This case study details a squirrel removal and wildlife-proofing service in Scarborough. Multiple squirrels were found nesting in the attic of this single-family home and were removed with one-way doors. No squirrels were harmed in the process and they have been out of the attic ever since. The technician on site performed a comprehensive exclusion of the property to keep animals out for good. If there are squirrels on your property and you want them gone, call Squirrel Control for humane removal and exclusion.
Inspection
The homeowners in this case first reached out to Squirrel Control in May when they noticed that squirrels had breached a soffit above the garage door and the roof’s edge at the back of the home. They could hear the animals making noises in the attic in the early hours of the morning, and there was a lot of squirrel activity on the roof during the day. This is not uncommon in Scarborough’s neighbourhoods. Squirrels frequently break into attics in the spring to nest indoors and raise their young.
A technician promptly came to visit this location and perform a thorough inspection. No matter the situation, the professionals at Squirrel Control conduct detailed inspections to find the animal entry point as well as all other vulnerabilities that could lead to more invasions in the future. We always get to the bottom of the problem to provide the best service possible.
Just as the homeowners suspected, the technician found two entry points: one above the garage, and another at the back. A squirrel had chewed its way through a wooden soffit where the roof over the garage met the soffits for the roof above. This is a common entry point for squirrels and raccoons as they can stand on the roof while they break their way through the soffit. In the back, another squirrel gnawed its way through the roof’s edge. With time, roofs can split away from the framing of the house, creating openings that squirrels can exploit.
In addition to the entry points, the technician found that the roof’s edge needed protection. While he could remove the squirrels immediately, the animals risked coming right back by chewing on the roof’s edge again. To avoid this, screwing mesh into the edges of the roof was recommended. In that same vein, the technician recommended having the roof-soffit intersections on the roof reinforced with mesh. Roof vents were also found uncovered, which could be chewed by squirrels or broken by raccoons. The technician recommended having these covered with mesh as well.
To remove the squirrels, the technician explained to the homeowners that he would install one-way doors to the entry points. These consist of mesh tubes with flaps inside, which allow the squirrels out safely but prevent their re-entry. Once out, they would find another place to live. The exclusion work proposed would stop them from finding another way into the attic. The homeowners agreed to go ahead with the work and the technician got started.
Removal and Exclusion
The first thing the technician did to remove the squirrels was performed the exclusion work. The mesh used was a galvanized steel mesh, which is strong enough to withstand the chewing and tearing of wild animals. This is a flexible material that keeps pests out while preserving the airflow of the home. A total of 24 feet of mesh were installed along the edge of the roof, and four roof vents were covered. The intersections between the roof and the soffits above were also covered in metal flashing, in a colour that matched the roof.
Following the exclusion, the technician installed the one-way doors to the squirrels’ entry points. This would let the squirrels out safely while preventing their return. One-way doors are extremely effective at removing squirrels from unwanted areas. The squirrels would be gone in a matter of a few days or weeks. Once out, the technician would return to the property and seal the entry points with mesh or flashing.
Conclusion
Within about a week, the squirrels stopped making noises. They had crawled out of their one-way doors and found other places to nest. Squirrels often keep more than one nest at a time, so it is not too hard for them to readjust. The technician then returned to this Scarborough home and replaced the doors with galvanized steel mesh. The squirrels have since left this family alone.
If there is an abundance of squirrel activity on your property, or if you suspect an invasion into your home, call Squirrel Control. We provide guaranteed and affordable squirrel removal and wildlife-proofing services. Call Squirrel Control now for a thorough inspection and solution you can count on.