06 Aug

How to Seal off My Attic So Squirrels Can’t Access It

squirrel building a nest in the attic

Squirrel noises in the attic during all hours of the day and sometimes at night can be unsettling. These furry creatures also tear up insulation, chew on wires and support beams and wreak untold damage to your house. Squirrel feces and urine are also a health concern and may carry disease-causing organisms including leptospirosis and salmonella.

Begin your task outside by trimming tree branches so that the nearest is about six to eight feet from the house. You may need to relocate any fixtures within close proximity to the house that the squirrels can use to launch on to the roof.

Next, inspect the exterior of the house for possible squirrel entry points. The animal can squeeze through a hole 1 ½ inches so be thorough. Seal the holes with galvanized steel mesh or metal flashing.

Note any loose shingles or rotting wood and replace or repair as necessary. Squirrels have a good eye for weak spots and can chew through compromised wood to create an entryway to the attic.

Seal openings where utility pipes and cables enter the house as well as openings at overhanging eaves and siding joints. Cover the attic vent with thick hardware cloth about ½ inches. Cover the chimney with sturdy caps design to keep wildlife out.

Hire a Professional to Seal Your Home from Squirrels

Squirrels can squeeze through holes about the size of an adult human’s fist and there is a good chance that you won’t find all potential entry points. Only an expert’s keen eye, experience and training can guarantee all entry points are found and blocked.

Another significant concern is sealing squirrels inside their den. Even if you are sure that the animals have left, there is a good chance that there is a litter of baby squirrels still inside. Covering entry holes while the animals are inside meant they die of starvation and dehydration.

Do not seal the holes until you have inspected the attic thoroughly and sure that there are no animals inside. It is best to let a professional do the job. Squirrels have a habit of stashing their babies in crawl spaces, inside walls and other unobvious places that you might miss.

Hire a squirrel removal company in Toronto that offers a warranty of at least two years for the job. Additional services may include cleaning and disinfecting the empty nest and repairing the damage that the animals caused such as torn insulation and chewed-up wires. We at Wildlife Shield offer professional insulation removal and attic cleaning in Toronto.

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