There is no way to keep squirrels out of your yard. Even after a 92% population decline after the winter storms of 2022, they are one of Houston's most pervasive pests.
Fortunately, squirrels aren't destructive when they're in your yard. They're destructive when they're in your house and there are steps you can take to keep squirrels out of your walls and your attic.
#1) Find and seal entry points.
This is a big one, and it is, in fact, one of the things we do for homeowners when they take advantage of our pest control service. Squirrels are opportunists.
Holes in your fascia board or siding are obvious culprits, but you should pay close attention to chimneys and vents as well. Equip vents with a screen, cap your chimneys, and have your fascia repaired as quickly as possible.
If you do all that and you still have squirrels, call us because they may be using sneakier entry points that are difficult to find and fill. Our inspection process can find every exploit that squirrels might be using.
#2) Clean your gutters.
A gutter that's full of leaves is an ideal nesting spot from a squirrel's perspective. It's got hard sides on three sides and a big nest of leaves they can burrow into. What could be better?
Well, your attic, for one, and from your gutters, the squirrels have a safe spot to begin chewing their way through your shingles and on into ever-more premium environments.
Have your gutters cleaned at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Clean gutters are far less tempting to squirrels. Better yet, install gutter guards to keep squirrels, rats, and every other critter out of your gutters.
#3) Trim Back Trees
If you have tree branches that extend out over your house, it's time to trim them back as far as you can. Tree branches are essentially a superhighway for squirrels. You don't want to lead them directly to your doorstep by creating a runway for them to use.
Ideally, all trees would be 20 feet back from the house or more. We know that isn't always possible, especially here in Houston, where nearly every front yard has a shady oak of some form to keep the house cooler. Do the best you can, though.
Know When to Call
Unfortunately, sometimes squirrels get into the home in spite of a homeowner's best efforts. Once they're in the attic, there's really no way to get rid of them without professional trapping and exclusion methods. They breed too quickly, hide too well, and do too much damage too quickly.
If you're hearing thumps and bumps throughout the day, including little "rolling" sounds, there's a good chance you already have fuzzy tenants who are sending nuts into your walls for storage. Contact us to eliminate them the humane way and get the peace of mind that comes from knowing we've blocked off all potential entry points.
