several risks that come along with having squirrels in your home. One of the biggest dangers is the potential for fires. Squirrels are known to gnaw on electrical wiring, which can create a fire hazard. They can also contaminate food and spread diseases. Some of the diseases that squirrels can carry include Salmonellosis, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Tularaemia and Lyme Disease.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Entering Your Home
If you live in an area with a high squirrel population, as we do in Toronto, and the Greater Toronto Area, chances are you’ve had at least one run-in with these little rodents. They’re cute, but they can be a real nuisance – especially if they get into your home. Here are some tips to prevent squirrels from entering your home:
- Inspect your home for any potential entry points and seal them up. This may include gaps in the foundation, openings around windows and doors, chimney stacks, or holes in soffits, siding and attic vents.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your house. Squirrels often use tree branches to access roofs and attics.
- If you enjoy feeding the local birds, try installing a squirrel-proof bird feeder. These feeders have a weight-activated perch that closes the access door when a squirrel steps on it.
- Don’t leave food out that would attract squirrels, such as nuts, seeds, bird feed, or fruits. If you have a pet, make sure their food is not accessible to squirrels either.
If you find a squirrel in your home, it is always best to contact a professional to safely
remove the squirrel and seal their point of entry.
Solutions and Tips for Removal of Squirrels
If you are having problems with squirrels in your home, there are a few things that you can do in order to remove them. One of the first things that you should do is to make sure that all of the food sources that they have access to are removed. This means removing any bird feeders, pet food, and garbage cans from around your property. At this point, it is best to contact a professional to humanely remove the animal from your home.
Alternatives to Removing Squirrels From Your Home
If you have a squirrel in your home, there are a few things you can do to remove it without harming the animal. First, try to seal off any openings that the squirrel may have entered through. This includes repairing damaged screens and sealing cracks and holes in the exterior of your home.
If you have the experience, you can also try to catch the squirrel yourself using a live trap baited with nuts or seeds. Once you have caught the squirrel, release it far away from your home. If these methods do not work, you may need to call a professional wildlife control company to remove the squirrel and repair the entry point for you.
Squirrels though undoubtedly cute and entertaining to watch, can be a nuisance if left unchecked. Toronto, and Greater Toronto Area residents must take proactive steps to ensure their safety from these uninvited guests by taking the necessary preventative measures to protect their home from potential squirrel intrusions.
If you suspect that there may already be squirrels in your home, it is essential to call in an experienced wildlife control expert so that they can remove them safely and humanely.
Here at TruTech Pest & Wildlife Control, we have the experience and know-how to safely
remove squirrels from your home, and more importantly, identify potential entry points to prevent them from returning.
If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your initial inspection, please
contact us at (647) 289-7378, or, Info@TruTechPestAndWildlife.ca
TruTech Pest And Wildlife Control, Your Squirrel Experts!
