Squirrels are cute and furry creatures, but they can also be a nuisance, especially if they start living in your apartment’s ceiling. Squirrels can damage your property, spread diseases, and even cause fires.
If you think you have squirrels in your ceiling, it’s important to take action to get rid of them as soon as possible. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs of a squirrel infestation, how to prevent squirrels from entering your apartment in the first place, and how to remove squirrels from your ceiling if they’ve already made themselves at home.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
There are a few signs that can indicate that you have squirrels in your ceiling. These include:
- Squirrel droppings: Squirrel droppings are small, round, and dark brown. They are often found in areas where squirrels are active, such as in the attic or on the roof. Squirrel droppings can be a nuisance, but they are also a health hazard. They can carry bacteria and parasites that can make you sick.
- Squirrel tracks: Squirrel tracks are similar to those of rats or mice. They are typically found in dirt, dust, or other soft surfaces. Squirrel tracks can be a sign that squirrels are active in your home.
- Noises: Squirrels can be noisy creatures. They may make scratching, gnawing, or chattering noises in your ceiling. Squirrel noises can be disruptive and annoying. They can also be a sign that squirrels are damaging your property.
- Damage: Squirrels can damage your property. They may chew through wires, insulation, or even drywall. Squirrel damage can be costly to repair.
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action to investigate further.
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How to Prevent Squirrels from Entering Your Apartment
The best way to deal with squirrels in your ceiling is to prevent them from entering your apartment in the first place. Here are a few tips:
Seal any openings in your attic or roof. Squirrels can fit through very small openings, so it’s important to seal any gaps or cracks that they could use to enter your home. You can use caulk, weatherstripping, or metal flashing to seal these openings.
For example, if you see a squirrel running around your attic, you can use caulk to seal any cracks or holes that it may have used to enter your home. You can also install a squirrel guard over any openings that are too large to seal with caulk.
Install a squirrel guard. A squirrel guard is a metal mesh that is installed over an opening to prevent squirrels from entering. Squirrel guards are available at most hardware stores.
Squirrel guards are a good option for sealing large openings, such as vents or soffits. They are also a good option for preventing squirrels from entering through your chimney or fireplace.
Remove any food or water sources from your attic or roof. Squirrels are attracted to food and water, so it’s important to remove any sources of food or water from your attic or roof. This will make your attic less attractive to squirrels.
To remove food sources from your attic, you can clean up any spilled food or garbage. You can also remove any bird feeders or other sources of food from your roof.
To remove water sources from your attic, you can seal any leaks in your roof or gutters. You can also remove any bird baths or other sources of water from your roof.
How to Remove Squirrels from Your Ceiling
If you’ve already found squirrels in your ceiling, you’ll need to take steps to remove them. Here are a few options:
Call a professional. A professional wildlife removal company will have the experience and equipment to safely remove squirrels from your attic.
Professional wildlife removal companies can use a variety of methods to remove squirrels, including traps, live cages, and exclusion devices.
Trap the squirrels yourself. You can buy squirrel traps at most hardware stores. Once you’ve trapped the squirrels, you can release them into the wild.
Squirrel traps can be effective, but they can also be dangerous. It’s important to use squirrel traps carefully and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a humane cage. A humane cage is a trap that allows you to catch the squirrels alive. Once you’ve caught the squirrels, you can release them into the wild or take them to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Humane cages are the most humane way to remove squirrels from your home. They allow the squirrels to be released unharmed.
Conclusion
Dealing with squirrels in the ceiling of your apartment can be a challenging but manageable task. By understanding the reasons for their presence, identifying signs, and taking effective eviction and prevention measures, you can ensure a peaceful and squirrel-free living environment. Remember that professional assistance may be necessary for severe infestations, and regular maintenance is key to preventing future encounters with these curious critters.