This case study recounts a squirrel removal and wildlife-proofing job in Old Toronto. Two squirrels had chewed their way into the attic of a multi-residential home, causing noise disturbances. To remove them safely, a member of the Squirrel Control team installed two one-way doors to their points of entry. Once out, the doors were removed and replaced with galvanized steel mesh. If there are squirrels on your property that are giving you trouble, reach out to Squirrel Control today.
Inspection and Recommendations
Squirrel Control first received a call from a tenant of this Old Toronto residence in March when they believed that a squirrel was living in the attic. They could hear scratching, squealing, and thumping sounds coming from the walls during the day and there was an abundance of squirrel activity in the area. A technician went to investigate the next day.
No matter the situation, the technicians at Squirrel Control perform thorough inspections to get to the bottom of the issue. We check every nook and cranny on the roof to find the animal’s point of entry as well as any other weakness that could lead to another infestation in the future. In this case, the technician found two entry points: one at the bottom corner of the balcony door and another along the edge of the roof. Given the space between the entry points, they did not appear to be connected. Other holes were found in roof as well, putting the home at risk of other invasions.
Squirrel invasions like the one in this case are common in Old Toronto because the houses have aged. Structures deteriorate with time, creating openings that squirrels can use to nest indoors. Trees are large, hedges are matured, and the density of the neighbourhoods means that there is plenty of food available for squirrels and other urban wildlife to survive. Invasions are especially common in the spring when females need a place to raise their young.
The technician on site recommended having the squirrels removed immediately with the help of one-way doors. These would let the animals out safely while preventing their return. In addition to their removal, the technician also recommended having the soffits reinforced and other holes blocked to keep squirrels out. As many as 114 feet of exclusion along the roof’s edge was recommended. The tenant agreed to go ahead with some the work and the technician got started right away.
Squirrel Removal and Exclusion
Holes in the drip edge were sealed and four corners of the soffits were reinforced with galvanized steel mesh. This is a strong, durable material that is used for wildlife-proofing because it cannot be chewed through by rodents nor torn off by raccoons. The areas in which the soffits meet the roof below were especially prone to a break-in because animals can use the roof to their advantage. Squirrels can find the soffit while walking on the roof, and raccoons can push into them with more force.
After wildlife-proofing those areas, the technician installed the one-way doors to the entry points. The one-way door for squirrels consists of a mesh tubes with a flap inside it that only swings outward. This lets squirrels out safely but stops them from returning because it only opens in one direction. Placing the doors on the entry points would evict the squirrels within a few days or weeks.
As expected, the squirrels were gone within a few days. The noises had stopped, and the animals had found another place to live. Some time later, the technician returned to the property to remove the doors and replace them with mesh, which would prevent the squirrels from coming right back.
Conclusion
This case exemplifies the need to maintain one’s roof. Landlords and homeowners must ensure that their roofs are in good shape and should consider wildlife-proofing weak points to prevent invasions like this from happening. Homes deteriorate with time and they attract wildlife hoping to nest somewhere safe. If there are squirrels in your area, or if you have been dealing with an infestation on your property, call Squirrel Control. Our technicians are thoroughly trained and have several years of experience in wildlife removal. Our wildlife-proofing services are guaranteed and come with a 2-year warranty. Call Squirrel Control today: 647-496-0815.