Keep Squirrel Pest Under Control

Squirrels can cause quite a bit of damage or become a simple nuisance to the homeowner when the squirrel decides to use the facility or house for their nest. Squirrels commonly will gnaw their way into attics and floor joists for food storage or to take up residence, moving into spaces in between walls and floors. They can gain access through vents, broken windows, knotholes, and construction gaps under eaves and gables. On occasion they may gain entry through the chimney and fireplace.
Squirrels have an incredible ability to gnaw and destroy wood and can cause large amounts of damage at times, especially in season homes, when they may be left for months on end unnoticed to do their bidding. In an occupied home, a squirrel usually does not go unnoticed for very large. Homeowners usually will hear their activities during the day time. A flying squirrel on the other hand is nocturnal and may go undetected.

In yards and landscaped areas squirrels can cause damage by digging up vegetables and flowers primarily looking for sees and bulbs.

Tree squirrels can be difficult to control, but there are a few options that will add in your success. Pruning tree branches at least 6 feet from buildings and homes, anything under 6 feet is considered and easy jump for the squirrel.

Do not feed the squirrels! By feeding and coaxing them to approach a home you are almost inviting them to come and stay.

Applying exclusion techniques (rodent Proofing) your house is really the best and most permanent method of preventing squirrels from entering your structure. When you are closing all entry routes, remember not to trap them inside.

If you need to reduce the population of squirrels live trapping is almost always the best method of choice. Using a sturdy Havahart Squirrel trap will make this job easier. Live catch traps should be 24”x8”x7”. If the squirrel is entering from trees and power lines, then putting the trap on the roof is idle. For squirrels that may seem trap shy, pre bait and make sure the door will not snap for a few days, this will help coax them inside. Baits that work well are peanuts, walnuts, pecans, acorns, sunflower seeds, and raisins. Check your traps once a day as a caged squirrel will not survive long.