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If you live in Columbia, SC, you’ve probably enjoyed seeing squirrels darting through the trees in your neighborhood. They’re quick, clever, and, let’s be honest, a little entertaining to watch. But when squirrels move from your yard into your attic, they become more than a curiosity. They turn into a serious problem. Squirrels in your attic can cause property damage, create health hazards, and leave you with a long list of costly repairs.
At Blythewood Wildlife Removal, we’ve helped countless Columbia homeowners keep squirrels where they belong, outside. Here’s everything you need to know about why squirrels target attics, the problems they cause, and how to keep them out for good.
Why Squirrels Choose Attics?
Squirrels are constantly searching for safe, warm places to build their nests, especially during colder months and breeding seasons. Your attic checks every box for them: it’s dry, protected from predators, and often filled with insulation that makes for soft nesting material.
In Columbia, SC, squirrel activity in attics tends to peak in late winter and late summer when mothers are looking for secure locations to raise their young. Unfortunately, once they’ve found a way in, squirrels can return year after year if the entry points aren’t properly sealed.
The Damage Squirrels Can Cause
Many homeowners underestimate just how destructive squirrels can be once inside. These rodents have sharp, constantly growing teeth, and they’ll chew on just about anything to keep them filed down. In an attic, this often means chewing on:
- Electrical wiring, which creates a fire hazard
- Wooden beams and support structures
- HVAC ductwork and insulation
Squirrels also leave behind droppings and urine that can stain materials, create foul odors, and even carry diseases. The longer they remain in your attic, the more extensive and expensive the damage will be.
Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Attic
Identifying a squirrel problem early can save you from major repair bills. Common signs include:
- Scratching, running, or gnawing sounds from the ceiling or walls, especially during the day
- Visible holes or gnawed areas around roof edges, vents, or soffits
- Droppings or shredded insulation inside the attic
- Seeing squirrels repeatedly entering and exiting your roofline
If you notice these signs in your Columbia home, it’s time to take action before the problem grows.
How to Keep Squirrels Out for Good
Keeping squirrels out of your attic involves a combination of prevention, exclusion, and ongoing maintenance. At Blythewood Wildlife Removal, we take a step-by-step approach to ensure the problem doesn’t return.
Seal Entry Points
The first and most important step is identifying how squirrels are getting in. This can be tricky; squirrels can fit through holes as small as 2 inches. We carefully inspect your roofline, vents, soffits, chimneys, and any gaps where they might squeeze through. Once found, we seal these entry points using durable, chew-resistant materials.
Remove Attractants
Squirrels are more likely to target your home if your yard provides easy food and shelter. Trimming overhanging branches, securing garbage cans, and removing bird feeders can reduce the chances of squirrels approaching your roof.
Install Barriers
In high-risk areas, we install exclusion barriers over vents and chimneys. These allow airflow but prevent animals from entering.
Humane Removal
If squirrels are already inside, we use humane trapping methods to remove them and relocate them to a safe area far from your home. This prevents harm to the animals while ensuring they can’t return.
Long-Term Prevention
We don’t stop at removal; we also offer long-term prevention services. This includes periodic inspections and reinforcing vulnerable areas before squirrels have a chance to exploit them again.
Why DIY Isn’t the Best Choice
While it might be tempting to handle the problem yourself, trapping and removing squirrels can be more complicated than it looks. In South Carolina, there are laws governing the handling and relocation of wildlife. On top of that, if you accidentally seal a squirrel inside your attic, you could create an even bigger mess or leave baby squirrels trapped without their mother.
Professional wildlife control ensures that squirrels are removed safely, legally, and permanently, without unnecessary harm to the animals or damage to your property.
How Blythewood Wildlife Removal Can Help?
When you call us for squirrel removal in Columbia, SC, you get more than just a quick fix. Our trained technicians perform a thorough inspection to find every possible entry point, then create a customized removal and prevention plan for your home. We handle the entire process, removal, cleanup, and repairs, so you don’t have to worry about squirrels coming back.
We’ve built our reputation on providing fast, humane, and lasting wildlife solutions. Whether you’ve just heard scratching in your attic for the first time or you’ve been dealing with repeat invasions, we can help you reclaim your home.
Protect Your Home Today
Squirrels in your attic aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a threat to your property’s safety and value. The sooner you address the problem, the easier it is to prevent costly damage.
Contact Blythewood Wildlife Removal at 1-803-760-9166 today through our homepage and let us keep your attic squirrel-free year-round. We’re your local Columbia wildlife experts, ready to protect your home from unwanted guests.
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