Dealing with squirrels in Ottawa-Gatineau requires strategic approaches to ensure their removal without causing harm to the animals or property. Here are effective methods to manage squirrel infestations:
Exclusion and Prevention: Start by sealing entry points where squirrels gain access to your home or building. This includes closing gaps in roofs, vents, and chimneys with sturdy materials like hardware cloth or metal flashing. Ensuring all potential entry points are sealed off is crucial to prevent squirrels from re-entering.
Trapping and Removal: Live traps can be effective in capturing squirrels for relocation. Place traps along paths commonly used by squirrels or near their entry points. Check traps regularly and release captured squirrels far away from your property, adhering to local regulations.
Repellents: Natural and commercial repellents can deter squirrels from nesting in your property. Options include predator urine, spicy sprays, or mothballs placed strategically around entry points or near their nesting sites. However, effectiveness can vary, and consistent reapplication may be necessary.
Professional Pest Control Services: For persistent squirrel problems or large infestations, seeking help from pest control professionals is advisable. They have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively remove squirrels using humane methods while preventing future infestations.
Trimming Trees and Vegetation: Squirrels often use overhanging branches as pathways to access roofs and attics. Trimming tree branches away from your home can discourage squirrels from approaching and reduce potential entry points.
It’s essential to address squirrel infestations promptly to prevent damage to property and mitigate health risks associated with wildlife intrusion. By combining these methods and implementing preventative measures, homeowners and businesses in Ottawa-Gatineau can effectively manage squirrel populations while maintaining a safe and secure environment.
