Hear some rustling in the leaves? See any small holes dug around your yard? It could be signs of squirrels. They’re busier this time of year, preparing for winter by building nests, eating, and hoarding food. Not only can this lead to damage in your lawn and garden, but it could mean larger issues if they decide to nest near gutters or your attic. Here are some fall squirrel control methods to try and help protect your property from feisty pests.

What Squirrels are Up to this Season

While squirrels don’t hibernate in the winter, they spend more time inside their dens. This means they need to take advantage of the warmer fall weather to check tasks off their list to get ready for the cold:

• Building a nest. From the tops of trees to attics and barns, squirrels use twigs and branches to build a warm winter spot.
• Hoarding food. You may see more squirrels running around to gather nuts, berries, and acorns to store in shallow holes near their nest. Nuts and seeds are higher in calories, which makes it easier to bulk up.
• Gaining weight. While the weather is still warm, squirrels eat more to store fat reserves.
• Thickening their coat. A warm nest can only do so much, so squirrels grow a thicker coat to help shield the cold.
• Inviting friends over. Another way squirrels warm up their dens is by sharing it with other squirrels.

So if you see more squirrels running around, know they are on a mission. If you see more holes in your yard, keep in mind they don’t always remember where they hide their food. You may start to see these seeds and nuts germinate into trees and shrubs. While this may be great for a forested area, it could mean you’ll grow a plant where you don’t want it.

Fall Squirrel Control Methods

There are ways to help limit the squirrel population in your yard, limiting property damage and preventing them from entering your home.

• Remove food sources. There are a number of squirrel-proof bird feeders, but you can also clean up any fallen nuts and other squirrel delicacies to manage availability.
• Seal entry points. Check for cracks, holes, or gaps around your roof or attic. Caulk any small opening and use  wire mesh, steel wool, or metal flashing to seal larger areas. Ensure outdoor vents, chimneys, and soffits are properly screened.
• Prune overgrown trees. Remove any branches hanging over your roof. Not only does this help prevent property damage, but it also cuts off easy squirrel access to your attic.
• Repellents. From natural sprays and commercial granules to motion-sensor and ultrasonic devices, there are many ways to help deter squirrels from chewing on plants, ripping up gardens, and entering your yard.
• Humane traps. If squirrels end up in your attic, live traps can be used to capture the pest and release it far from your house. Just make sure to check you local laws about pest relocation.

If you’ve ever dealt with a pesky squirrel before, you know it’s not always easy to deter them from your yard. They tend to quickly get used to some of these control tactics. In this case, it’s important to have a few different methods in mind to manage squirrel activity more effectively. If you need more help protecting your property from squirrels this fall, contact the pest control specialists at Cardinal Pest today.