Key Takeaways
- Squirrels chew on attic wiring, increasing the likelihood of electrical shorts and house fires.
- Squirrel removal is a comprehensive process of inspection, exclusion, cleanup and damage repair.
- Sealing entry points without removing squirrels first can mean animals get trapped in attics and walls.
- Squirrel urine and droppings can be a health hazard, so any affected insulation should be removed and replaced.
- Professional attic restoration restores energy efficiency and prevents repeat infestations.
Finding chewed electrical wiring in your attic after a squirrel infestation is not just annoying. It can damage insulation, create fire hazards, and leave contamination that can affect the quality of the air in your home. If squirrels have taken up residence in your Orlando attic, you need to have it inspected and repaired as soon as possible. The next steps are as follows:
Based on our experience, the two most common problems we see in Orlando attics after a squirrel infestation includes damaged electrical wiring and insulation.
What Damage Can Squirrels Leave Behind in Your Attic?
Squirrels can damage electrical wiring, insulation, wood framing, ductwork, and stored belongings in your attic. They can also leave behind urine, droppings, and nesting materials that contaminate the space.
But wires are just one part of the story- with squirrels living in your attic, there is much more to be discovered. You need to conduct a full inspection of your property and find out the entry points, gaps, damage done, and the level of contamination occurred with infestation severity. ?
What Is the Best Way to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Attic?
Squirrels are hyper active and hard to be caught/trapped- therefore, a safer exclusion process has to be taken into consideration where no harm is done to the animals. On the other hand, once removed, these furry critters keep coming back to your home, if holes/gaps are not sealed properly, so you need to:
- Identifying all the vulnerable gaps that you may find smaller can be big enough for squirrels to fit in and squeeze in easily. Seal these gaps across roof vents, soffits, chimneys or entrance through hanging tree branches.
- Use durable sealants such as metal mesh or flashing metal- remember, anything like foam or wood can easily be chewed by squirrels.
- Install one?way doors to stop squirrels from coming back without trapping them inside.
- Sanitizing and cleaning up the entire space with no scent trail left behind that may invite new animals to your attic and infest again. ?
How Do You Restore an Attic After a Squirrel Infestation?
Now, when squirrels are no longer playing in your attic, the next big step is to press the reset button on your attic. After squirrel removal from the attic, you need to repair, restore, and bring it back to its previous, healthier condition. Some of the steps you need to take further are:
- ?Fix the wiring with the help of a professional who replaces, repairs, and restores the dysfunctional wiring system- point to be noted, it must be handled by a professional – your family’s safety comes first!
- Replace soiled insulation due to squirrel droppings and urine that may lead to spreading contamination and creating health risks. Fresh insulation also ensures improved energy efficiency for your home.
- Check for structural damage and repair as required to support the weakened structure.
- Sanitise the space with eco-friendly disinfectants to keep the foul odours away and make your attic smell fresh and safer.
Why Orlando Homeowners Trust Critter Control® for Squirrel Removal and Attic Restoration
Relax, we have got the Critter Control® team of professionals covering it all for you. We are a trusted name in Orlando, as we have helped multiple Orlando homeowners deal with squirrel infestations.
Our team is well versed with local wildlife habits, most common and vulnerable entry points, and of course, the best preventive measures to protect your home. Our services include:
- Deep inspection – wherein our team conducts a full attic inspection and spot entry points that are overlooked, identifies nests, and assesses the damage done to your property.
- Exclusion- our team specialises in customised exclusion, which is not just about patching holes only- rather, we ensure your attic remains off?limits from squirrels for the long term.
- Attic cleanup and restoration – our team offers attic restoration services, handling repairing damage, clean up, removing contamination, sanitization, and sealing vulnerable points/ spaces/ gaps with durable materials.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Removal and Attic Damage
Can Squirrels Chew Wires and Start a Fire?
Yes. Squirrels frequently chew on electrical wiring to keep their teeth in check. Damaged wire insulation can expose live conductors and increase the risk of short circuits, sparks and potential fire hazards in the attic.
How can I tell if there are still squirrels in my attic?
Typical signs include scratching or scurrying noises, especially in the early morning or evening, droppings, nesting materials, chewed wood, damaged insulation, and visible entry holes around the roofline or soffits.
Are squirrels able to leave my attic naturally?
No, in the majority of cases. If the attic offers a place to nest and shelter, they are more likely to stay or come back. Methods of professional exclusion are used to ensure they leave safely and can’t get back in.
Do I need to replace attic insulation after a squirrel infestation?
If the insulation has been contaminated by squirrel urine, droppings or nesting material then replacement is often recommended. New insulation will improve the quality of your indoor air and restore your home’s energy efficiency.
What is squirrel exclusion?
Squirrel exclusion is a process that includes identifying and sealing all points of entry, while allowing any existing squirrels to leave safely. It’s used to prevent future infestations with no harm done to the animals.
How much damage can squirrels do in an attic?
Squirrels can damage electrical wiring, insulation, duct work, wood framing and stored items. Left untreated, the damage can cause continuing pest problems and expensive repairs.
How long will the squirrel removal and attic restoration process take?
How long this takes depends on how bad the infestation is and how much damage has been done. Most squirrel removal projects can be completed within a few days, but more extensive cleanup and restoration may take longer.
When is the best time to call a squirrel removal professional?
If you notice any signs of squirrel activity, such as chewed wiring, visible entry points or strange noises coming from your attic, it’s best to contact a professional immediately. Early intervention can prevent greater damage and repair costs.
Final thoughts
Indeed, chewed wiring in your attic is a red flag and an indication of upcoming inconvenience on your way!
Therefore, it is not an option for you to let squirrels live in your attic- they may look harmless, but can cause hefty damage to your property, while posing health risks.
You must find out services for squirrel removal near me in Orlando covering inspection, exclusion, and restoration- and protect your home and your family.
Stop your attic turning into a squirrel hangout, schedule an inspection with Critter Control® today and let’s make your home squirrel-free for the long term.
