Not only are they a cause of disease spreading, but they also create a fire hazard. This is because they like to build their nest out of small and flammable objects. Twigs, string, scraps of cloth, leaves, and hair are all among the objects that make up a squirrels nest. They also are known to chew through your wiring which creates a terrible combination that could lead to a house fire. To help you prevent these events from occurring here are some tips for dealing with squirrels.
The most important thing you can do when you begin dealing with a squirrel problem is to discover where they are entering your home. If they are in your chimney it is most likely they entered through the top. This part of your chimney is referred to as the flu. If there is not a cap on yours it is simply a hole in the top of your roof.
If there are any existing holes in your roof or walls, squirrels are also excellent at exploiting these weaknesses. If the hole is not large enough for them to enter, they will dig and chew at it until they can fit.
Once you have found where the squirrels are entering you will have to set up traps. This is contingent on if it is even legal in your area to trap squirrels. In many areas, it is not. To make sure you should get in contact with your municipal bylaw office, your local humane society, or your fish and game office to ensure what you are doing is legal.
If the answer is yes, you will have to purchase either a live trap or a kill trap. While a kill trap may seem easier, it is typically not the most recommended method in dealing with a pest. Catch and release are far more humane and won’t leave babies to die without their mother.
When you are setting your squirrel trap you should use a bait that the squirrels will seek out. Peanut butter and fruit are both great options. Because squirrels are incredibly hesitant to take the bait you may be better off pre-baiting the trap for several days before arming the trap. This will lure the squirrels into a false sense of security when entering the trap once it has been armed. If you are having difficulty you absolutely should hire a professional. Squirrels are difficult to catch and are one of the times a professional will likely be needed.
Once you have removed the squirrels you will need to have your chimney cleaned. While you could in theory do this yourself, you are much better off hiring a professional. Cleaning a chimney is already a difficult task without adding in the extra bio-hazardous waste that squirrels will leave behind.