Do you have squirrel problems at your home or business?
Our expert technicians use humane, eco-friendly and extermination methods to remove pesky Grey Squirrels and prevent future infestations.
Say goodbye to squirrel damage and enjoy peace of mind with Apex Pest Control. Contact us today for reliable and effective squirrel pest control.
What Are The Benefits Of Professional Squirrel Pest Control?
Squirrels are often seen as cute, cuddly creatures that evoke warm feelings in people.
However, when they start invading your home or office, the reality of their destructive nature becomes all too clear.
As such, professional squirrel pest control is a must for any homeowner looking to rid themselves of these pesky critters and protect their property from damage.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using professional squirrel pest control services – and why it’s worth every penny spent.
So if you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to invest in pest control services, read on to learn more.
How Do Squirrels Damage Your Home?
Squirrels can cause extensive damage to property due to their constant chewing and nesting activities.
Rodents gain access to food sources by chewing through walls, attics, and wall voids to obtain the materials they need for their nests.
Because of this, hiring a professional squirrel control expert is an important step for eliminating any damage these animals may cause.
Not only do professionals have experience with dealing with them, but they also possess specialised knowledge on how best to stop further destruction from occurring.
Through careful examination of entry points and prevention methods like exclusion devices, experienced technicians can identify potential problems before they become costly repairs or hazardous situations.
Professional pest control experts will not only remove squirrels safely and humanely but also take preventive measures that help ensure future invasions don’t occur.
Thereby reducing long-term costs associated with repair expenses and protecting trees and other vegetation from destruction.
the grey squirrels cause £6-10 million damage to British forestry each year. The E.S.I. are concerned unless prevention gets done, there will be no oak, sweet chestnut or mature beech trees for the future generation.
Squirrel Species in the U.K.
There are two main types of squirrels in the U.K., the native red squirrel and the grey squirrels. The common grey squirrel is the mostly seen throughout England and Wales.
The Red Squirrels disappearance coincided with grey squirrels arrival, although this is not always the case (e.g. The ford Forest in Norfolk). Red Squirrel disappearances typically follow the Grey Squirrel introduction, although the loss of hazels and mature conifer trees, or disease, sometimes eliminates the red squirrel’s population.
The Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was introduced from the U.S.A. to around thirty locations in England and Wales between 1876 and 1929. It is mainly seen throughout England and Wales, parts of South of Cumbria and locally in Scotland.
Scientific studies are showing that the significant factor for the decline of the red squirrel is the introduction of its grey cousin. As the squirrels compete for shelter and food, grey squirrels also transmit the squirrelpox virus to red squirrels.
Once a red squirrel has squirrelpox, it will usually die of dehydration within two weeks. The grey squirrel can carry the disease, without their health been affected.
How Do Squirrels Introduce Health Risks?
In addition to eliminating the destruction caused by squirrels, hiring a professional pest control expert can also help reduce the health risks of having these animals in or near your home.
Squirrels often carry ticks and fleas that may transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans and pets.
They can also carry other parasites like lice, mites, tapeworms, roundworms, and pinworms, which can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if ingested.
Additionally, they can spread bacteria through their urine and faeces, leading to respiratory illnesses when inhaled.
Professional technicians can identify potential entry points for squirrels, such as attics, door frames, and wall voids on the exterior of homes, so that exclusion devices can be installed before any infestations occur, thus reducing the risk of exposure to dangerous pathogens.
How Do You Identify Squirrel Infestations?
Identifying a squirrel infestation requires the careful analysis of an experienced pest control expert. By identifying entry points, holes in walls or ceilings, and other structural vulnerabilities, the expert can easily determine whether any animal has been entering the property.
To confirm if it is indeed a squirrel causing damage to your attic or other parts of your home, traps may be set up around these entry points for further evidence.
Once identified as being caused by a squirrel, steps must be taken to remove the animals from the property safely and humanely through methods such as trapping, repelling, and exclusion techniques employed by professional pest control experts.
Professional removal will help prevent future infestations while ensuring no harm to you or your family during this process.
How Do You Deter Squirrels?
Having identified the presence of squirrels in your home or yard, it is now time to take action and deter them from entering. Many pest control companies offer professional squirrel pest control services to help you effectively and safely manage the problem.
Pest control experts are trained in using exclusion, removal, repellents, traps, and trapping methods for effective squirrel control.
Exclusion involves sealing up potential entry points into buildings with materials like metal flashing or mesh wire while removing any existing nests in attics or other locations. Squirrel removal can be done either manually through hand-capturing or with a live trap.
Repellents may include devices emitting an ultrasonic sound or motion-activated water sprinklers, which will scare off the animals without harming them. Traps designed for catching small rodents should also be set out near areas where they typically enter homes.
Professionals should only do trapping due to safety concerns about handling wild animals. Wildlife control experts are experienced and know how to handle such creatures humanely.
How we get rid of squirrels
At Apex Pest Control, our primary methods of controlling squirrels are by trapping.
We use two types of traps:
• Mk 6 Fenn Trap
• Live Catch Cage Traps
We identify the areas or runways used by squirrels. Care is taken to avoid trapping any non-target species and if needed, and take measures to prevent this. Once the traps are in place, these are baited with peanuts and re-inspected every 12-24 hours.
Where squirrels can be removed off-site, trapping will continue until all squirrels are gone and no further sightings are found.
For households, a set price for a trapping programme is given. For agricultural and forestry woodland including large areas we give you a free quote or P.O.A. (price on asking)
If you want a pest control company to take care of your squirrel problem quickly and professionally, Call Apex today
What are Some DIY Pest Control Methods?
Traps are a common DIY pest control method, allowing for targeted pest control of the desired species.
Repellents are a useful method to deter unwanted pests from entering a property. However, they may only sometimes be successful.
Sprays are a popular choice for DIY pest control. However, they may have different effects than professional pest control options, as pest control experts can access a wider range of products.
Professional squirrel pest control is beneficial due to the expertise of the professional, as well as their ability to identify the source of the infestation and apply the most suitable solution.
Professional pest control experts also have access to more advanced traps, repellents, and sprays, which may be more effective than DIY methods.
Squirrel Repellents
Repellents can also keep unwanted animals away from homes and businesses for DIY pest control methods.
Animal repellent products are available for purchase that contain special blends of natural ingredients such as garlic oil or peppermint extract, which is designed to drive away pests like squirrels without causing them any harm.
Additionally, insect-repellent sprays can be used on the outside perimeter of a building to create an additional layer of defense against rodents and other creatures looking for a way in.
Using these types of solutions may cost more than trap and relocate methods.
It saves money in the long run since it prevents squirrel infestations before they start instead of paying for costly wildlife removal services after one has already occurred.
Traps
Traps are one of the most popular pest control methods to remove squirrels from homes and businesses.
Cage traps, live traps, or even bait can be used to capture them to get rid of them safely. When correctly installed and set up, these traps are highly effective for trapping squirrels without hiring a pest control specialist.
Furthermore, setting up your trap is far less expensive than paying for the removal costs of hiring a professional.
When using cage traps, it is important to consider the type of material being used and how it will affect the squirrel’s ability to escape once caught. The animal could wiggle its way out if the wire mesh is too loose.
However, if it is too tight, it may cause injury as they attempt their escape. Additionally, when baiting cages, make sure not to use any food items that are poisonous or unhealthy for animals, such as chocolate or peanut butter which contain high amounts of sugar and fat, respectively.
While there are advantages in attempting DIY pest control measures such as trapping squirrels yourself instead of calling an exterminator, you should always keep safety first and foremost in mind when dealing with wild animals like this.
Ensure everyone involved understands proper techniques for handling trapped wildlife so no one gets injured.
Sprays
Regarding DIY pest control methods, sprays can effectively solve various pests.
An aerosol-based spray containing natural ingredients such as garlic oil or peppermint extract is best suited for repelling squirrels and other rodents from entering your home or business.
It is important to note that the single door or access point into the attics should be adequately sealed off with wildlife exclusion material to prevent intruders from gaining entry.
Spraying around the perimeter of the building will also create an additional layer of defense against unwanted pests like squirrels trying to get inside.
What Are The Advantages Of Professional Pest Control?
Professional pest control can have advantages, including improved safety, faster eradication of existing infestations, and preventing future infestations.
Professional pest control technicians use specialised equipment and products to quickly and effectively remove pests with minimal disruption to the environment and occupants of the building. Additionally, these experts have the necessary knowledge and experience to identify the cause of the infestation and eliminate it at the source.
Not only do professional pest control experts provide the most effective removal and prevention of pest infestations, but they also offer the highest levels of safety.
Professional technicians are trained to use the most up-to-date products and techniques to ensure no risk to humans or animals when dealing with an infestation.
Furthermore, they can advise on preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of future infestations. This can include using physical barriers and deterrents and correctly identifying and removing potential food sources for pests.
Read more about how squirrel exclusion can help prevent squirrels compared to DIY solutions below.
Prevention Of Infestations
It is important to take preventative measures when attempting to rid an area of squirrels. Placing traps can be a successful way to deter them from inhabiting the area and reduce their numbers.
Traps should be placed where squirrels have been seen or near food sources such as nuts, seeds, and sunflower seeds which attract wildlife.
Bait should not only consist of natural foods but also contain manufactured items like peanut butter or birdseed so that they appeal to more than just the local wildlife.
While trapping may help control rodent populations, ensuring other measures are taken will ensure complete protection against future infestations.
Removal Of Existing Infestations
Professional pest control is the best option when addressing a squirrel infestation. Control experts are well-versed in identifying where squirrels might live and can remove them from attics or other areas with minimal disruption to a building’s insulation.
Furthermore, cost estimates for these services can be provided to ensure you know what it will take to eliminate their problems.
Professional pest control also involves using specialised products such as insecticides and rodenticides, which provide effective squirrel removal solutions without damaging tree species or other wildlife populations.
Pest management strategies should always be handled by experienced professionals who understand how to use various control products safely and effectively. This lets homeowners rest assured, knowing their property is free of pests while helping prevent future infestations.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring Professional Squirrel Control?
The presence of squirrels in homes and businesses can cause considerable damage, health risks, and even financial losses. Hiring a professional pest control service to address the problem is often the best solution.
Professional pest control services can provide a number of benefits, such as:
- Eliminating damage caused by chewing on wires, insulation, and other materials
- Preventing health risks such as salmonella, and identifying
- Removing hazardous nests.
Additionally, these professionals can advise on how to prevent a recurrence of an infestation.
All these benefits make it clear why professional squirrel control services are the best way to address an infestation.
What Extermination Techniques Do Professionals Use?
Pest control experts know the most effective extermination techniques when dealing with a squirrel infestation.
Baiting is one of the primary methods used, which involves setting out bait for tree squirrels to attract them away from their nests and into traps.
Some baits that professionals may use include peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or other nuts commonly found in bird nests. Once trapped inside, pest control technicians can humanely remove the squirrels from your property.
Another technique professional exterminators use is installing a one-way door on any openings leading up to your roof or attic where squirrels have been observed entering and exiting.
This device allows the animals to leave but prevents them from re-entering, trapping them outside until they move elsewhere.
To further repel squirrels, some experts also recommend trimming any tree branches near your home not to provide easy access points into your living space.
In addition, there are special repellents available that can help deter wild squirrels from entering certain areas of your property, such as gardens and patios.
Pest control professionals understand how best to apply these products safely yet effectively while allowing you peace of mind knowing that no harm will come to any nearby wildlife.
Professional Prevention Strategies
Professional pest control companies have developed strategies for preventing squirrels from entering homes, barns, garages, sheds, and other structures.
These strategies include understanding their range, using motion sensors and gutter guards, inspecting rain gutters, sealing off crawl spaces, using insecticides safely when necessary.
Maintaining lawn care practises that discourage them from taking up residence in gardens and forestry or wooded areas.
Encouraging community involvement in reducing sources of food or shelter that attract them to an area in the first place, and utilising natural ingredients as deterrents.
Squirrel pest management requires an ongoing commitment to prevention rather than just a reaction once they are present around a property.
Understanding how these animals operate individually and within their larger populations can be essential to developing successful exclusion techniques. Control companies will also provide timely advice regarding habitat modifications which may reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
By having an effective plan involving multiple layers of controls, including preventative measures such as exclusion devices and education about potential risks posed by squirrel populations, it is possible to maintain a safe environment free from unwanted invasions by these creatures.
Long-Term Squirrel Control Solutions
Professional squirrel pest control offers a variety of long-term solutions to protect your property from small animals.
As experts in managing the infestation, our professional services are tailored to suit your needs and provide an integrated approach that will help prevent future issues.
A qualified pest technician will assess the severity of your problem before formulating a plan to effectively eradicate or manage any rodents or other pests on your property.
Any potential entry points into crawl spaces, attics, and gardens can be sealed off. Traps may also be set up around areas with evidence of rodent activity to catch them if they have already entered the house.
In addition, baits and repellents can be used as needed according to Environmental Protection Agency regulations for safety purposes.
Pricing for this type of service depends on factors such as the size of the affected area and the type of animal involved, but generally starts at around £60 per visit for domestic properties, with follow-up visits estimated after your initial assessment.
For commercial businesses and forestry areas you will need a survey first and quote (POA).
It is important to note that all these measures should only be carried out by licenced technicians trained in handling rats and other types of nuisance wildlife, along with any associated odours that could affect nearby humans.
What Is The Cost Of Professional Pest Control?
The cost of professional pest control services varies depending on the size of the area being treated, the type of pest, and the extent of the infestation.
Prices can range from £60 for a single visit to a few hundred pounds for a comprehensive service plan. Generally, larger areas require more visits, labour, and materials, which increases the overall cost.
In addition to the initial service fee, there may be additional costs for equipment rental, materials, and follow-up visits. The frequency of follow-up visits will depend on the pest type, the infestation’s severity, and the treatment’s effectiveness.
For example, Bed Bug treatments may require multiple visits over a period of several months to ensure they are completely eradicated.
Professional squirrel removal cost range from £150 to £800 depending on the level of infestation and treatment required.
The exact cost will depend on the size of the area, the type of pest, and the extent of the infestation. Working with a reliable and experienced pest control provider is important to ensure the best possible results.
Put an End to Pesky Squirrels with Professional Pest Control
Professional pest control companies are an effective and reliable way to manage squirrel populations. With the average lifespan of a squirrel being up to 8 years, they can quickly become a nuisance in your back garden or wooded area if left unchecked.
Professional services provide humane solutions that will not harm any other species while using safe methods such as trapping and exclusion techniques to remove them from unwanted areas.
Professional squirrel pest control provides numerous benefits over DIY options, including:
- Safety for both people and animals
- Eco-friendly practises
- Cost savings due to fewer repeat visits
And most importantly, peace of mind knowing you have taken the necessary steps toward long-term prevention of future damage caused by these persistent critters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kinds Of Food Attract Squirrels?
Squirrels are often attracted to certain types of food. These can include nuts, fruits, grains, and seeds. They may also be drawn to birdseed or pet food in the open.
Squirrels may even scavenge for human food scraps if they can access them. It is important to keep these potential food sources away from areas where squirrels could easily find them, as this will help reduce the likelihood of a squirrel infestation.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Squirrel?
The average lifespan of a squirrel is typically between 4 and 10 years, depending on the species. In urban settings, where they are provided with plenty of food sources such as bird feeders, garbage cans, and other human-provided resources, some have been known to live for up to 12 years.
However, this extended life expectancy often comes at a cost: increased competition with other animals and humans over these limited resources can lead to more aggressive behaviour, which may require professional pest control services.
Are There Any Natural Predators Of Squirrels?
Squirrels have several natural predators, including foxes and hawks. Other animals, such as domestic cats, weasels, snakes, ferrets and rats, may also prey on squirrels in certain areas or habitats.
These predators typically kill adult squirrels while their young are vulnerable to predation from other species, such as hawks, owls and crows.
Squirrel populations can be managed by reducing food sources through trapping programmes or by encouraging more of these natural predators within an area.
What Types Of Wildlife Services Do Professional Pest Control Companies Provide?
Professional pest control companies provide various wildlife services to help protect homes and businesses from damage or destruction caused by animals.
These services typically involve squirrel traps, exclusion, habitat modification, damage repair, and removal of dead bodies when necessary.
Does Professional Pest Control Use Chemicals Or Other Harmful Substances?
Professional pest control companies use various methods to eliminate pests, including chemicals and other substances.
Depending on the type of infestation, a professional may employ one or more techniques in an integrated approach to pest management. Generally, chemical use is reserved for situations where the infestation has become too large or persistent to be managed with mechanical means such as trapping or exclusion devices.
In these cases, safe and effective products are used according to label instructions by certified applicators trained in proper application techniques.
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- Apex Pest Control
- 54 Baxter Dr, Sheffield, S6 1GH
- Local Branch
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