As spring arrives in Naperville, IL, the change in weather brings more than blooming flowers and longer days. It also signals an increase in wildlife activity, including squirrels. While it might be fun to watch squirrels racing around your yard, the situation becomes much less entertaining when they find their way inside your home.
Squirrels are notorious for entering attics, crawl spaces, and even wall voids in search of food and shelter. Once they move in, they can cause serious damage to your property. If you suspect squirrels have taken up residence in your home, it’s important to act quickly. This guide will help you recognize the signs of a squirrel problem, share tips on how to keep them out, and explain why professional removal is your best option.
Why Squirrels Become a Threat to Naperville Homeowners
Squirrels are active year-round, but their behavior increases during spring as they search for safe places to build nests and raise their young. Unfortunately, your attic offers everything they’re looking for — warmth, shelter, and protection from predators.
Once inside, squirrels can create a long list of problems. They often chew through insulation, wooden beams, and even electrical wiring, increasing the risk of house fires. Their constant gnawing can damage structural materials, and their droppings and urine can contaminate insulation and create foul odors. Over time, an unnoticed squirrel infestation can lead to expensive repairs and health hazards.
For Naperville homeowners, the key to avoiding these issues is early detection and fast action.
How to Spot Squirrel Activity in Your Home
Recognizing a squirrel problem early can save you time, money, and stress. Squirrels leave behind several clear signs when they invade a home. If you know what to look for, you can catch the problem before it becomes serious.
Here are some of the most common indicators of a squirrel infestation:
- Daytime noises in your attic or walls: Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during daylight hours. You may hear scratching, scurrying, or chewing sounds in the morning or late afternoon.
- Visible entry points: Look around your roofline, soffits, attic vents, and chimney. Squirrels often chew through wood, siding, or plastic to create access holes.
- Droppings and urine stains: Squirrel droppings resemble large grains of rice and are often found in attic spaces or along travel paths.
- Nesting materials: Squirrels gather leaves, twigs, and shredded insulation to build their nests. You may notice these materials in your attic or crawl space.
- Increased squirrel activity on your property: If you frequently see squirrels climbing on your roof, hanging around your gutters, or running across utility lines, they may be scouting your home for entry points.
If you notice any of these signs around your Naperville home, it’s time to consider squirrel removal services.
How to Keep Squirrels from Entering Your Naperville Home
Preventing a squirrel problem is much easier than dealing with an infestation after it happens. There are several steps homeowners can take to discourage squirrels from entering their homes.
Start by inspecting your home’s exterior for any openings or gaps. Squirrels can fit through holes as small as two inches in diameter. Focus on areas like roof edges, soffits, attic vents, and chimneys. Seal any gaps you find using heavy-duty materials such as steel mesh or metal flashing. Squirrels can chew through plastic and wood, so these materials won’t be effective barriers.
You should also look at the trees and landscaping around your home. Squirrels often access rooftops by jumping from overhanging branches. Trim tree limbs so they are at least ten feet away from your roof to limit their ability to jump onto your home.
Another way to reduce squirrel activity is by eliminating food sources. Bird feeders, open trash bins, and outdoor pet food can attract squirrels to your yard. Consider removing or securing these items to make your property less appealing.
Installing chimney caps and vent covers is also a smart preventative measure. These barriers help keep squirrels and other wildlife from slipping inside your home through vulnerable openings.
While these prevention steps can help reduce your risk, determined squirrels can still find ways in. That’s why professional wildlife control is often necessary.
Why You Should Hire a Professional for Squirrel Removal
Removing squirrels from your home isn’t something most homeowners can or should attempt on their own. Squirrel removal requires specialized knowledge, proper equipment, and a clear strategy to be done safely and successfully.
At D&K Pest Control & Wildlife Removal, our team provides professional squirrel removal services tailored to the unique needs of Naperville homeowners. Our process includes:
- Detailed inspection: We perform a full assessment of your home to locate entry points, nests, and signs of squirrel activity.
- Humane removal methods: Our technicians use safe and effective trapping techniques to remove squirrels without causing harm.
- Exclusion and repairs: After removal, we seal entry points and repair damage caused by the squirrels to prevent future problems.
- Long-term prevention: We offer exclusion services and expert recommendations to keep squirrels out of your home for good.
Attempting to trap or remove squirrels yourself can lead to injury, incomplete removal, or the risk of leaving baby squirrels behind. Professional removal ensures the problem is handled completely and humanely.
Squirrel Removal FAQ for Naperville Homeowners
How do squirrels get into my attic?
Squirrels often access attics by climbing trees, running along utility lines, or scaling siding. They can enter through gaps in soffits, attic vents, chimneys, or any small hole in the exterior of your home.
Are squirrels dangerous inside the home?
Yes. Squirrels can cause significant damage by chewing on wood, insulation, and electrical wiring. Their droppings and urine can create health hazards and attract other pests.
Can I remove squirrels myself?
DIY squirrel removal is not recommended. Without the right equipment and knowledge, it’s easy to injure yourself or the animals. It’s also common to accidentally leave baby squirrels behind, which can worsen the problem.
What does professional squirrel removal cost in Naperville?
The cost of squirrel removal depends on the severity of the infestation and the extent of exclusion work required. D&K Pest Control & Wildlife Removal offers competitive pricing and custom solutions based on your needs.
What happens if I ignore a squirrel infestation?
If left unchecked, squirrels will continue to damage insulation, wiring, and structural materials. Over time, the cost of repairs and the risk to your home’s safety will increase.