Remove Squirrels from your Home
The squirrel saga continues. Some time ago we had some serious squirrels problems. We could hear them crawling and scratching around between the vaulted ceiling and the roof. I regret to inform you, the squirrels are back. To be completely honest, they’ve been back for a little while. But now I’ve called a professional.
Where the Squirrels are Getting In
I’ve been watching the squirrels, and I’ve located their entrance. There is a board on the side of my house where the roof meets the siding called the rake board. They slip under this rake board and get into my house. Another popular entrance for squirrels is through the soffit. Check the underside of your eaves and look for loose pieces.
Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Control LLC
MAWC came out and installed aluminum flashing to the underside of my rake board. At the apex of my roof, they installed a one way squirrel exit (see picture). Any squirrels in the house will eventually leave to do whatever evil things squirrels do during the day and won’t be able to get back in. After about a week, MWAC will take the exit down and secure the opening, leaving me squirrel free.
I found MAWC online, and I choose them for several reasons.
- No squirrels are actually harmed. As much as I don’t like squirrels, I don’t want to kill them. MAWC offers a humane way to deal with them. Plus, even if these squirrels died, other squirrels would move right in.
- MAWC seemed really knowledgeable. In addition to the trap, they let me know that trimming back the trees can also be a good deterrent. Even though the squirrels can still get to my roof, eliminating the easy access encourages them to live elsewhere.
- MAWC is licensed and insured - always a good thing!
- The right price. This service costs $245. Another company I called wanted $475 and I’ve heard that other companies even charge by the squirrel.
The Squirrels are Watching
It’s only been a few days but I know this is working. How? For one thing, I don’t hear them in my house anymore. But even more obvious, there is a handful of squirrels lurking around my house. It’s eerie seeing a squirrel or two staring down at me every time I go outside.
Squirrel Prevention
Amy @ Green Gardenista has a great post about DIY squirrel repellent. I think that may be the next step to keep these animals out of my house.
What do you think? Ever battle squirrels before?
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October 24th, 2008 1:46 pm
I would be more than willing to fork out $245 to get rid of unwelcome animals in the house. Sounds like they know what they’re doing.
We had bats at our old house, in the attic. I’m sorry to say we never did figure out how to get rid of them. Sometimes we would hear them and other times, not.
Let us know if this eliminates the problem for good.
October 24th, 2008 7:45 pm
Great to hear of your solution. We found squirrels seriously chewing away on a second floor window sill — and they didn’t run when they saw us watching them on the other side of the window. I’m a little worried.
October 25th, 2008 9:17 am
1) We have RACCOONS that climb onto my roof at 0300 and have a pajama party. Still trying to find a way to get rid of those villains. They’re bigger than any cat and most dogs. I don’t want to tick them off.
2) We have FROGS that come out at night and party on my front door. In the morning, I have frog pellets (putting it nicely) stuck everywhere. Short of killing them (which I’m not keen on doing) I haven’t found any good solutions.
3) Squirrels, however, are just bushy tailed rats. Down here on the Gulf Coast, with out plethora of pecan trees, squirrels are as abundant as pigeons in NYC. While I’m opposed to terminating frogs, I’d take out a squirrel. (grin)
-Jon
October 31st, 2008 1:23 am
Because we have it screened off, squirrels don’t get in the attic, but we battle them for the chance to get a taste of the persimmons from our tree. They always win.
Of course, it doesn’t help that the husband puts out sunflower seeds for the window seat amusement of the cat. They love the sunflower seeds.