It's only natural for squirrels to look for warm places to stay for the winter. The gutters, eaves, chimneys, and attics of houses are often targeted by these creatures for this purpose, which is why the best thing homeowners can do is take measures for keeping squirrels out during winter in Atlanta.
A squirrel will normally give birth to two litters of offspring each year. The more there are, the bigger the problem, as these frisky creatures will occupy more space, including inside walls where they may not only die and decompose but also chew electrical wires which is a fire hazard. It is better all around if they are not allowed the opportunity to enter in the first place.
Thoroughly assessing one's property should be the first step in determining which changes need to be made in order to sufficiently reduce appeal and access to squirrels. This includes evaluating the property itself for things such as overgrown tree limbs that serve as squirrel bridges, and the house for any open or loose spaces that may be used as points of entry. Any openings will have to checked out before sealing them to ensure no animals are inside.
Limiting access to anything which may be viewed as a food source by a squirrel can help make the property less appealing. Pets should only be fed inside and their feeding dishes should not be left outdoors. Some people will even set up a feeder exclusively for the squirrels to distract them and keep them in one area.
Before fixing any openings on the house, one must determine if any animals are already residing inside by loosely packing them with balled-up newspapers, if these papers are later pushed out, then it is evident an inhabitant is present. Other signs include dark rubbings around edges of holes, which can be fur. Any animals found will need to be professionally trapped and relocated by a service, and then the access points sealed off.
Deterrents offer limited effectiveness but may be worth a try if used along with other tactics. These include sprays made from urine of predators, mothballs, and cayenne or hot peppers. An imitation owl or coyote decoy may be used too, but it should be moved around often or the wily squirrels will soon realize that it's not real.
Special attention should be paid to rooftop ventilation fans, which are usually covered in weak screening that can easily be chewed up by a squirrel. This material should be replaced with galvanized steel wire hardware cloth. Chimneys should be capped off with animal-proof chimney caps that prevent creatures from entering.
A squirrel will normally give birth to two litters of offspring each year. The more there are, the bigger the problem, as these frisky creatures will occupy more space, including inside walls where they may not only die and decompose but also chew electrical wires which is a fire hazard. It is better all around if they are not allowed the opportunity to enter in the first place.
Thoroughly assessing one's property should be the first step in determining which changes need to be made in order to sufficiently reduce appeal and access to squirrels. This includes evaluating the property itself for things such as overgrown tree limbs that serve as squirrel bridges, and the house for any open or loose spaces that may be used as points of entry. Any openings will have to checked out before sealing them to ensure no animals are inside.
Limiting access to anything which may be viewed as a food source by a squirrel can help make the property less appealing. Pets should only be fed inside and their feeding dishes should not be left outdoors. Some people will even set up a feeder exclusively for the squirrels to distract them and keep them in one area.
Before fixing any openings on the house, one must determine if any animals are already residing inside by loosely packing them with balled-up newspapers, if these papers are later pushed out, then it is evident an inhabitant is present. Other signs include dark rubbings around edges of holes, which can be fur. Any animals found will need to be professionally trapped and relocated by a service, and then the access points sealed off.
Deterrents offer limited effectiveness but may be worth a try if used along with other tactics. These include sprays made from urine of predators, mothballs, and cayenne or hot peppers. An imitation owl or coyote decoy may be used too, but it should be moved around often or the wily squirrels will soon realize that it's not real.
Special attention should be paid to rooftop ventilation fans, which are usually covered in weak screening that can easily be chewed up by a squirrel. This material should be replaced with galvanized steel wire hardware cloth. Chimneys should be capped off with animal-proof chimney caps that prevent creatures from entering.
About the Author:
Dave L. Weglin has taught safe animal control practices for over 20 years. If you are interested in getting the Best Atlanta Pest Control Company in Decatur and Tucker, GA then he recommends you visit his friend at Crocodile Dave