Squirrels | Critter Control Of Pittsburgh

5 Essential Steps to Prevent Squirrel Infestations

A squirrel infestation can cause more than a little noise around your home. Squirrels often enter attics, chimneys and other sheltered spaces in search of nesting areas, where they may damage insulation, chew on wood and wiring and create entry points for other wildlife. Taking a proactive approach can help reduce the chances of unwanted critters. Here are five essential steps you can take to help prevent a squirrel infestation before it starts.

Top Tips to Prevent a Squirrel Infestation

Inspect Your Attic: Chances are you’re not spending a lot of time in your attic because you probably use it for storage space. Squirrels, however, see this spot as a perfect nesting place. So regularly check in on your attic, and clear any clutter that’s covering your floor. Make sure your attic is well-insulated, and store delicate items in sealed plastic containers.
Secure Entry Points: Your roof and chimney are two of the most vulnerable entry points on your property. Keep an eye out for cracked or missing shingles, which can provide squirrels easy access to your property.
Eliminate Food Sources: Squirrels are attracted to easy meals. Reduce the chances of attracting them by storing bird seed in sealed containers and cleaning up fallen nuts and fruit in your yard. Keep garbage cans tightly covered, and bring pet food indoors after feeding. Removing readily available food encourages squirrels to search elsewhere for shelter and resources.
Keep Up Regular Maintenance: Preventing a squirrel infestation isn’t just a one-time solution. Instead, you should routinely inspect your entire property to look for small issues before they can become big problems. Perform major property inspections twice a year, regularly trim trees and mow lawns, and clean up cluttered areas of your property frequently to reduce infestations.
Schedule Professional Squirrel Removal: While prevention goes a long way, squirrels that have already entered your home should only be handled by trained professionals. Attempting to remove wildlife without the proper equipment or expertise can be unsafe for both you and the animals, as squirrels can bite and scratch if cornered or threatened.

Safe and Humane Professional Squirrel Removal Services

When squirrels invade your property, rely on the experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh. Our team uses a proven process to effectively resolve infestations. Our squirrel removal methods include:

Inspection: We’ll conduct a comprehensive property inspection to identify entry points and nesting locations.
Removal: Using safe and humane techniques, we’ll remove all nuisance critters from your property.
Exclusion: We’ll install preventative measures to seal entry points, preventing potential re-entry.
Restoration: Any damages caused to your home or business by the squirrel infestation are cleaned, repaired and restored to their pre-infestation conditions.

The licensed and experienced squirrel removal technicians at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh will quickly remove nuisance squirrels and other invasive wildlife from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our fast and efficient squirrel removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.

Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Property Safe from Squirrels

Squirrels may seem harmless, but once they begin nesting in or around your home, they can cause significant damage to roofing, insulation, soffits and other parts of your property’s structure. Taking proactive steps toward squirrel prevention can help protect your Pittsburgh property and reduce the risk of costly repairs.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Property from Squirrels

Preventing squirrels from settling on your property starts with eliminating what attracts them in the first place. Inspecting and maintaining your home’s exterior is one of the most effective ways to discourage unwanted activity. To keep squirrels out, you should:

Repair damaged soffits, vents and roof openings promptly.
Secure loose siding and other potential entry points.
Store garbage in tightly sealed containers.
Secure bird feeders and clean up spilled seed.
Remove debris piles and clutter from sheds and garages that can provide squirrels shelter.

Routine property maintenance can go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of squirrels taking up residence around your home.

Practical Squirrel Prevention Around Your Yard

Your landscaping can also play a major role in squirrel prevention. Small changes can make your property much less inviting to the pesky rodents.

Keep trees and shrubs properly pruned away from your rooftop.
Inspect gardens and landscaping for signs of digging.
Keep your yard free of fallen nuts, seeds and other food sources.

Tidying your property throughout the year helps reduce opportunities for squirrels to forage or establish nests close to your home. However, even with proactive measures, squirrels can still find their way on your property. When that happens, you’ll want to contact the professional squirrel removal experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Professional Squirrel Removal Services in Greater Pittsburgh

At Critter Control® of Pittsburgh, we use a proven, four-step process to get rid of nuisance squirrels. Our humane and efficient method includes:

Inspection: We’ll conduct a thorough walkthrough of your property’s interior and exterior to determine the size and extent of the squirrel problem.
Removal: Using eco-friendly techniques, we’ll safely trap and remove all squirrels from your home or business.
Exclusion: We’ll install preventative measures and seal entry points to prevent squirrels from returning.
Restoration: Any property damage caused by the squirrels is repaired and restored to its pre-infestation condition.

To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our fast and effective squirrel removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.

Steps to Take for Pest-Proofing Your Home This Fall

As temperatures begin to drop, many pests and nuisance wildlife start searching for warm, sheltered places to spend the colder months. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh homes and businesses often provide everything they need, including food, water and protection from the elements. Taking preventative steps before fall arrives can help reduce the likelihood of an infestation and minimize the need for emergency pest control services. To help, here are several effective ways to pest-proof your home and protect your property throughout the season.

At-Home Pest Control Tips for the Fall

Some of the best tips for keeping pests away from your property this fall include:

Inspect and Seal Entry Points: Even small openings can provide access for rodents, insects and wildlife. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior and seal any gaps or cracks you find. Repair any damaged screens and vents, and close openings around utility pipes and cables.
Eliminate Food and Water Sources: Pests are often attracted to homes because they offer easy access to food and moisture. Store food in sealed containers, and clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Fix leaking pipes and faucets. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight, so other critters aren’t lured to your front door.
Maintain Your Yard: Your landscaping can play a major role in attracting or deterring pests. Trim tree branches away from your roof. Remove piles of leaves, wood, and debris. Keep grass mowed and vegetation maintained. Store firewood away from the home’s exterior. Regular yard maintenance helps reduce hiding places for rodents and other nuisance wildlife.
Keep Gutters and Drainage Systems Clean: Clogged gutters can create standing water and damp conditions that attract insects and other pests. Clean gutters regularly and ensure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation. Proper drainage helps reduce moisture issues that often contribute to pest activity.

When to Call a Pest Control Professional

Early intervention can prevent a minor pest issue from growing into a larger and more costly problem. However, while these DIY pest control tips may help keep most nuisance wildlife away, it isn’t a foolproof guide. If you notice the following, it’s time to call in an pest removal expert:

Scratching or movement in walls or attics
Droppings around the home
Damage to insulation, wiring, or wood
Frequent sightings of wildlife near your property
Evidence of nesting activity

Get Expert Pest Control Service with Critter Control® of Pittsburgh

At Critter Control® of Pittsburgh, we use safe and effective methods to deter pests and keep them away. Our experienced animal removal technicians will quickly and safely remove nuisance wildlife and pests from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our fast and efficient services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.

10 Effective Ways to Rodent-Proof Your Home and Yard

Rats, mice, squirrels and other rodents will often seek shelter inside residential Pittsburgh properties to escape bad weather and predators; however, they’ll stay inside once they’ve found a warm place to nest near your home’s food and water supply. Once nested, rodents will breed and spread contamination throughout your property, posing serious health and structural risks to your family and home. Therefore, rodent-proofing your property is a necessary line of defense to keep unwelcome critters away from your home. Here are 10 ways to strengthen your property against invasive rodents.

Top Rodent-Proofing Strategies

Most rodent-proofing strategies are common home maintenance tasks that are easy to implement. Here are 10 ways to boost your home’s defense against rats and mice.

Seal Entry Points: Rodents can squeeze their bodies through small cracks and holes to make their way inside. Look for any potential entry points, such as gaps around utility pipes, attic vents and your home’s foundation. Fill these gaps with stainless steel mesh or steel wool and caulk.
Repair Door Sweeps: Door sweeps are an effective way to protect your home from the elements and rodents. To keep out unwanted guests, check the weatherstripping around the bottom of your exterior doors to ensure it’s tightly sealed and extends across the whole door.
Safely Store Food: Open bags of perishable goods inside your kitchen pantry are a huge attractors for rodents. Tightly seal open food in glass or metal containers, and clean up crumbs and messes as soon as they happen.
Secure Your Exterior: Rodents often access homes through openings on the roof. To prevent rodents from getting inside, secure your roof’s vents and pipes with metal flashing, a durable material that is difficult for rodents to chew through.
Protect Your Shed: If you have a backyard shed, it’s important to apply these same rat-proofing techniques to make sure rodents don’t use your storage space as a second home.
Clean Nesting Sites: Rodents love to nest in cluttered spaces, such as attics, garages, and basements. Keep these areas as organized and clutter-free as possible to discourage rodents from getting too comfortable.
Tidy Your Yard: An unkempt yard full of thick vegetation, wood piles and debris provides cover for rodents to sneak through. Keep the pests away from your home by pruning back bushes, trimming trees, and clearing away any trash piles near your house.
Use Natural Repellents: Rodents rely on their sense of smell to guide them to food. Use their sensitivity to your advantage by placing scents around your home that overwhelm their senses. Peppermint, pepper, garlic and vinegar are easy-to-find ingredients that rodents can’t stand.
Scare Them Off: Rodents are naturally skittish and tend to flee in fight-or-flight situations. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers are good deterrents that keep them away at night.
Humane Traps: Most home improvement stores sell humane traps that can take care of minor problems. Make sure to release trapped rodents as soon as possible, and let them go at least five miles away from your property.

Professional Rodent Removal Services in Pittsburgh

While DIY rodent removal can be effective, it shouldn’t be your only line of defense. Instead, trust the licensed, trained and experienced experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh to safely and humanely remove nuisance rodents from your property. To schedule your inspection and receive a free rodent removal estimate, call us today at 412-767-4067.

6 Home Remedies to Keep Squirrels Away

Squirrels are cute, agile, and often entertaining to watch as they scamper around, but when they take up residence in your home or garden, they can become quite the nuisance. If you’re facing a squirrel problem on your Pittsburgh property, try these home remedies to keep squirrels away.

Natural Home Remedies to Keep Squirrels Away

Mint Oil –Mint oil is known for its strong and pleasant scent, but squirrels find it repulsive. Using mint oil is a natural and safe way to deter these critters.
– Soak cotton balls in mint oil and place them in areas frequented by squirrels.
– Refresh the cotton balls periodically to maintain the scent.
Apple Cider Vinegar –The strong odor of apple cider vinegar is another effective deterrent for squirrels.
– Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
– Spray this solution on plants, surfaces, or areas where squirrels are causing trouble.

Spices –Spices like cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika are natural squirrel repellents due to their spicy scent.
– Sprinkle these spices in your garden or around potential entry points.
– Reapply after rain or when the scent fades.

Coffee Grounds –Used coffee grounds have a strong aroma that can help keep squirrels away.
– Scatter coffee grounds in your garden, around plants, or near squirrel-prone areas.
– Replace the grounds regularly for maximum effectiveness.

Aluminum Foil –Squirrels dislike the noise and feel of aluminum foil beneath their paws, making it an effective deterrent.
– Place strips or sheets of aluminum foil in squirrel-prone areas.
– The noise and texture will deter them from returning.
Predator Decoys –Using decoys that resemble natural squirrel predators, like owls or hawks, can intimidate squirrels and discourage them from entering your property.
– Strategically place these decoys in your garden or near squirrel entry points.

While these home remedies can be effective for deterring squirrels, a persistent infestation may require professional intervention. Critter Control® of Pittsburgh offers safe, humane, and affordable squirrel removal services provided by licensed, trained, and experienced wildlife control experts.

Your Pittsburgh Squirrel Removal Experts

The experienced squirrel removal technicians at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh will quickly and safely remove nuisance squirrels and other invasive wildlife from your Pennsylvania property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our fast and efficient squirrel removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.

Does Marigold Keep Squirrels Away?

Right behind rats, squirrels are one of the most difficult invasive rodents to remove from your property. Squirrels have an unyielding desire to chew, and they will gnaw on anything in your property including furniture, storage, and infrastructure. To get rid of squirrels, many homeowners turn to DIY methods and alleged squirrel repellents like onions and Irish spring soap. However, one natural repellant that should not be overlooked is the marigold flower. Easily grown year-round, marigolds can serve a greater purpose other than beautifying your garden. But does marigold keep squirrels away?

How Does Marigold Keep Squirrels Away?

Any garden or area where marigolds are planted has a safe chance of being squirrel-free. Because squirrels have a sensitive sense of smell, the pungent scent of marigolds acts as a natural deterrent for the rodents. Another benefit of the marigold is that the seeds sprout within a few days. So, while still blooming and not fully grown, a bed of marigolds can quickly serve as an all-natural squirrel repellent.

Other Squirrel Repellant Plants

In addition to marigolds, there are other pungent plants that squirrels will try to avoid. Here are five other plants you should consider adding to your garden if squirrels are being a nuisance:

Narcissus (Daffodils)
Common Snowdrops
Allium
Crown Imperial
Common Hyacinth

Like marigolds, these plants all have unpleasant scents that squirrels avoid to protect their sensitive noses. Although planting one or all these plants may keep squirrels at bay, the best, safest, and most effective way to remove squirrels from your property is to contact the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Effective Squirrel Removal Services in Pittsburgh, PA

The licensed, trained, and experienced squirrel removal technicians at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh will quickly and safely remove nuisance squirrels and other invasive wildlife from your Pennsylvania property and keep them from returning.

To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our fast and efficient squirrel removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.

Do Squirrels Make Nests In Tree Branches?

While birds are likely the most popular animal known to occupy trees, squirrels must come in at a close second. But while birds build nests, where do the squirrels live? Do squirrels make nests in tree branches, as well, or do they live inside of the tree?

In actuality, squirrels do make nests in tree branches, but they are known as “dreys.” Here is what you need to know about squirrel dreys and what you should do if you see squirrels building them on your residential property.

What Are Squirrel Dreys Made Of?

Dreys are small, bulbous bunches of natural materials, typically twigs, leaves, and moss. Although, some dreys will even be made of bits of paper and trash. Ultimately, the contents of a squirrel’s drey will vary regionally based on what materials the rodent has access to. If you notice squirrels rummaging through your trash, they may be looking for suitable materials with which to build their dreys, in addition to seeking food.

Where Would I Find a Drey?

Squirrel dreys can be located in various parts of the tree. They are commonly found on top of tree branches but can also be made within the tree cavity. On rare occasions, a squirrel will build a drey close to the ground. However, dreys are typically built high up in trees, sometimes 20 feet high or more, to protect the squirrel from the elements and natural predators.

Why Am I Seeing Dreys on My Property?

Squirrels build dreys for a number of different reasons. Usually, they’ll build dreys when they are raising their young or when they are in need of immediate shelter, like during the winter. TMostly, squirrels will only build dreys in places that they deem safe.

If you are seeing dreys on your property, it is because squirrels feel safe and have likely found access to food nearby. After all, squirrels love properties that have home gardens, bird feeders, or easy access to pet food bowls.

If you start seeing squirrel dreys in the trees on your property, you might be dealing with the beginning of a squirrel infestation. If so, it is vital that you call the squirrel removal experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh as quickly as possible.

What Should I Do When I See Dreys on My Property?

At Critter Control® of Pittsburgh, our squirrel removal experts can provide you with effective, safe, and affordable squirrel removal services that will remove nuisance squirrels, take down unwanted dreys, and prevent new squirrels from nesting on your property in the future.

To schedule an inspection of your Pittsburgh-area property and receive a free estimate for our squirrel removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.

Is Spray Foam Insulation Rodent Proof?

Greater Pittsburgh area residences and businesses are common targets for rodent infestations. Pests like rats, mice, squirrels like to chew and wiggle their way into area properties in search of food and shelter. Once inside, they can cause costly damages and spread contamination that is difficult to repair and remove. Therefore, you should be diligent about keeping rodents out of your home before an infestation can begin. While there are many methods out there, spray foam insulation is often promoted as a rodent proof insulation that will seal the cracks and crevices that rodents usually use to infiltrate vulnerable properties. But can spray foam insulation really be considered a rodent proof product?

The Truth About Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a type of energy efficient home insulation that started seeing prominent use in the 1980s. It is typically used to seal walls, floors, and other parts of the home where cracks are prevalent, thereby keeping insects and pests out and desirable temperatures in. It is popular among homeowners due to its ease of use, as it simply sprays into any crevice, dries quickly, and fills the crack, firmly holding its shape.

Rodent Proof Insulation: Fact or Fiction?

While spray foam insulation does add another protective layer to your property by filling cracks and gaps that rodents could potentially use to gain entry into your home, it cannot really be considered a rodent proof insulation. At the end of the day, spray foam insulation is still a material that rodents can easily chew through, especially if they smell food on the other side. Rats have strong teeth that they regularly use to tunnel through siding, vents, flooring, and drywall, so spray foam insulation doesn’t stand a chance. While it may help to safeguard your home from smaller pests, spray foam insulation will not rodent proof your home.

Enlist Our Experts to Rodent-proof Your Home

Rather than relying on spray foam insulation to keep rodents out, trust the rodent removal experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh to equip your home with the preventative measures needed to truly prevent a rodent infestation.

At Critter Control® of Pittsburgh, we offer effective, safe, and affordable rodent removal and prevention services. Additionally, all of our services are conducted by licensed, trained, and experienced rodent removal experts who know all of the proper ways to keep rodents out of your home.

For more information on our professional rodent removal services or to schedule an inspection of your property, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.

Do Squirrels Deter Rats?

One popular method for deterring pests is introducing another creature to either chase them away or capture and devour them. For the most part, this involves adopting a pet, like a cat or a dog. For rats, snakes are a natural predator; however, there may be a less fearsome creature that you can enlist to help you put an end to your rat infestation: squirrels.

Can Squirrels Deter Rats?

While they are both rodents, rats are generally afraid of squirrels, and for good reason. Squirrels typically nest in trees and feast on nuts. However, their keen eyesight and high ground advantage allow them to spot small critters, like mice and rats, that may threaten their nest or serve as a nice snack.

However, squirrel vs. rat encounters are not really a common occurrence. Namely because squirrels are only active during the day and nocturnal rats are only active at night. To cross paths, one of creatures would have to be exhibiting unusual behavior. Furthermore, rats will quickly retreat to their nest if they suspect the threatening presence of a squirrel or other predator.

So, can squirrels deter rats? While it’s not unheard of, squirrels are more likely to deter other creatures that are also active during the day, like birds.

Effective Ways to Deter Rats

Rather than relying on wild squirrels that can quickly become invasive pests themselves, enlist the expert services of a rodent removal professional to quickly resolve your growing rat problem. An experienced rodent removal technician will ensure that all unwanted rodents are permanently removed from your property.

For efficient rodent removal services in the Greater Pittsburgh area, trust the experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Professional Rat Removal Services in Pittsburgh

At Critter Control® of Pittsburgh, our team of licensed and trained rodent removal technicians will inspect your property to locate, isolate, and remove all nuisance rats. We will also clean and disinfect any harmful contamination the pests left behind, and install preventative measures to ensure a rat infestation does not return.

For more information on our rodent removal services or to schedule an inspection of your Pittsburgh-area property and receive a free rat removal estimate, please call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.

What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Yard?

The Greater Pittsburgh area is no stranger to squirrels. While the squirrely critters may seem cute, they can be nightmarish if they ever infest your property. Therefore, it is important to know what to do when you start to notice one too many squirrels gathering around your residence or place of business. Here are a few different ways to get rid of squirrels in your yard or around your Pittsburgh, PA, property.

Top Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Yard

Let Your Pet Loose

Squirrels are very skittish creatures. If they sense danger, they will run far away. One thing they are quite scared of is other animals, particularly ones bigger than them. If you have a dog or cat that loves to chase anything that moves, let your pet loose in your yard to chase your squirrel worries away.

Try Cayenne Pepper

If you don’t have a pet but have a well-stocked spice cabinet, try this cheap and easy method for squirrel removal. Squirrels, like most rodents, are very sensitive to smells. Particularly, cayenne pepper will overload a squirrel’s sensory system and make them scatter. Sprinkling some cayenne pepper outside will get rid of squirrels in your yard. Also, adding cayenne pepper on any fruits and vegetables that you’re growing is a great way to prevent squirrels from munching on your home garden.

Trim the Trees

Squirrels are most attracted to properties with lots of trees as tree branches allow squirrels to be more mobile and gain access to roofs and attics. Thus, a great way to deter squirrels from your property is by trimming the foliage in your yard, particularly any overhanging tree branches.

While you might find some success trying one of the above methods, they will only offer you temporary squirrel relief. If tenacious, hungry squirrels are relentlessly infesting your property, the most effective way to remove them for good is to call the licensed squirrel removal professionals at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Yard with Critter Control® of Pittsburgh

The experienced squirrel removal experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh are equipped to quickly and safely remove any unwanted squirrels from your yard and keep them from coming back.

Our team of trained technicians will not only remove any nuisance squirrels from your property, but we will also clean up any messes the pests leave behind and install preventative measures to make sure they don’t return, ensuring your property remains squirrel-free.

For more information on our squirrel removal services for residential and commercial properties in the Pittsburgh area, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067 and schedule an inspection of your property to receive a complimentary squirrel removal estimate.