**Wildlife Pests Require a Wildlife Professional & are NOT Considered Pest Control – We are providing this information as a service to our customers and would be happy to refer you to a wildlife control company to further assist you. **
Spring and fall are the primary nesting seasons for squirrels in Colorado. Following breeding, a female squirrel will seek out a nesting site in which to raise her young. Although squirrels normally build their nests in trees, when the opportunity presents itself, squirrels are more than capable of gaining entry into the structure of a home in order to nest. Attics, wall voids and sometimes crawlspaces are frequented by squirrels for nesting purposes. Squirrels are very destructive considering their size, chewing on wiring, destroying insulation, chewing entry holes in the exterior as well as urinating and defecating within the structure of the home.
Once established in a home, squirrels are extremely persistent in maintaining their nesting site, especially when their young are still too small to venture out on their own. Caution should be used when attempting to seal entry points. Failure to make sure that all squirrels are out of the home will likely result in the mother squirrel causing additional damage to the home in order to gain access to her young. In addition, sealing entry points often results in squirrels ending up within the living space of the home in an attempt to escape or even death of the squirrels leading to maggots, flies and foul odors within the home.
Homeowners experiencing a squirrel infestation often describe activity being at its peak at dawn and dusk, although they can be heard during the day and occasionally at night as well. Dawn and dusk are also the best times to identify a squirrel infestation if you are uncertain of their presence. Walking around the exterior of the home during peak activity times often results in location of entry points and positive identification of the squirrel infestation. Attic/roof vents, soffit vents, damaged soffits and roof line construction gaps are favorite entry points of squirrels. Promptly contacting a wildlife control specialist is extremely important in minimizing the damage caused by squirrels.
Discouraging squirrel activity around your home can be helpful in preventing an infestation. Keeping trees trimmed away from your home, removing food and water sources including bird feeders and pet food as well as properly capping and screening vents will help deter squirrels from your home.
Cautions to homeowners: Squirrels frequently enter uncapped chimneys in an attempt to nest, once inside squirrels are more often than not unable to escape. The same is true for bathroom fan vents and sewer vents. Repairs and caps are often available to prevent access to these areas by squirrels and other wildlife. Squirrels are known for carrying parasites and disease pathogens and therefore it is recommended that removal be handled by a wildlife control specialist. The state division of wildlife does NOT provide residential or commercial services of this nature. State laws have established guidelines on the removal or relocation of wildlife including squirrels.