Spring in Bentonville, AR brings blooming flowers, warmer weather, and unfortunately, an increase in squirrel activity around local homes. While these furry creatures may seem harmless when scampering across your yard, they can quickly become destructive pests when they make their way inside your attic, walls, or crawl spaces. Squirrels are persistent, agile, and incredibly resourceful, and once they decide to invade your home, they can cause significant damage and become a real headache.
Understanding how to recognize squirrel activity and deter them from entering your home is the first step toward protecting your property. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to spot the signs of a squirrel problem, what you can do to reduce the risk of an infestation, and why calling a professional squirrel removal service like Defender Pest Control is the smartest, safest solution.
Why Squirrels Become a Problem in Bentonville Homes
During the spring, squirrels are busy building nests, searching for food, and preparing to raise their young. Unfortunately, your attic or crawl space looks like prime real estate to them. Squirrels often seek out warm, quiet, and secure spaces to nest—and they don’t mind causing destruction to get inside.
Once squirrels move in, the damage can escalate quickly. These pests are notorious chewers. They gnaw on wood, insulation, siding, and even electrical wiring, which increases the risk of house fires. Their droppings and urine can contaminate insulation and attract other pests, and the noise they make—scratching, scurrying, squeaking—can drive homeowners crazy, especially early in the morning.
Ignoring a squirrel problem can lead to thousands of dollars in property damage. That’s why early detection and professional wildlife removal are essential.
How to Identify a Squirrel Infestation in Your Home
Knowing how to spot the signs of a squirrel problem can help you address the issue before it turns into a costly repair project. Squirrels leave behind several clear indicators when they’ve made themselves at home in your attic or crawl space.
Here are some common signs to watch for:
- Noises in the attic or walls: You might hear scratching, scampering, or chewing sounds during the daytime when squirrels are most active.
- Droppings and urine stains: Squirrel droppings are small, dark, and cylindrical, resembling oversized grains of rice.
- Visible entry points: Check around your roofline, soffits, vents, and chimney. Squirrels can chew through wood, vinyl, or aluminum to create entry holes.
- Shredded nesting materials: Look for piles of leaves, twigs, insulation, or other debris squirrels may use to build nests.
- Sightings of squirrels on your roof: Frequent squirrel activity on your roof or near potential entry points is a good sign they may be nesting inside.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs around your Bentonville home, it’s time to take action.
How to Deter Squirrels from Entering Your Bentonville Home
Preventing squirrels from entering your home is far easier—and less expensive—than dealing with an infestation after it happens. While some homeowners attempt DIY solutions, the most effective squirrel prevention strategies involve securing your home’s exterior and removing potential attractants.
Start by inspecting your roofline, attic vents, soffits, and chimney. Look for any gaps or holes larger than two inches and make sure they’re sealed with durable materials like metal flashing or heavy-duty wire mesh. Squirrels can chew through wood, plastic, and even thin metal, so it’s crucial to use squirrel-proof barriers.
Next, turn your attention to the trees and landscaping around your home. Squirrels often access rooftops by jumping from overhanging branches, so trimming back tree limbs at least ten feet away from your house can limit their access points.
Additionally, try to eliminate any food sources that may attract squirrels. Bird feeders, unsecured garbage cans, and outdoor pet food can all draw squirrels to your property. Consider using squirrel-proof bird feeders or removing them altogether during peak squirrel activity in the spring.
Installing chimney caps and vent covers is another smart preventative measure. These barriers block easy entry points while still allowing airflow. Keeping your yard clean, free of debris, and well-maintained will further reduce the chances of squirrels nesting nearby.
While these steps can help reduce the risk, they aren’t always enough to stop a determined squirrel. That’s when it’s time to bring in a professional.
Why You Should Hire a Professional for Squirrel Removal
Squirrel removal may seem like a simple task, but it often requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and strategy to be done safely and effectively. DIY squirrel removal attempts can backfire, leading to injury, property damage, or squirrels returning after a temporary fix.
At Defender Pest Control, we provide professional squirrel removal services designed to permanently solve your wildlife problem. Our team will:
- Conduct a thorough inspection to identify signs of squirrel activity and locate entry points.
- Use humane and effective trapping methods to remove squirrels without harming them.
- Seal entry points and repair any damage caused by the squirrels.
- Offer long-term exclusion solutions to prevent future infestations.
Professional squirrel removal ensures the problem is handled quickly, safely, and completely—giving you peace of mind that your home is protected.
Squirrel Removal FAQ for Bentonville Homeowners
How do squirrels get into my attic?
Squirrels are skilled climbers and can easily access rooftops by climbing trees, utility lines, or siding. They often enter through openings in soffits, vents, rooflines, or uncapped chimneys.
Are squirrels dangerous to have in my home?
Yes. Squirrels can chew through wiring, insulation, and structural materials, creating fire hazards and expensive repair costs. Their droppings and urine can also pose health risks.
Can I remove squirrels myself?
It’s not recommended. DIY trapping can be risky and ineffective without the right equipment and knowledge. Improper removal may leave baby squirrels behind, leading to additional problems.
How much does squirrel removal cost in Bentonville, AR?
The cost depends on the extent of the infestation and the exclusion work required. Defender Pest Control offers fair, transparent pricing and customized solutions based on your needs.What happens if I ignore a squirrel infestation?
A squirrel infestation will only worsen over time. Left unchecked, squirrels can cause serious structural damage, contaminate your attic space, and increase the risk of fire hazards.