You should never seal a squirrel entry hole before checking for babies, because trapping offspring inside can lead to secondary pest infestations, structural damage, and ethical concerns. A mother squirrel will relentlessly chew through wood, shingles, and wires to reach her trapped young, while the immobile babies will eventually perish, causing foul odors and attracting scavengers into your home. Ensuring the nest is empty before sealing is the only way to avoid a biohazard.
The Hidden Dangers of Premature Sealing
When you see a hole in your soffit or a gap in your roofline, your first instinct is likely to close it up immediately. However, in wildlife management, this is a recipe for disaster. Squirrels don’t just use your attic as a shelter; they use it as a nursery.
If you seal that hole while babies are inside, you create two major problems. First, you deal with a frantic mother squirrel. She will use her powerful teeth to destroy your fascia boards, shingles, and even siding to get back to her kits. Second, if she cannot get back in, the babies will die inside your walls. This leads to a persistent, rotting odor that is nearly impossible to remove from insulation and attracts flies and beetles into your living space.
Identifying an Active Squirrel Nursery
Knowing when your attic has become a home for a family is key to effective squirrel removal. Most squirrels have two breeding seasons per year, one in the spring and one in the late summer. During these times, you should always assume there are babies present if you see an adult entering or exiting.
| Observation | Potential Meaning | Required Action |
| Shredded Insulation/Paper | Active nesting site | Perform a “paper test” to check for movement. |
| Squeaking or Chirping | Presence of young kits | Delay sealing; contact a professional immediately. |
| Adult Carrying Material | Active birthing season | Assume babies are present and immobile. |
| No Activity for 48 Hours | Potential vacancy | Use a one-way door before permanent repairs. |
During a recent inspection for a property in one of our many service areas, we found that a homeowner had sealed a small hole in their attic, only to hear scratching deep inside the walls hours later. It turned out a litter of four kits was trapped behind the drywall. This is why a professional eye is so important.
The Kritter Catchers NJ Approach: Humane and Effective
At Kritter Catchers NJ, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner for homeowners. We don’t just “get rid” of animals; we manage them with care. Our team of experienced professionals uses a set of proven techniques to ensure that your home is secured without causing unnecessary harm to the wildlife.
Humane Squirrel Removal and Relocation
Our core philosophy is built on humane squirrel removal. We understand that these animals are simply seeking a safe place to raise their young. When we find a nest with babies, we don’t just remove the mother. We wait until the babies are old enough to be moved, or we use specialized techniques to encourage the mother to relocate them herself to a nearby secondary nest. This relocation process ensures the family stays together while moving them out of your hair.
The Patented Wildlife Exclusion Tunnel
What truly sets us apart is our patented Wildlife Exclusion Tunnel. This innovative tool is the gold standard for wildlife control in Bloomfield, NJ. We install this one-way tunnel over the entry point. It allows the squirrels to leave the house to find food, but it prevents them from getting back inside. It is the most effective and humane way to clear a structure. However, we only install this once our experienced professionals have verified that no immobile babies remain inside.
Debunking the Myth: “Squirrels Will Just Find Another Way Out”
A common myth is that if you seal the main hole, the squirrels inside will simply find another exit or chew a new one elsewhere.
The Reality: While adult squirrels are world-class chewers, baby squirrels (kits) are completely helpless. They cannot chew, they cannot walk well, and they cannot find a new way out. They stay exactly where the mother left them. Furthermore, even an adult squirrel might panic when its primary exit is blocked, leading it to crawl deeper into your floorboards or down into your wall cavities, where they can become stuck and die. For homeowners looking for Bloomfield wildlife removal, the goal should always be to guide the animals out, not lock them in.
Wildlife Exclusion Feature Definitions
- One-Way Exclusion Tunnel: A patented device that lets wildlife out but blocks their return, ensuring a permanent solution.
- Humane Eviction Fluid: Scents that mimic predators, naturally encouraging a mother to move her young to a safer location.
- Fascia Reinforcement: Installing heavy-gauge metal screening to prevent squirrels from chewing back into the home.
- Sanitization: Cleaning the nesting area to remove pheromones that attract other squirrels to the same spot.
Protecting Your Home and Your Community
Dealing with wildlife requires a professional yet friendly approach. As a community-oriented business, we want our neighbors to feel reassured and at ease. Whether you need wildlife removal in Bloomfield or help with an intrusion in a nearby town, we are dedicated to providing transparent, honest services.
Our goal is for you to feel a sense of relief and trust. We know how stressful it is to hear noises in the attic at 2:00 AM. That is why we prioritize safety for both your family and the animals. Our proven techniques ensure that the job is done right the first time, protecting your property’s value and your peace of mind.
People Also Ask
How do I know if I have squirrels or mice?
Squirrels are much louder and are usually active during the day. You will hear heavy scurrying or “rolling” sounds (like they are moving acorns). Mice are nocturnal and make much lighter scratching sounds.
What is the “Paper Test”?
Crumple up some newspaper and lightly stuff it into the entry hole. If the paper is pushed out or moved within 24 to 48 hours, you know you have an active resident using that specific spot.
Can I use mothballs to get them out?
No. Mothballs are ineffective against squirrels and are actually toxic to humans and pets when used in attics. They do not encourage a mother to move her babies; they just contaminate your air.
Is wildlife control safe for my pets?
Yes. We use humane, non-toxic methods and patented exclusion devices that pose no risk to your domestic animals.
Conclusion: Trust the Experts at Kritter Catchers NJ
Sealing a hole might seem like the end of the problem, but without the right expertise, it’s often just the beginning of a much more expensive one. Don’t risk structural damage or the odors of decay caused by trapped wildlife.
Kritter Catchers NJ is here to be your trusted partner. We combine our patented technology with a deep commitment to customer satisfaction. We want you to feel confident and secure in your home. Let our experienced professionals handle your squirrel or wildlife issues with the care and efficiency you deserve.
Hear scratching in your ceiling? Don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Contact us today and take the next step in protecting your home.
