If you're a homeowner in Illinois, you might have noticed an increase in squirrels around your property lately. These pesky critters can be difficult to get rid of and create a nuisance for anyone living near them.
Fortunately, there are some strategies that you can use to keep the squirrels away and make your property less attractive to them. In this article, we'll discuss how do get rid of squirrels in Illinois so that you can enjoy your home without worry.
Identifying The Problem
Identifying the problem of squirrels in Illinois begins with understanding why they are there. They are attracted to places that provide them with food, water, and shelter.
If your home is providing these things, then you have a potential squirrel problem on your hands. Taking a look around the exterior of your house can help you determine if this is the case.
Are there bird feeders nearby? Are there trees or shrubs close enough to provide easy access? If so, then it’s likely that squirrels have been taking advantage of the resources available to them.
It's time to start thinking about preventing access to your home.
Preventing Access To Your Home
I'm having trouble with squirrels entering my home in Illinois. Sealing entry points is the most important step in preventing them from getting in.
I'm also considering attracting natural predators like hawks or owls to my property to help scare them away. I'm not sure if this will work, but I'm willing to give it a try.
Has anyone else had success with this?
Sealing Entry Points
Sealing entry points to your home is a key component to preventing access by squirrels. You should seal up any holes, gaps, or cracks that may be present in the exterior of your home. This includes around windows, doors, and other entryways. Be sure to use materials that are strong enough to resist the chewing of squirrels.
Additionally, you should make sure that any vents or chimneys have proper screens installed so that rodents can't gain access through them.
In Illinois, it is important to understand the habits of squirrels in order to better prevent them from entering your home. Squirrels tend to move about within their own territory as well as foraging for food and shelter.
If you observe any evidence of squirrel activity around your property - such as burrows, tracks, trails or nests - then this is a good indication that they may be interested in gaining access inside your home.
By taking some basic steps such as sealing all entry points and understanding the behavior of these animals, you can take steps towards preventing squirrels from entering your home in Illinois.
Attracting Natural Predators
To further protect your home from squirrels, you can also attract natural predators to the area. Attracting animals like owls and hawks to your property can help keep the squirrel population under control.
Additionally, setting up bird feeders and nesting boxes can provide a safe haven for these birds of prey.
By providing a food source and shelter for these predators, they are more likely to stay in the area longer and keep the squirrel population at bay.
It is important to note that while this solution may not be ideal for every homeowner, if done correctly it can be an effective way to deter squirrels from entering your home.
Additionally, using humane traps that allow you to release caught animals away from your home is another viable option for those looking for a non-lethal solution.
Exclusion Techniques
Exclusion techniques are an effective way to prevent squirrels from accessing your home. These techniques involve creating a physical barrier that the squirrels cannot cross, such as:
* Installing chimney caps
* Securing attic vents and windows
* Placing one-way doors over entry points
By implementing these barriers, you will be able to successfully block the squirrels’ access to your home. With no way in, they will be discouraged from attempting to enter again.
Furthermore, this technique is non-lethal and does not require any additional effort or maintenance once implemented.
This method is particularly useful for those who have already experienced a problem with squirrels in their home and want to take preventative measures. Although exclusion techniques can be useful in preventing access, they are not always 100% successful.
Therefore, if exclusion methods do not work as desired, trapping and removal might be a more effective approach to getting rid of squirrels in Illinois.
Trapping And Removal
Trapping and removal is a common way to get rid of squirrels in Illinois. It involves setting up a cage trap baited with food, such as peanut butter, nuts, or other treats.
Once the squirrel enters the trap it should be relocated at least five miles away to prevent it from returning. However, it's important to note that trapping and relocation may not always be successful because some squirrels will find their way back to their original location.
Another option for getting rid of squirrels is to hire a professional exterminator. Exterminators are usually licensed and trained in humane removal techniques.
They'll use tools such as nets and traps to capture the animals and then release them into more suitable habitats far away from your property.
An alternative approach is to use humane deterrents such as ultrasonic devices or motion-activated sprinklers which can scare off the animals without harming them. These methods may require additional time and effort but can be effective if used consistently on a regular basis.
With this in mind, transitioning into using humane deterrents is an option worth considering.
Humane Deterrents
Trapping and removal of squirrels can be a short-term solution to the problem, but it can also be stressful, expensive and time consuming. Humane deterrents offer a more permanent resolution that is both cost effective and easy to implement. Though it may take longer for results to be seen, deterrents are the preferred method for dealing with squirrels in Illinois.
When attempting to deter squirrels from your property, the most important thing to remember is that they do not like sudden changes in their environment. Start by trimming back any trees or shrubs that provide easy access to roofs or attics. This should help keep them away as they will have fewer places to hide or nest near your home.
The next step would be to put up a physical barrier around vulnerable areas such as vents or eaves. This could include using wire mesh or netting that is strong enough to withstand gnawing from rodents. Another way you can deter squirrels from entering your property is by making it an unappealing environment for them.
Clear away piles of debris and fallen leaves where they could hide and use noise makers, such as wind chimes or reflective surfaces like aluminum foil, to scare them off when they approach too closely. With consistent effort and maintenance of these deterrents, you can create an unwelcome environment for any unwanted visitors on your property.
Long-term solutions for keeping squirrels away involve maintaining a repellent presence around the affected area and continuing with preventative measures against future intrusions.
Long-Term Solutions
Controlling squirrels in Illinois can be a challenge, but there are several long-term solutions that offer the best chances of success.
The first step is to eliminate any food sources that might attract squirrels to your property. This means keeping pet food and bird feeders off the ground and away from trees, as well as securely storing garbage and compost bins. Planting native plants which are less attractive to squirrels can also help discourage them from coming to your yard.
The second step is exclusion, which involves using fencing to keep squirrels out of areas where they are not wanted. Fences should have small openings and be firmly secured at least 6 inches below the soil surface. Netting may also be used around fruit trees or other areas where squirrels could potentially cause damage. You can easily get rid of squirrels through professionals.
Finally, trapping and relocating squirrels is also an option for controlling their population in a specific area. If done properly, this method can help reduce local populations without causing unnecessary harm or death to the animals involved. However, it is important to check with local wildlife authorities before attempting this technique as regulations vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Squirrels Live?
Squirrels typically live between 3 to 8 years in the wild, although they can live up to 20 years in captivity. Generally, they reach adult size and begin to reproduce at a year old.
Squirrels are active year-round and will have two or three litters of young each year. In some cases, this can result in rapid population growth which could be problematic for homeowners looking to keep them away from their property.
How Do I Know If I Have A Squirrel Problem?
Do you hear scampering above your head or see tiny footprints in the snow? It may be time to ask yourself whether or not you have a squirrel problem. A tell-tale sign of a squirrel infestation is when they start building nests in the attic, which can cause a lot of damage to your home.
Other signs include hearing scratching noises within walls, seeing small holes chewed in window frames, and finding tree nuts scattered around your yard. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's time to take action and get rid of these pesky critters!
Are There Any Natural Repellents For Squirrels?
There are some natural repellents for squirrels that can help keep them away from your property. The most popular repellent is planting certain types of plants that squirrels don't like, such as hot peppers, garlic and peppermint.
You can also use odors to repel them, like strong scents of vinegar or ammonia. Additionally, setting up motion-activated sprinklers and noise makers can frighten them away.
Lastly, be sure to remove any sources of food or shelter they might find attractive on your property.
Are There Any Laws That Protect Squirrels In Illinois?
It's a tricky situation, but it pays to know the law when dealing with pesky critters like squirrels.
In Illinois, there are laws in place that protect these bushy-tailed rodents. In fact, the Wildlife Code of Illinois protects all native species of birds and mammals, including squirrels.
To put it another way, you can't just kick them out or shoo them away - they have rights too! So while natural repellents may be an option to consider, it's important to remember that any attempts to remove squirrels must comply with state regulations.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Professional For Squirrel Removal?
Hiring a professional for squirrel removal typically costs between $200 and $400, depending on the severity of the infestation. Generally, you can expect to pay more if there is considerable damage or if multiple visits are necessary to complete the job.
Additionally, some companies may charge extra fees for hard-to-reach places or difficult-to-remove nests.
Conclusion
I wish there was an easy solution to getting rid of squirrels, but it's not that simple.
Sure, there are natural repellents and you can hire a professional for removal, but the laws in Illinois protect these animals - so I'm stuck.
It's ironic how something so small can cause such a big problem! Even though I may never get rid of all the squirrels, I'm determined to do my best to reduce the population. Learn more about can you get rid of squirrels in your yard.
Ultimately, this is an ongoing battle that requires patience and persistence on my part. Don't get late if you find any squirrels just contact professionals. A1 Pest Masters is bets in squirrel trapping or call us at (312) 647-2630.