What Does a Squirrel Nest in Your Gutter Look Like?
Found in every part of the country, squirrels are skilled climbers that jump from tree to tree and scurry onto roofs or up drainage pipes with ease. When these pests nest in gutters, they cause many issues for homeowners.
Why Is There a Squirrel in the Gutter?
Squirrels get into drainage systems for many reasons. Leaves and twigs in gutters make great nesting material, and enclosed ducts keep these animals out of the reach of predators. It is also possible that there is a squirrel stuck in the gutter. The pests sometimes squeeze into downspouts and are unable to escape.
Problems with Squirrels in Gutters
Drainage Issues
The main problem with squirrel nests in the gutter is that they disrupt normal drainage. Squirrels in downspouts clog ducts, leaving water with nowhere to go. As a result, storm water builds up and spills over roofs and siding. This, in turn, leads to water damage over time.
Carcass Removal
When there is a squirrel stuck in a gutter, the animal has a high chance of dying inside or damaging ducts as it struggles to get out. In addition to creating foul smells and attracting insects, dead squirrels can still transmit diseases. Leave removal to trained wildlife experts.
Future Attic Infestation
Squirrels in gutters are already comfortable with being near homes and people, so they may be tempted to move indoors. When trying to enter an attic, the pests often rip up shingles, bend vents, and tear at siding. Once inside, the damage continues with ripped insulation and accumulations of waste.
Exclusion
Cover the bottom of downspouts or any holes in gutters with wire mesh to exclude the pests at ground level. To prevent squirrels from entering from the roof, use gutter covers.
Squirrel Control
To put proper prevention measures in place, homeowners need to get rid of existing squirrels in downspouts and gutters first. The pests tend to become hostile if they feel threatened, especially in confined spaces like ductwork. Avoid injury or further property damage by calling the professionals at Critter Control.
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Best Bat Removal
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in
Tulsa!
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.
Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.
Because
bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious
bat droppings.
Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.
She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!
Service:
Bat Removal
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.
He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!
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