We occasionally get calls for tree squirrels in the attic. This is especially true in the Washington Fields and Little Valley areas of Washington County. The vast majority of the time we are called for the pine squirrel. Now that it is winter we are receiving a noticeable increase in tree squirrel services. The most important aspect of a tree squirrel service is to determine exactly how these animals are getting into that attic and remove that ability. In most cases tree squirrels find more than one entrance into a given area. This is especially true with attics. Unless the multiple entrance points are dealt with immediately you stand a poor chance of prolonged success. It also is important to deal with the problem immediately. Tree squirrels are rodents which mean they must gnaw surfaces to file down their incisors. The pine squirrel if left uncontrolled in your attic can start gnawing on wires and PVC pipes in the attic. For this reason we will perform a thorough inspection of the attic to determine if any of this kind of damage has already occurred. If it has, we will bring it to your immediate attention so you can get it repaired right away.
There are no “squirrel baits” labeled for killing tree squirrels, so a better approach is to trap and remove them alive. The animal will then be released humanely. This makes pest proofing all the more important. Once it is believed that all the present squirrels have been caught we will seal off the entries and pest proof your attic. This program is called the Plug-N-Protect program and is exclusively offered by Southwest Exterminators. We offer a full array of Plug-N-Protect options and can tailor fit one to your home.
We will also attempt to identify access point to your attic. Usually this reveals that tree branches are overhanging or are too close to the roof. We will recommend that the branches are trimmed back to prevent them from easily leaping from tree to home. This will be part of a good long term control program. Other recommendations will include the removal of alternative foods that attract the squirrels. When we humanely trap it is very important to check the traps quickly and regularly so that a trapped animal is not exposed to bad weather. Our technicians will set up an inspection schedule to provide the fastest and most reliable trapping without undue stress to you or the animal. Even when squirrels are causing problems we still need to accept that they must be treated in a humane manner.
If you have any questions about humane mammal trapping, tree squirells, or our Plug-N-Protect programs please contact our office at 435-628-2700.
