When the temperature begins to drop, squirrels may seek warmth and shelter within the walls of your home, often in the attic. Left to their own devices, they'll start to settle in, potentially causing damage to your house and even transmitting diseases. Before contacting your local pest removal company, follow these tips to encourage the squirrels to leave on their own.

What Should You Do About Squirrels in Your Attic?

1. Find & Seal Entry Points

The first step in solving a squirrel infestation is finding how these critters are entering your home. Squirrels can fit through small openings, so look for ill-fitting windows or doors and gaps in your walls or roof. Place wire mesh over open vents and chimney tops, and fill any holes with steel wool to ensure the pests can't chew through. However, leave one entry point open to give the squirrels in your attic a way to exit on their own.

2. Make Them Want to Leave

After sealing the entry points, make these pests want to leave by keeping the lights on and playing loud music. You can also fit the remaining opening with a one-way exclusion door to keep them from returning—unless you suspect you may have a female squirrel with a litter. If you do have a litter, you may want to call a pest removal company.

3. Keep Them From Coming Back

After you're sure the squirrels have been cleared out, you can permanently seal up the last entry point to prevent a new infestation. Trim back any tree branches that reach over your home, as they act as access points for pests. You may also want to have a pest control company take a look at your home and advise you on specific ways to prevent another squirrel invasion.

Get professional help with your squirrel problem by contacting the pest removal professionals at Acme Pest Control Co. This company has been serving the Concord and Charlotte areas of North Carolina for more than 70 years, and they continually put their customers’ needs first. Find out more about their available services online, or call (704) 786-4166 to schedule an appointment.