Keeping squirrels out of your home isn’t just about avoiding a few chewed wires, it’s about protecting your property, your family’s safety, and your peace of mind. In Minnesota, where squirrels are abundant and clever, prevention is the key to avoiding costly and stressful infestations. Below, we’ll walk through how to spot squirrel activity, why early prevention matters, the professional services we offer at Minnesota Wild Animal Management, and simple steps you can take today to squirrel-proof your home.
Identifying Squirrel Intruders
Before you can prevent squirrels, you need to know when they’ve arrived:
- Scurrying sounds in walls or attic: Especially at dawn and dusk, you may hear scratching or scampering above your living spaces.
- Visible damage: Torn soffits, gnawed vents, and chewed electrical wiring are common signs where squirrels have gained entry.
- Nest material: Piles of leaves, insulation, or nesting debris around attic access points signal that squirrels are making themselves at home.
- Droppings: Small, pellet-shaped droppings in attics or crawl spaces indicate active squirrel use.
Recognizing these warning signs early can save you from more extensive damage down the road.
Why Squirrel Prevention Matters
Squirrels are experts at finding and exploiting tiny gaps. Sometimes as small as a half-inch to enter your home. Once inside, they:
- Create fire hazards by chewing through electrical wires.
- Compromise insulation, increasing energy bills.
- Spread disease through droppings and nesting materials.
- Attract other pests like mites, ticks, or opportunistic rodents.
Dealing with a squirrel infestation can be disruptive, expensive, and in some cases dangerous. That’s why taking proactive steps now is so important.
Our Professional Prevention Services
At Minnesota Wild Animal Management, we offer a comprehensive, humane approach to squirrel prevention:
- Thorough Inspection
Our certified technicians perform a detailed walk-around and attic inspection, noting every potential entry point and nesting area. - Humane Exclusion
We install one-way exclusion devices on active entry points, allowing squirrels to leave but not return, ensuring a gentle, effective removal. - Structural Repairs
After squirrels are excluded, we seal and reinforce vulnerable areas—soffits, vents, eaves, and rooflines—with durable materials built to withstand wildlife activity. - Attic Cleanup & Decontamination
We remove nesting debris and droppings, then sanitize and deodorize the space to discourage re-entry and protect indoor air quality.
While professional help is often necessary for full protection, you can take these steps in the meantime:
- Trim tree branches at least six feet away from your roofline.
- Cover vents and chimneys with wildlife-proof mesh.
- Install metal flashing around roof edges and gaps.
- Store bird seed and pet food in airtight, rodent-proof containers.
- Check your attic seasonally for fresh signs of activity.
Why Choose Minnesota Wild Animal Management?
Don’t wait for squirrels to make themselves at home. Contact Minnesota Wild Animal Management today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a squirrel-free house. Let us help you safeguard your property, reduce risks, and enjoy complete peace of mind all year round.
