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.
All openings found anywhere on the house need to first be "tested" to determine if animals have already taken up residence inside them, this can be done by placing crumpled up newspapers in the holes and then observing to see if the papers are forced out. A professional service should be consulted to trap and relocate any animals present and fix the entry points.
Although not especially effective, some homeowners may also wish to try deterrents such as mothballs, hot or cayenne peppers, or sprays made from squirrel-predator urine. A decoy owl or coyote is another option, but only if they are moved around frequently, as squirrels are rather smart and will fast realize they pose no danger.
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.
All openings found anywhere on the house need to first be "tested" to determine if animals have already taken up residence inside them, this can be done by placing crumpled up newspapers in the holes and then observing to see if the papers are forced out. A professional service should be consulted to trap and relocate any animals present and fix the entry points.
Although not especially effective, some homeowners may also wish to try deterrents such as mothballs, hot or cayenne peppers, or sprays made from squirrel-predator urine. A decoy owl or coyote is another option, but only if they are moved around frequently, as squirrels are rather smart and will fast realize they pose no danger.
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 Pest Control Removal in Decatur and Tucker, GA then he recommends you visit his friend at Crocodile Dave
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