Squirrels are a common sight in parks, backyards, and wooded areas. Watching them scamper and gather nuts can be entertaining—until they decide to make your attic or walls their new home. While they might seem cute and relatively harmless, squirrels can cause significant damage and create a host of problems when they move indoors. Below, we’ll discuss how to determine if you need squirrel pest control in Gonzales LA, what risks they pose, and the steps you can take to address an infestation.

Why Squirrels Enter Homes in Gonzales

Squirrels are adept climbers and can easily scale siding, brick, or nearby trees to reach rooflines and chimneys. They often seek out warm, dry spots like attics as a haven from predators and harsh weather. They will be even more inclined to stay close to your property if there’s a convenient food source like bird feeders, accessible garbage, or fruit trees.

Additionally, female squirrels may choose attics or wall cavities to build their nests during breeding season. These hidden, cozy spaces protect their young and keep them safe from natural predators.

Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

The signs of a potential squirrel problem include:

• Scratching or Scampering Sounds: Squirrels are diurnal (active during the day), so you might hear rustling or scurrying noises in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Droppings: Finding small, dark, oval-shaped droppings in attics, crawl spaces, or near entry points can indicate their presence.
• Chewed Entry Points: Squirrels can gnaw through wood, shingles, or vent covers. If you notice new holes or damage near your roofline, it could be an entry route.
• Nesting Material: Twigs, leaves, shredded insulation, and other debris may be piled up in corners of your attic.
• Strange Odors: A build-up of urine and feces can create a noticeable smell over time.

Why Squirrels Can Be Problematic

Squirrels may be cute to some, but they can wreak havoc on a property. Like many rodents, squirrels must gnaw to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Electrical wiring in attics often becomes a target, increasing the risk of shorts or even fire hazards. Squirrels may also damage rafters, support beams, and insulation as they build nests and create passageways.
Health concerns are another issue. Squirrel droppings can carry bacteria, and the animals may also host fleas, ticks, or mites that can spread to humans or pets. It’s also possible for cornered or stressed squirrels to act aggressively, especially if they’ve made a home to raise their young.

Lastly, squirrels can be noisy and disruptive. They’re active creatures and tend to scurry around overhead, which can lead to sleep disturbances and general frustration.

Do You Need Professional Pest Control?

If you’ve confirmed squirrels are nesting in your home, you’ll likely need professional help. A minor intrusion may seem manageable, but squirrels can reproduce quickly, and a single intrusion point can lead to larger infestations.

At Arceneaux Pest Management Service, we generally do not recommend DIY treatments for squirrel infestations. Trapping or removing squirrels on your own can result in scratches or bites if the animal feels threatened. There are also laws and regulations you’ll have to follow for trapping and relocating wildlife, and these can be difficult to navigate on your own. A professional can ensure compliance with these guidelines.

Most concerning, however, is that DIY intervention often leads to incomplete solutions. Simply removing an adult squirrel may leave behind babies, leading to foul odors or further complications if they can’t feed themselves.

Keep in mind that professional pest control services do more than just remove the animals; they also find and seal entry points, repair damage, and advise on preventative measures (like trimming overhanging branches or adjusting bird feeders).

What to Expect from a Professional Service

An experienced technician will look for signs of squirrel activity, identify entry points, and assess the level of infestation. You will then receive a customized removal plan depending on local regulations and the specifics of your situation. Possible options may include live traps, exclusion devices (one-way doors), or other humane removal methods.

Droppings, nesting materials, and urine can pose health risks and unpleasant odors. Professionals will often offer cleanup and disinfection services. They complete their work by sealing off gaps, replacing damaged vent covers, and reinforcing weak spots around eaves or chimneys to prevent future infestations.

Preventive Measures Homeowners Can Take

To prevent a squirrel infestation in the future, follow these tips:

• Seal Gaps and Cracks: Regularly inspect your roofline, siding, and foundation for small openings. Even a gap of 2 inches can be large enough for a squirrel to squeeze through.
• Trim Tree Branches: Keep branches at least 6 to 8 feet away from your home to reduce direct jumping paths.
• Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: Ensure these are securely fastened to keep squirrels out.
• Secure Garbage and Food Sources: Use animal-proof garbage cans and consider relocating bird feeders away from the house or using squirrel baffles.
• Store Bird Seed and Pet Food Properly: Keep these in sealed containers to avoid attracting squirrels and other rodents.

Pest Control in Gonzales LA

Squirrels in your home can lead to significant damage, health concerns, and ongoing noise issues. While these furry creatures might appear harmless in your backyard, they become a far bigger problem when nesting indoors. If you suspect an infestation, consulting a professional pest control service is often the safest and most effective way to remove them and keep them from returning.

Need Help Right Away? If you currently have a squirrel (or family of squirrels) in your attic or walls, contact Arceneaux Pest Management Service at 225-791-9911 to assess the situation and recommend a humane, safe solution for everyone involved.