Squirrel and Rodent Attic Prevention: How to Protect Your Home This Fall

As the weather cools here in Clayton, NC, and the surrounding areas, your attic becomes a warm, inviting shelter for wildlife. Squirrels and rodents, in particular, often seek refuge in homes as fall begins, leading to damage and health risks. In this post, we’ll discuss key strategies for squirrel and rodent attic prevention to help protect your home and keep critters out.

Why Squirrel and Rodent Attic Infestations Are a Serious Problem

Squirrels and rodents may look small and harmless, but when they get into your attic, they can create serious problems. These intruders gnaw through insulation and wires, which poses a fire hazard, and can cause significant structural damage by nesting in tight spaces.

Rodents, such as rats and mice, bring additional dangers. They leave droppings that contaminate surfaces and food, spreading diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis. Their constant gnawing can also lead to holes in your walls, allowing them to roam freely throughout your home. Rodents can spread dangerous diseases like hantavirus. Learn more from the CDC.

An infestation of squirrels or rodents in your attic can lead to costly repairs, electrical hazards, and health risks for your family.

Fall: The Prime Season for Squirrel and Rodent Infestations in Attics

Why is fall the most common time for wildlife intrusions? As temperatures drop, squirrels and rodents begin to search for warm places to shelter, store food, and build nests for the winter. Your attic, with its insulation and dark spaces, offers the perfect habitat.

In places like Clayton, Raleigh, and other areas we serve across Johnston, Wake, Harnett, Wilson, Wayne, Lee, Durham, and Nash counties, the fall season sees an increase in squirrel and rodent activity as they search for warm shelters.

Common entry points for these animals include:

• Cracks in the foundation
• Small gaps in roofing or siding
• Uncovered vents
• Openings around pipes, windows, or doors

These gaps might seem insignificant, but squirrels and rodents are excellent climbers and can squeeze through even the tiniest openings. As they prepare for winter, they become more aggressive in their search for shelter, making fall the critical time for prevention.

Best Practices for Squirrel and Rodent Exclusion and Attic Protection

Effective squirrel and rodent attic prevention starts with sealing off potential entry points and taking proactive steps to keep wildlife out. Here are the top strategies to protect your home:

Inspect Your Home for Entry Points

Regularly inspect your home’s exterior, especially your attic and roofline. Look for any signs of damage or small openings that wildlife could use to enter. Common areas include soffits, eaves, vents, and gaps around windows.

Seal Gaps and Install Vent Covers for Wildlife Prevention

Even small cracks and holes can provide access for rodents or squirrels. Seal any gaps with caulk or steel mesh, and consider installing vent covers to prevent animals from entering through vulnerable areas like vents and rooflines. Chimney caps are another excellent way to keep animals out.

Trim Trees and Shrubs Near Your Roofline

Squirrels often use overhanging branches as bridges to your roof. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back at least six feet from your roofline to make it harder for them to access your home.

Proper Food Storage

Rodents are particularly drawn to food sources. Ensure that food, including pet food and birdseed, is stored securely in metal or plastic containers to avoid attracting wildlife.

Use One-Way Doors for Effective Squirrel and Rodent Removal

If squirrels or rodents have already made their way into your attic, one-way exclusion doors are an excellent solution. These devices allow the animals to exit but prevent them from re-entering. This humane removal method is especially effective when paired with sealing entry points.

The Importance of Professional Squirrel and Rodent Removal and Prevention

While DIY efforts can help, they often fall short of completely solving the problem, especially if wildlife has already entered your home. Professional exclusion services ensure that all entry points are properly sealed, and animals are safely removed.

At Freedom Wildlife Solutions, our team of licensed wildlife control experts specializes in squirrel and rodent exclusion. We not only remove the animals but also implement long-term prevention strategies to ensure they don’t return. Plus, with our lifetime warranty on exclusions (when paired with our recurring pest control services), you can trust that your home will remain critter-free year-round.

How to Handle a Squirrel or Rodent Infestation in Your Attic

If you suspect squirrels or rodents have invaded your attic, here are the warning signs to watch for:

• Scratching or scampering noises in walls or ceilings
• Droppings or gnaw marks around your attic or home
• Nests made of insulation, leaves, or other materials
• A strong, musty odor (common with rodent infestations)

It’s crucial to act quickly. Contact a professional wildlife control company to safely remove the animals and repair any damage to your home. DIY removal can be dangerous and often leads to incomplete solutions. Squirrels and rodents may return if not handled properly.

Squirrel and Rodent Attic Prevention: Take Action Today to Protect Your Home

Fall is the best time to take preventative measures to keep squirrels and rodents out of your attic. A proactive approach now can save you from costly repairs and the potential health hazards that come with wildlife invasions.

If you’re located in Clayton, NC, or any of the surrounding areas, don’t wait until squirrels or rodents have caused damage to your home. Contact Freedom Wildlife Solutions today for a professional inspection and exclusion plan.