During the cooler weather of autumn, squirrels and other creatures will begin to hunt for a warm place to live over the winter. There are many spots on houses such as attics, eaves, gutters, and chimneys that serve this purpose nicely, so homeowners must ensure they take the necessary steps 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.
Doing a detailed assessment of one's property helps identify anything which may attract squirrels or allows them to enter. They are naturally drawn to yards with accessible bird feeders and plenty of fruit trees, and those where tree limbs extend to the house, acting as a bridge for these creatures. The most important thing is to find all potential entry-ways and after making sure they aren't already in use, repairing them.
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.
Rooftop ventilation fans should be inspected closely as they are typically guarded by weak screening which can be chewed away easily. Replacing them with hardware cloth made from galvanized steel is the best way to make them chew-proof. One must also check that no animal is living in the chimney, and then install chimney caps to prevent them from coming in.
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.
Doing a detailed assessment of one's property helps identify anything which may attract squirrels or allows them to enter. They are naturally drawn to yards with accessible bird feeders and plenty of fruit trees, and those where tree limbs extend to the house, acting as a bridge for these creatures. The most important thing is to find all potential entry-ways and after making sure they aren't already in use, repairing them.
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.
Rooftop ventilation fans should be inspected closely as they are typically guarded by weak screening which can be chewed away easily. Replacing them with hardware cloth made from galvanized steel is the best way to make them chew-proof. One must also check that no animal is living in the chimney, and then install chimney caps to prevent them from coming in.
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
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