Squirrels - Friend Or Pest?
The presence of squirrels is widely accepted within our society and many often overlook the fact that they are a rodent.
Most within this species are cute and cuddly with long fluffy tails that can provide hours of entertainment as they hop from tree to tree and fight off rival squirrels.
Some are even trained to eat from a human's hand or are taken within the home as a pet, and many have discovered that squirrels are able to learn tricks much like a dog can.
With everything the squirrel has going for it in its relationship with people you would think that they would be welcomed almost anywhere; but you would also be very wrong.
Many squirrels will often cross the line when they invade our homes and build nests within out attics or crawlspaces.
Why would a squirrel want to live in your attic? Well, primarily for the same reasons we live indoors.
It offers protection from the elements, it is normally devoid of predators, and food sources can be safely stored inside as we tend to our young.
All animals ultimately seek the same conditions, and squirrels are one of the few creatures intelligent enough to get away with it.
The problem is that squirrels are very messy and territorial; once they move in they will not likely move out without a fight.
While building their nests squirrels will tear and chew through building materials to construct their den, and they will often find wiring coated in plastic the perfect item to sharpen their teeth on.
Bird feeders will practically become their public domain, as will trash cans, pet food, and other forms of sustenance left around the home.
Ridding your residence of squirrels can be a challenge, but fortunately there are several non-lethal methods that have worked well for other homeowners in the past.
The most sensible start would be to seal any exterior openings that would allow squirrels easy access to your home.
This can either involve caulk/sealant to small openings or possibly replacing lumber in others, but every entryway has to be eliminated or the squirrel will eventually find it.
The next step would be to focus on their food supply.
Make sure trash can lids lock in place, remove any bird or pet feeders for the time being, and keep your barbecue grill clean.
Each temptation that is eliminated makes your home that much less appealing to the squirrel and hopefully they will move on.
Next comes some heavier artillery.
If this rodent is digging through your garden or invading your attic, a loud motion detector may just be your best friend.
Squirrels will identify loud noises as a larger predator claiming the area and will run for cover.
Other homeowners have found some success with placing animal hair or urine in their attics to produce the same effect.
Even with all of these efforts, the squirrel may still refuse to leave.
In that case, an exterminator may have to be contacted to deal with the problem more directly.
The pest control specialist will use traps to capture the squirrels and ultimately relocate them to another environment.
Most within this species are cute and cuddly with long fluffy tails that can provide hours of entertainment as they hop from tree to tree and fight off rival squirrels.
Some are even trained to eat from a human's hand or are taken within the home as a pet, and many have discovered that squirrels are able to learn tricks much like a dog can.
With everything the squirrel has going for it in its relationship with people you would think that they would be welcomed almost anywhere; but you would also be very wrong.
Many squirrels will often cross the line when they invade our homes and build nests within out attics or crawlspaces.
Why would a squirrel want to live in your attic? Well, primarily for the same reasons we live indoors.
It offers protection from the elements, it is normally devoid of predators, and food sources can be safely stored inside as we tend to our young.
All animals ultimately seek the same conditions, and squirrels are one of the few creatures intelligent enough to get away with it.
The problem is that squirrels are very messy and territorial; once they move in they will not likely move out without a fight.
While building their nests squirrels will tear and chew through building materials to construct their den, and they will often find wiring coated in plastic the perfect item to sharpen their teeth on.
Bird feeders will practically become their public domain, as will trash cans, pet food, and other forms of sustenance left around the home.
Ridding your residence of squirrels can be a challenge, but fortunately there are several non-lethal methods that have worked well for other homeowners in the past.
The most sensible start would be to seal any exterior openings that would allow squirrels easy access to your home.
This can either involve caulk/sealant to small openings or possibly replacing lumber in others, but every entryway has to be eliminated or the squirrel will eventually find it.
The next step would be to focus on their food supply.
Make sure trash can lids lock in place, remove any bird or pet feeders for the time being, and keep your barbecue grill clean.
Each temptation that is eliminated makes your home that much less appealing to the squirrel and hopefully they will move on.
Next comes some heavier artillery.
If this rodent is digging through your garden or invading your attic, a loud motion detector may just be your best friend.
Squirrels will identify loud noises as a larger predator claiming the area and will run for cover.
Other homeowners have found some success with placing animal hair or urine in their attics to produce the same effect.
Even with all of these efforts, the squirrel may still refuse to leave.
In that case, an exterminator may have to be contacted to deal with the problem more directly.
The pest control specialist will use traps to capture the squirrels and ultimately relocate them to another environment.
