If you live in Portland then you know how many squirrels there are around here. And if you’re reading this article then they probably have made their way into your attic space. I am sorry. I of all people know how much of a pain it is to get squirrels out of attic spaces – every year during the Fall we get inundated with requests to get Squirrels out of our customer’s attic spaces. The good news is that we can help you! Here is the most important thing about getting squirrels out of your attic: Professionally inspecting and sealing entry points is the single most important aspect of doing squirrel control in the Portland area. With so many squirrels around, you MUST seal things up – and do it well – or they’ll come back.
Okay… now on to the article.
Squirrels are cute and entertaining creatures to watch when they are in their natural habitat, but when they invade your home, they can become quite the pest and squirrel removal becomes important. Squirrels can chew through wiring and insulation, causing expensive repairs. Squirrels can also carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans and pets. That’s why it’s important to address any squirrel infestations in your home as soon as possible. Squirrel removal can be tricky so ensure that you are confident in your ability to control the infestation and if you ever have questions give us a call. Squirrels are most active in Portland during two main seasons: January/February & then throughout the entire Fall time.
There are several methods for removing squirrels from attics, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most common methods:
- Non-toxic methods are the most humane and eco-friendly ways to remove squirrels from attics. These squirrel removal methods involve using repellents or exclusion techniques to deter squirrels from entering or staying in your home.
One popular squirrel removal method is to use ultrasonic repellents that emit high-frequency sounds that squirrels find unpleasant. These devices are easy to install and don’t harm the squirrels or the environment. These electronic repellents seem to have a hit-or-miss success rate compared to other forms of squirrel removal.
Another non-toxic method is to use mesh screens or sealants to block all entry points to your attic. This will prevent squirrels from entering your home in the first place. When using exclusion like this for squirrel removal ensure that you are prepared for squirrels to try to get back into the area. They can chew, scratch, and pull on any installed material so we recommend spraying the area down with a repellent in addition to installing mesh, etc. for exclusion.
- Trapping is another common method for removing squirrels from attics. This involves setting up traps in the attic that capture the squirrels alive. Once the squirrel is trapped, it can be safely removed from your home and released back into the wild.
However, trapping can be time-consuming and requires a lot of patience. You also need to check the traps frequently to ensure that the squirrel is not left in the trap for too long. Trapping is also not as effective as other methods, as squirrels can easily re-enter your home if you don’t block off all entry points.
- Repellents are another method for removing squirrels from attics. These come in the form of sprays or powders that are designed to repel squirrels from your home. These repellents often contain natural ingredients like peppermint oil or vinegar, which squirrels find unpleasant.
However, repellents are not always effective and may need to be reapplied frequently. They can also be harmful to pets and humans if ingested or inhaled. It’s important to choose a repellent that is safe for your family and pets.
If you have a large squirrel infestation or are unable to remove the squirrels yourself, it may be best to call in professional pest control services. These squirrel removal experts can provide a variety of removal methods, including trapping, exclusion, and repellents.
At Pest Patrol, we offer a comprehensive squirrel removal service for which includes removal of all squirrels along with locating and sealing entry points. Professionally sealing up entry points is the most important part of squirrel removal. Our trained professionals use non-toxic and humane methods to remove squirrels from attics and keep them out for good.
Call our office at 503-985-6523 to get a FREE estimate to get Squirrels out of your home!