Imagine sitting quietly in your home when you suddenly hear faint scratching, scurrying, or squeaking from the attic or walls. You might brush it off as the house settling or a harmless rodent passing through—but think again. If you’re hearing strange noises, especially during early mornings or evenings, there’s a high chance you’re dealing with squirrels. And ignoring these sounds could lead to serious problems for your home and health.
In this post, we’ll explain why squirrel noises should never be overlooked, what dangers they pose, and why hiring a professional squirrel removal in Scarborough is the smartest step you can take.
Squirrels in Homes: More Common Than You Think
In urban areas like Scarborough, squirrels have adapted well to human environments. Trees, bird feeders, rooflines, and attics create the perfect substitute for their natural habitats. While these creatures may appear cute and harmless, they can become destructive pests once they invade your home.
The earliest sign of a squirrel infestation is often noise—scratching, chewing, or running sounds, especially in attics, wall cavities, or ceiling voids. If you live in Scarborough and hear such noises, it’s time to take them seriously.
The Cost of Ignoring Squirrel Noises
What’s the harm in a little squirrel scurrying around your attic? As it turns out, a lot.
Electrical Fire Hazards
Squirrels have extremely sharp teeth and a constant need to gnaw. Electrical wires in your attic or walls are prime targets. Chewed wires damage your electrical system and pose a serious fire risk. House fires caused by rodent-related electrical issues are more common than you might think.
Structural Damage
These pests can tear through insulation, wood beams, and drywall. Over time, this can compromise the structure of your home, leading to expensive repairs. When gaining entry, they may even damage roof vents, soffits, and shingles.
Health Risks
Squirrels can introduce parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites into your home. Their droppings and urine can lead to airborne pathogens that affect indoor air quality and human health. If you’re exposed regularly, this could result in allergies or even respiratory issues.
Why Squirrels Choose Your Room
Squirrels seek warm, safe environments to nest and raise their young, and attics offer the perfect conditions. Your attic provides:
- Shelter from predators and the elements
- Insulation materials to create nests
- Easy access through vents, chimneys, or damaged rooflines
- Minimal human disturbance
What begins as a seasonal nesting habit can become a year-round problem if not addressed quickly.
Squirrel Behaviour: Clues from the Noises
Understanding what those noises mean can help confirm the presence of squirrels. Here’s a quick guide:
- Early morning or dusk activity: Squirrels are diurnal, so movement at these times likely points to them.
- Scurrying or thumping: Often indicates one or more squirrels running around your attic.
- Chewing or gnawing: Squirrels chew wood or wires to maintain their teeth.
- Squeaking or chattering: Communication between squirrels, especially if young are present.
If you’re consistently hearing these sounds, it’s time to consider pest control in Scarborough to inspect your property.
DIY Isn’t Enough – Call the Professionals
While there are plenty of DIY tips online—from peppermint oil to ultrasonic devices—they are rarely effective against a determined squirrel. Attempting to trap or remove them yourself can lead to:
- Injuries from aggressive behaviour
- Legal complications (in some areas, squirrel handling is regulated)
- Incomplete removal, leading to re-infestation
- Separation of mothers from their young, causing even more noise and damage
This is why hiring an expert squirrel removal service in Scarborough is crucial. Professionals have the training, tools, and ethical methods to safely and effectively remove the infestation and seal up entry points to prevent it from happening again.
What to Expect from a Professional Squirrel Removal Service
When you contact a Scarborough pest control expert for squirrel removal, here’s how the process typically works:
Inspection
Professionals begin by inspecting the property—inside and out—to locate nests, entry points, and damage.
Humane Removal
Live traps or one-way exclusion doors are used to safely remove squirrels without harming them. This is crucial, especially if young squirrels are present.
Repairs and Prevention
The team will seal all potential entry points, repair minor damage, and provide recommendations to prevent future infestations.
Clean-Up
Sanitizing the area where squirrels nested is vital to eliminate odours, parasites, and health risks. Hiring a licensed pest control service ensures a thorough, permanent solution to the problem.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
Once the squirrels are gone, you’ll want to keep them from coming back. Follow these tips:
- Trim overhanging branches near your home
- Install chimney caps and cover vents.
- Inspect your roof regularly for loose shingles or gaps.
- Avoid feeding squirrels or leaving birdseed accessible.
- Secure trash bins and compost properly.
Combine these measures with a follow-up from your local pest control expert to ensure long-term safety.
Final Thoughts: Act Early, Save Big
Those small noises in your attic or walls aren’t harmless quirks but warning signs. Squirrels are persistent, noisy, and surprisingly destructive. Ignoring them could cost you far more than a simple pest control visit.
Whether it’s for peace of mind, property protection, or fire prevention, don’t delay. Contact a trusted provider of squirrel removal in Scarborough today. They’ll assess the situation, remove the squirrels safely, and ensure your home is secure from future invasions.
Call to Action:
If you hear suspicious noises in your attic, don’t wait until the damage is done. Reach out to a pest control Scarborough specialist now and keep your home squirrel-free before it’s too late.
