Keeping the critters out of your attic

Keeping Your Attic Clear

A common problem this time of year are the critters who sneak in to escape the cold temperatures outside. But, there’s hope! Here are ways to prevent this from happening and stop it from continuing.

Find their entry point

How? It sounds easier said than done, right? Try this. From inside your attic, look for light shining in from outside. That’s a clear indication of a hole or gap that would appear as an invitation to these critters.

Small critters like squirrels can squeeze through the smallest of spaces to enter your home including gaps or rotted spaces. Typically, all they need are a hole the size of a human fist to enter. So you’ll need to walk around and search for these holes.

Use sheet metal to prevent tree climbing

Walk around the outside of your home. Do you have many tall trees that are close to your home? Close enough for a squirrel to jump from branch to roof? Any tree that is within six to eight feet is fair game to these trapeze artists.

To prevent the squirrels from using your trees to access your attic, wrap a two-foot band of sheet metal around the trunk of the tree six to eight feet above the ground. Trim tree limbs away from the house.

Remember to never seal entry points prematurely

Before you seal off the entry points, you have to be sure every critter is out. Here’s an easy way to know. Ball up some newspaper, stuff it inside the possible entry point, and wait a few days. When you check back in a few days, if the newspaper is gone, you’ll know the squirrels may be inside. But if the newspaper ball is still there, you are probably fine. Of course you can’t be sure, though.

Seal off all entry points

Back up. First, fix any rotting wood you find, install chimney caps and check for gaps in the flashing at the chimney base. Then seal off all entry points securely. Don’t forget to seal openings at these often forgotten places:

• joints of siding
• overhanging eaves
• places where utility cables or pipes enter the house

Use a Wire Hardware Cloth

Using a staple gun, securely fasten quarter-inch wire hardware cloth over attic vents. Squirrels are chewers, so be sure you extend the cloth two inches beyond the hole in all directions. Spray the area with a repellant.

Call Blue Chip!

If at any time you decide to call a wildlife control professional, Blue Chip has the proven ability to help you with all of your rodent control needs.