As the temperatures drop, many homeowners notice more wildlife activity around their homes. Grey squirrels, in particular, become highly motivated to find warmth and shelter. While these furry creatures may look harmless, they can quickly cause expensive damage once inside your attic, crawlspace, or walls. Understanding their behavior during winter and learning how to protect your property can help you avoid a major headache.
Why Grey Squirrels Seek Shelter in Winter
Grey squirrels are active all year long, but cold weather changes their behavior significantly. During spring and summer, they thrive outdoors where food is abundant. However, as the days grow shorter and natural resources dwindle, squirrels look for warm, secure shelters to survive the winter.
Because they are excellent climbers and chewers, squirrels often find their way into human structures. Attics, chimneys, and soffits provide ideal environments, offering both warmth and protection from predators. Additionally, these areas are often stocked with insulation that squirrels shred for nesting material.
- Squirrels seek warmth as temperatures drop.
- Attics and crawlspaces provide perfect protection.
- They look for easy access points like vents, soffits, and rooflines.
- Nesting materials are readily available in insulation and stored items.
- Indoor shelters protect them from predators and harsh weather.
Therefore, when squirrels choose your home, it’s not by accident—it’s a survival instinct.
The Risks of Squirrel Invasions
Although squirrels seem less threatening than raccoons or possums, they can be just as destructive. Once inside, their constant chewing habit becomes a serious hazard. Because their teeth never stop growing, squirrels gnaw on wood, wires, and even pipes to keep them filed down.
In addition, their droppings and urine can contaminate insulation and create foul odors. Over time, these issues can lead to health concerns for your family. Furthermore, squirrels may give birth to litters while living indoors, quickly multiplying the problem.
- Chewing wires can create fire hazards.
- Damaged insulation lowers energy efficiency.
- Droppings and urine increase contamination risks.
- Structural damage to wood and drywall is common.
- Multiple generations of squirrels can occupy one attic.
Clearly, allowing squirrels to remain unchecked inside your home is both unsafe and costly.
How Squirrels Gain Entry into Homes
To protect your property, it is important to know how squirrels typically get inside. They are agile climbers, so your roofline is the first place to look. Even the smallest gap along soffits, fascia boards, or vents may be enough for entry.
Furthermore, squirrels use their sharp teeth to widen existing cracks or holes. Loose shingles, rotting wood, or broken screens provide easy opportunities. Chimneys without proper caps are also frequent access points.
- Roof edges with gaps or loose boards.
- Vents and chimneys lacking screens or caps.
- Rotting wood or soft siding that can be chewed through.
- Tree branches hanging near or over the roof.
- Gaps in soffits and eaves where materials meet.
Once you know their strategies, prevention becomes much easier.
Preventative Steps to Keep Squirrels Out
Stopping squirrels before they get inside is always the best approach. Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to make your home less appealing.
First, trim back tree branches at least six to eight feet from your roof. This reduces the chance of squirrels jumping directly onto your home. Next, inspect your roofline for vulnerable areas and repair them promptly. Additionally, install chimney caps and vent covers to eliminate obvious access points.
- Trim trees and shrubs near the house.
- Inspect the roofline for cracks or holes.
- Install chimney caps and heavy-duty vent screens.
- Replace rotting wood and seal small gaps with metal flashing.
- Keep gutters clean to avoid water damage that softens wood.
By addressing these areas, you greatly reduce the likelihood of a squirrel invasion this winter.
Why DIY Methods Often Fail
Although homeowners sometimes attempt DIY squirrel removal, these efforts rarely succeed. For instance, setting traps without sealing entry points allows new squirrels to take their place. Additionally, sealing a squirrel inside the attic can create bigger issues, such as foul odors from a trapped animal.
Moreover, store-bought repellents are usually ineffective. Scents and sprays fade quickly, and squirrels are persistent enough to ignore them. Because squirrels are determined survivalists, professional intervention is often required.
- Traps alone won’t solve the problem.
- Sealing animals inside creates bigger issues.
- Repellents wear off and don’t deter determined squirrels.
- Professional training ensures humane removal.
- Experts identify hidden entry points most homeowners miss.
Thus, while DIY may seem cost-effective, it usually leads to frustration and more damage.
Professional Wildlife Control: The Best Solution
Working with a professional wildlife removal company ensures the problem is solved safely and permanently. Trained specialists know how to humanely remove squirrels and secure your home against future invasions. Additionally, they carry the tools and experience needed to locate all entry points, even those hidden from plain sight.
At Covenant Wildlife, we use proven techniques that protect both your property and the animals. Our team provides thorough inspections, humane removal, and exclusion repairs designed to keep squirrels out for good.
- Humane removal methods prioritize safety.
- Inspections uncover every vulnerable entry point.
- Repairs prevent future infestations.
- Professional cleanup restores sanitation and insulation.
- Long-term solutions save homeowners money and stress.
Ultimately, professional help is the most reliable way to protect your home during the colder months.
Seasonal Maintenance to Protect Against Squirrels
Preventing squirrel invasions is not just about sealing holes—it’s also about seasonal upkeep. When you stay on top of routine maintenance, your home remains strong and less appealing to wildlife.
Cleaning gutters regularly helps prevent water damage that weakens wood. Checking for signs of gnawing or droppings around your attic alerts you early to potential intrusions. Furthermore, inspecting vents, chimneys, and rooflines each fall prepares your home for winter.
- Clean gutters to avoid water damage.
- Look for droppings or shredded insulation in the attic.
- Inspect vents, soffits, and chimneys regularly.
- Repair loose boards, shingles, or siding promptly.
- Schedule annual wildlife prevention inspections.
By staying proactive, you’ll greatly reduce the risk of winter invasions.
Why Choose Covenant Wildlife
When it comes to protecting your home from grey squirrels, Covenant Wildlife stands out as a trusted partner. We understand the challenges local homeowners face, especially during cold weather. Our experts use humane, effective strategies to remove squirrels and prevent future invasions.
We are dedicated to providing long-lasting protection, not temporary fixes. Because we value your peace of mind, we treat every home as if it were our own. With years of experience and a proven track record, we are ready to help you safeguard your property this winter.
- Local experts with knowledge of regional wildlife behavior.
- Humane and effective squirrel removal methods.
- Comprehensive inspections and exclusion repairs.
- Long-term prevention strategies tailored to your home.
- Exceptional customer service and support.
Choosing Covenant Wildlife means choosing reliable protection and professional care.
Final Thoughts
Winter brings unique challenges, and grey squirrels are one of the most persistent. However, with the right preventative steps and professional assistance, you can keep your home safe, clean, and secure. Don’t wait until you hear scratching in your attic—take action before squirrels make your home theirs.
If you suspect squirrels are trying to invade your property, contact Covenant Wildlife today. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and customized prevention plan to keep you protected all winter long.
