April 2011 - It's Spring and Squirrel Season is Upon Us

This Spring The Best Form Of Squirrel Control Is Prevention.

Squirrels are often referred to as "tree rats", or "harveys", by people who dislike them and consider them pests. Despite periodic complaints about the animal as a pest, public opinion towards the animal is generally favorable, thanks to its appearance, movement, and its habit of gathering and storing nuts. Squirrels are popular characters in cartoons and children's books, such as the works of author Beatrix Potter and the TV character Rocket J. Squirrel (Rocky), known as Bullwinkle's partner in their many adventures.

With springtime upon us, these rodents become destructive - and for many people even a feared animal pest and home invader. For people who like to feed birds, squirrels are Public Enemy Number One.

Capable of jumping six feet straight up and launching themselves a distance of 10 feet or more to reach a bird feeder, or a rooftop, squirrels display exceptional acrobatic talent. Keeping squirrels out of your yard, especially if you have oak trees, gardens or bird feeders may not be realistic, but making your home inaccessible to them is.

Squirrel Control & Prevention Tips: While you can't stop squirrels, or rabbits, from digging in your garden and flowerpots, you can certainly discourage this activity. For best results, use hardware cloth screening with half-inch mesh, which you place over the flowerpot or garden area. You can also cut the screening to fit around the stem of the plant and place it just below the soil, then secure the screening by placing some small rocks near the edge.

If you have a bird feeder, move it twenty or more feet from the house. Squirrel feeders touted as "squirrel-proof" are, at best, "squirrel resistant." The most effective is an all-metal feeder with adjustable springs that regulate a counter-weighted door, which protects the feed from the squirrels.

The use of "Squirrel Away", or "Hot Pepper Spray", can be an effective deterrent, but both can actually be harmful to squirrels and other animals. The use of "moth balls" as a deterrent is discouraged, since they are toxic and not labeled for use on squirrels.

Exposed wires or rubber hoses commonly found on gas grills, stored motor vehicles, and also found on low-voltage lighting, can be a tempting target for squirrels. It is estimated that up to 50% of all house fires of ‘unknown origin’ are actually started by rodents, such as squirrels, chewing electrical wiring. The best way to stop this problem is to trap and relocate the offending squirrel, especially if they are in the walls or attics where wires are present.

Once a squirrel has found its way into an attic or crawl space, the only practical way to remove it is by trapping. After removing the rodents, repairs should be made immediately to close the entrances. It is also important to cut off the access route to the attic or crawl space. This may require trimming tree branches that overhang the roof, the removal of firewood that may be stacked against the building and filling cracks in foundation walls.

If a squirrel, or any other critter gets too close for comfort, call the professionals at Critter Control for assistance by dialing 1 800 CRITTER.


For animal removal, animal exclusion and animal damage repair services, call the professionals at CRITTER CONTROL anywhere in the U.S., by dialing 1-800-CRITTER (274-8837).

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