It's only natural for squirrels to look for warm places to stay for the winter. The gutters, eaves, chimneys, and attics of houses are often targeted by these creatures for this purpose, which is why the best thing homeowners can do is take measures for keeping squirrels out during winter in Atlanta.
A squirrel will normally give birth to two litters of offspring each year. The more there are, the bigger the problem, as these frisky creatures will occupy more space, including inside walls where they may not only die and decompose but also chew electrical wires which is a fire hazard. It is better all around if they are not allowed the opportunity to enter in the first place.
A careful assessment of one's property can help identify potential aspects that may attract squirrels and therefore must be changed. If there are abundant fruit trees and accessible bird feeders this can pose a problem, and it's advisable to keep all trees trimmed so their limbs do not provide "bridges" to the house. Above all, one must locate all points of entry which may be used by these creatures and repair them, after making sure none are already inside.
It's also advisable to remove anything that may be considered a food source by a squirrel. Feeding dishes belonging to pets should only be kept indoors and likewise pets should be fed inside, as these types of food can also be attractive to wildlife. Those who are more sympathetic to squirrels can even provide them with a feeder of their very own.
All openings found anywhere on the house need to first be "tested" to determine if animals have already taken up residence inside them, this can be done by placing crumpled up newspapers in the holes and then observing to see if the papers are forced out. A professional service should be consulted to trap and relocate any animals present and fix the entry points.
Some people use various types of deterrents such as cayenne or hot peppers, mothballs, and sprays made from the urine of predators, however these are not always particularly effective. Owl or coyote decoys may be helpful too, but only if they are moved around often or the clever squirrels will realize it is not real and poses no threat to them.
Special attention should be paid to rooftop ventilation fans, which are usually covered in weak screening that can easily be chewed up by a squirrel. This material should be replaced with galvanized steel wire hardware cloth. Chimneys should be capped off with animal-proof chimney caps that prevent creatures from entering.
A squirrel will normally give birth to two litters of offspring each year. The more there are, the bigger the problem, as these frisky creatures will occupy more space, including inside walls where they may not only die and decompose but also chew electrical wires which is a fire hazard. It is better all around if they are not allowed the opportunity to enter in the first place.
A careful assessment of one's property can help identify potential aspects that may attract squirrels and therefore must be changed. If there are abundant fruit trees and accessible bird feeders this can pose a problem, and it's advisable to keep all trees trimmed so their limbs do not provide "bridges" to the house. Above all, one must locate all points of entry which may be used by these creatures and repair them, after making sure none are already inside.
It's also advisable to remove anything that may be considered a food source by a squirrel. Feeding dishes belonging to pets should only be kept indoors and likewise pets should be fed inside, as these types of food can also be attractive to wildlife. Those who are more sympathetic to squirrels can even provide them with a feeder of their very own.
All openings found anywhere on the house need to first be "tested" to determine if animals have already taken up residence inside them, this can be done by placing crumpled up newspapers in the holes and then observing to see if the papers are forced out. A professional service should be consulted to trap and relocate any animals present and fix the entry points.
Some people use various types of deterrents such as cayenne or hot peppers, mothballs, and sprays made from the urine of predators, however these are not always particularly effective. Owl or coyote decoys may be helpful too, but only if they are moved around often or the clever squirrels will realize it is not real and poses no threat to them.
Special attention should be paid to rooftop ventilation fans, which are usually covered in weak screening that can easily be chewed up by a squirrel. This material should be replaced with galvanized steel wire hardware cloth. Chimneys should be capped off with animal-proof chimney caps that prevent creatures from entering.
About the Author:
Dave L. Weglin has taught safe animal control practices for over 20 years. If you are interested in getting the Best Atlanta Pest Control Removal Service Company in Decatur and Tucker, GA then he recommends you visit his friend at Crocodile Dave