Those Crazy Squirrels

According to the dictionary, the word squirrely means eccentric and flighty. This is an apt description of squirrels, especially during the winter months in the northeast. They busily scramble � quite literally � to gather as much food for the winter as they can. Unfortunately, these critters are not always successful and attempt to find haven in the walls, ceilings, crawl spaces, fireplaces, and attics of structures. That structure might end up being your home, garage, or shed. Let's take a closer look at squirrels, the damage they can cause, and how you can determine if they have found a home within your precious home. Signs that squirrels have made it inside your home include noises such as scampering, jumping sounds, and persistent scratching if one has gotten itself stuck somewhere in the walls of your home. Another red flag that a squirrel or squirrels have taken up refuge in the warmth of your home this winter is the sight of droppings. Squirrel droppings are quite similar to bat droppings and can be mistaken for those pests as well. Chew marks to gain entry is another sure sign that something has made it inside that shouldn't be there. Squirrels can chew through most building materials including fascia boards, shingles, eaves, and outer panels, all while leaving all kinds of damage along the roof line.Upon close inspection of your attic and crawl spaces, you may find that there is even more evidence of squirrel nesting. There may be insulation strewn about or chew marks on stored items in your attic. Wildlife Control experts report that this chewing is among its most damaging and dangerous behaviors. Squirrels will gnaw on anything and everything. If it finds wall space where your electrical wiring is hiding, the damaged wiring can set your house ablaze.Humanely trapping, removing, and preventing future access of these critters is really a job for the experts who know exactly how to set a trap and remove an animal. Our specialists also know what entry points to look for and how to exclude these areas as future problems. If you have a squirrel or a family of squirrels within your home's structure, then we encourage you to call Pest-End at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321.