A Wildlife Removal Company Guide To Controlling Squirrels in Thornhill
If you’re dealing with a squirrel problem in your garage, you must act quickly to avoid further damage. Squirrels are agile climbers that can easily invade homes through gaps or small access points. Once inside, they can chew wiring, which poses serious fire hazards, and create strong smells from nesting materials or droppings. At our company, we specialize in wildlife control and humane removal techniques to ensure these animals are safely relocated without harm.
Preventing squirrels from re-entering is just as important as removing them. Installing barriers, such as wire mesh over potential entry points, is critical in long-term protection with these wild animals. Additionally, removing food sources like bird feeders or fruit trees near your garage can help deter squirrels and other animals. Our pest control experts can provide a comprehensive inspection to identify access points and recommend preventive measures tailored to your home. Contact us today to schedule wildlife removal services and restore peace of mind in your garage.
(647) 490-5317 – Wildlife Control Thornhill,
The Problem
Why Squirrels Are In Your Garage
Garages are a perfect environment for squirrels especially during the colder months. Squirrels are attracted to garages for three reasons:
- Warmth and Shelter: Garages offer a warm, dry space, making them an inviting refuge during harsh weather.
- Food: Squirrels are drawn to accessible food, such as pet food, birdseed, or other edibles stored in your garage.
- Nesting Materials: Squirrels gather soft materials like insulation, cardboard, and fabric to create nests, especially for their baby squirrels.If squirrels are using your garage as a haven, it’s essential to take action. At Affordable Wildlife Control, we provide wildlife removal and humane methods to address this issue while helping you prevent squirrels from returning. Contact us for expert wildlife control services tailored to your home. nesting habits include gathering soft materials like insulation, cardboard and fabric to build nests for their baby squirrels.
The Dangers of Squirrels in Your Garage
Squirrels may look harmless, but their presence in your garage can lead to significant damage:
- Property Damage: Squirrels’ teeth never stop growing, so they constantly chew to keep them at the proper length. This behavior can lead to chewed wiring, damaged insulation, and gnawed wooden structures. If you notice signs like gnawed wood or shredded materials in your garage, it’s a strong indicator of squirrel activity.
- Health Risks: Squirrels carry diseases and parasites that pose risks to humans and pets. Diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, along with parasites such as ticks, fleas, and mites, can enter your home through a squirrel infestation. This makes immediate squirrel removal and prevention critical for safety.
- Noise and Disruption: The scampering, scratching, and scurrying sounds of squirrels will disturb your peace, particularly during nighttime.
At Affordable Wildlife Control we specialize in comprehensive wildlife removal services and prevention techniques to help protect your property and health. Contact us today to ensure your garage is free from squirrels and the health concerns and dangers they bring.
Squirrel Types and Behaviour
Urban Squirrel Species
Urban areas have several squirrel species each with their own characteristics and behavior. Knowing which type of squirrel you have will help you tailor your wildlife control. Here are the most common species you may encounter:
- Eastern Gray Squirrels: Gray coat and white belly. Eastern Gray Squirrels are tree squirrels, they are very adaptable and thrive in urban areas. They are found in parks, backyards and unfortunately garages.
- Fox Squirrels: Larger than gray squirrels. Fox Squirrels have an orange or reddish tint to their fur. They are also found in urban areas and in similar habitats.
- Ground Squirrels: Unlike tree squirrels, Ground Squirrels have a more compact body and are found in areas with rocky or sandy soil. They are less likely to get in your garage but can still be a nuisance in urban areas.
- Tree Squirrels: Eastern Gray Squirrels and Red Squirrels are of the tree squirrel species
Squirrel Behavior
Squirrels are smart and social animals and understanding their behavior is key to wildlife control. Here’s what you need to know:
- Daytime Activity: Squirrels are most active during the day especially in the morning and afternoon. This is when you’ll hear them scampering around.
- Territorial: Squirrels are very territorial and will defend their space from other squirrels. This behavior can lead to more activity and noise if multiple squirrels are fighting for the same territory.
- Omnivorous: Squirrels have a varied diet of nuts, seeds, fruits and insects. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat human food sources.
- Good Climbers: Squirrels are excellent climbers and can climb trees, fences and even the exterior of buildings. This allows them to get into garages and other structures easily.
Signs of Squirrel Infestation
Common Signs: Squirrel Droppings
Before you do anything, make sure that it is squirrels coming in and out. Look for these signs:
- Droppings and Urine Stains: Squirrel droppings are small, dark and oval shaped.
- Chewed Materials: Damaged wires, gnawed insulation and shredded cardboard are telltale signs from their constant chewing.
- Scratching Sounds: Listen for scampering sounds especially in the morning or evening.
- Mewing or Chittering Sounds: This could indicate a mother squirrel and squirrel babies are inside your garage.
How to Confirm Squirrel Presence
If you think you have squirrels, do this:
- Inspect Potential Entry Points: Look for small holes, gaps or chewed areas around your garage doors, soffits, windows and vents.
- Use Motion Cameras: Set up cameras to monitor and confirm squirrel presence.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels
Seal Off Entry Points
One of the best ways to get rid of squirrels is to block their access and add preventive measures:
- Inspect Thoroughly: Check around garage doors, man doors, vents and rooflines.
- Seal Gaps: Use heavy duty materials like metal wire mesh, steel wool or caulk to seal off entry points.
- Install Door Sweeps: Make sure your garage doors close tight with no gaps.
Humane Wildlife Control Traps
Trapping squirrels can be a good way to remove them without harm as long as its not baby season:
- Choose the Right Trap: Use live traps designed to remove squirrels safely. Use humane removal methods like one-way doors to prevent re-entry and observe the animal’s behaviour before relocating. Various animals may act different if they have young inside the garage, and for their well being its best to know for sure.
- Bait: Use peanut butter, sunflower seeds or nuts.
- Check Local Laws: Check your local laws on trapping and relocating wildlife.
Repellents to Keep Squirrels Away
Repelling squirrels can be tricky but ultrasonic devices can help with wildlife intrusions and can keep them away from your garden and garage.
Repellents can make your garage less appealing to squirrels:
- Natural: Spread cayenne pepper, use peppermint essential oil or place vinegar soaked rags around the garage, anything with a strong smell or an unpalatable taste
- Commercial: Squirrel repellents in spray or granule form are available at most hardware stores.
Remove Food Sources and Attractants
Identify and Remove Food Sources
One of the best ways to keep squirrels out of your garage is to remove their food sustenance and attractants. Here’s how:
- Identify any Food: Squirrels are attracted to many things, bird seed, pet food and garden crops. Take inventory of what might be luring them.
- Remove Food: Remove any food provisions from your garage. Store bird seed and pet food in sealed containers and consider moving garden crops away from the garage area.
- Secure Trash Cans: Squirrels love to dig through trash cans for food. Make sure your trash cans have tight fitting lids to prevent access.
- Remove Attractants: Certain plants and trees like oak, maple and pine can attract squirrels. If these are near your garage consider removing them or using squirrel proof bird feeders to keep squirrels away from the area.
By doing these you can minimize the chance of a squirrel infestation in your garage. Remember the key to wildlife control is to make your space as uninviting as possible to these pesky critters.
Keep Squirrels from Coming Back
Keep the Garage Clean
A clean garage is less appealing to squirrels, take these proactive measures:
- Remove Food: Store pet food, flower bulbs, birdseed and garbage in sealed containers.
- Declutter: Get rid of unnecessary boxes and piles where squirrels can hide.
- Sweep Regularly: Clean up debris and dust to remove nesting materials.
Install Deterrents
Physical and electronic deterrents can keep them away:
- Motion Activated Devices: Lights or sound emitters will scare them away when they approach.
- Mesh Barriers: Cover vents and other openings with a strong wire mesh to prevent any structural damage and entry .
Severe Infestation
When to Call Comprehensive Wildlife Removal Services:
If your efforts don’t work, it’s time to call in a pro:
- Uncontrollable Damage: Squirrels have done extensive damage to your property.
- Persistent Problem: Squirrels keep coming back despite your efforts.
- Pest Control Services and Animal Control Services: Professionals can safely and effectively remove squirrels and advise on prevention. Animal control services handle a wide range of wildlife issues, raccoons, squirrels and bats, using humane removal methods to comply with local regulations. Wildlife removal companies offer affordable pricing and various services to address different types of animal intrusions, so you can understand the difference between wildlife control and pest management.
Safety Notes
You
Dealing with squirrels requires caution:
- Wear Gloves and Masks: Protect yourself from diseases and allergens.
- Don’t Touch: Squirrels will bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
Legal Stuff
Before you take action check your local wildlife regulations. In some areas it’s illegal to trap or relocate squirrels without a permit.
Conclusion
Squirrels in your garage can be a real pain but with a safe and effective resolution and the right approach you can get them out and keep them out. Start by figuring out how they got in, remove them humanely and prevent future infestations by cleaning and using deterrents. Act fast to minimize damage and get your space back.
Remember humane removal and wildlife control services are key to managing squirrel infestations, safely relocating animals and preventing health risks and property damage.
