While they may look cute outdoors, squirrels are bothersome animals that will wreak havoc on the structure of your roof if given the opportunity. They will chew or sneak their way inside and make a mess of the insulation in your attic, costing you hundreds, if not thousands, in repairs. It doesn’t take much for a squirrel to get inside, but there are some things you can do to protect your home from an invasion. Call Squirrel Removal Toronto for the best squirrel-proofing out there.
Two species of squirrel are common in Ontario: the eastern grey and the red squirrel. The eastern grey squirrel is the largest of the two and appears either grey or black in colour. The red squirrel, on the other hand, is red or reddish-brown and has a shorter tail. This squirrel also prefers to live in forests that have pine trees. Both species feed on buds, seeds, nuts, berries, and mushrooms. Squirrels usually mate twice a year, delivering litters of 3 to 5 pups each in the early spring and late summer. The squirrels that invade people’s homes are usually females looking for a place to raise their young.
Squirrels are attracted to homes because their structures mimic trees; they provide squirrels with a place to nest safely above ground. Squirrels can smell your cooking from outside, and they can feel warmth emanating from the roof’s vents. To get inside, they look for weak spots in and around the edges of the roof, soffits, and ventilation pipes. These can be simple cracks or gaps that have formed over time. Drip edges, for instance, sometimes become separated from the framing of the house and create gaps in which squirrels can crawl through. Keep in mind that these rodents can chew through practically anything – even metal – so a weak spot doesn’t have to be very weak at all.
These weak spots can, thankfully, be strengthened with galvanized steel mesh. Potential entry points, like the chimney or ventilation pipes themselves, can also be blocked with mesh. Professional pest removing technicians will have the kind of mesh you need to do so. Wire meshes can be purchased in stores but be sure to use a thick mesh that the squirrels cannot chew through. Simply cap these entry points with the mesh or screw them into the roof. Beware of small cracks and gaps as squirrels can use these to start chewing and make wider gaps. Block these with silicone caulking or other roof-repairing material. Professional pest removing technicians will have the kind of mesh you need to do so.
It is better to avoid a squirrel invasion than to deal with one that is already happening. Squirrels are messy and will cost you more in repairs than they will in preventative maintenance. If you’re interested in professional squirrel-proofing, call Squirrel Control. Our technicians are experienced in squirrel removal and know exactly where to look for weak spots and entry points. We’ll seal up and strengthen every vulnerability we find. Call Squirrel Control for guaranteed pest proofing: 647-496-0815.