I know that many of you have had the unfortunate experience of having squirrels in your attics or in your walls during past winters and I really don’t think that any of you would ever want that to happen again. They were so annoying and destructive. At times, they seemed as though they were going to burrow their way right into your kitchen or tumble through the ceiling into your bedroom. Yes, those of you who have dealt with squirrels in your home during past winters can attest to the fact that it would probably be a good idea to be proactive this year because you know that they are a whole lot easier to deal with before they have entered your house and made themselves at home.
Squirrels just want what anyone would want: food, water, shelter, and warmth, which are just the things that you supply them. What do they do in return? They wreck your home by chewing at its structure, including things like insulation and sheetrock. Squirrels can even spark a fire by chewing electrical cords, causing significant damage or worse. They settle right into your homes and build nests – using your personal belongings for materials and they carry in parasites that can spread disease and make you very sick. They can also cause a terrible odor that you will not want to deal with from their urine and feces – items that can also cause allergies and asthma for some people.
So, what are you going to do to keep these pesky furry-tailed creatures from making their nests in your humble abode? Well, you should inspect your home, inside and out. Any holes and gaps should be sealed. Cover vents with screen and be sure to install chimney caps. Check your overhangs for signs of disrepair, and look around utility entrances to be sure they are secure. Be sure your bird feeders are a bit of a distance away from your home and that they are squirrel proofed. Lastly, Make sure that all branches are trimmed back from your roofline and siding.
