Primary Entry hole

Squirrel calls are now starting to come in. This revives a debate that wildlife management professionals often have. Many have sharp opinions on it. My opinions have been formed by years of success. The majority of times the use of spring loaded doors is the best way to address an unwanted squirrel nest in you home. That being said, there are instances where its not the best path to success. Now, the pros and cons

Trapping Pros

1. Low initial start up, most of time this consists of a trap set fee.
2. Concrete evidence of removal, squirrel in trap.
3. Trapping is the only way to control Red Squirrels. Reds are the most aggressive species and the most stubborn. They will most always chew back in. Not a good thing if you are trying to control damage.

Trapping Cons

1. Payment is most often  per animal, so a large infestation can get expensive at $100.00 per head. That could be a low estimate for a fee if ladders are involved Also some companies will charge for a reset if the trap doesn’t catch an animal.
2. Scheduling can be a problem if the traps are inside.
3. No guarantee you can catch them all if the traps are set inside. Sometimes the squirrels just won’t go in the traps. This depends on entry hole location and the attic itself. If the squirrels are under a floor they may not know the trap is there.
4. Multiple entry holes equals more time, more money.
5. No guarantee you catch them all outside, unless the set is “Blind”. Which is trapper speak for mounting the trap directly over the hole. Which sometimes creates its own set of issues.
6. No guarantee the squirrel you catch outside is the bothersome one if the set is not blind.
7. Exclusion work most often not included. Whats to stop a new group of squirrels from moving in? The bulk of the expense from an ALLPEST squirrel job is the exclusion work. Add trapping work and it will be much more expensive.

Exclusion/Spring loaded door.

Pros

1. More humane than lethal traps or cage traps/euthanasia. Massachusetts state law dictates no relocation of healthy wildlife.
2. All done from the exterior, no scheduling problems.
3. Less trips to do service equals lower cost. This type of service is generally accomplished in two visits, the set up and the finish.
4. Starts working after the fist visit, usually within hours.
5. Doesn’t matter how many squirrels, doesn’t effect the cost.

Cons

1. No visible evidence the squirrels left, just audible.
2. Most of the time will not work for red squirrels.
3. Higher start up cost.
4. Squirrels may attempt chew their way back in. This only happens usually when the job is done at the wrong time of the year. When there are juvenile squirrels that are not ready to leave the nest.

Well, there it is. My experience with spring loaded doors makes me a huge believer. They work well for Flying Squirrels, as well. The most important aspect of this type of service is the inspection. Determining which is primary entry hole, or holes from secondaries is the key component. This will always determine whether you succeed or fail. Sometimes this is not as easy as it sounds, especially with Fliers. Never seal a primary hole without mounting the spring loaded door. Unless you wish to create an Abbot and Costell scenario for your customers and yourself. My advice, use a pro.

Don't look down!This is a typical install.

Future Home Invaders.

The bulk of the calls coming into the office are now mouse related. The pesky rodents have found their way into the basements, garages, kitchens and attics of the folks here in the Northeast. With this increase comes a call for diligence in performing exterior inspections. Sealing entry holes can mean the difference between success and failure for a rodent control program.

This is all it takes!

And the rain continues to fall here in the Northeast. And the standing water for mosquitoes continues to pool. There will be mosquito activity until the first hard frost. Check your property, plugged gutters, unscreened rain barrels, bird baths etc all need to be checked. Piles of tires are a huge culprit and need to be monitored and treated with IGR. This situation is one that will require a professional, moreso if the tire pile is large.

With the seasonal changes that are happening the focus shifts towards pests such as Cluster Flies, Boxelder Bugs and Rodents. An overall exterior application to the exterior of the property, focusing on the southern exposures will control the insects that are looking to overwinter. The plan for the rodents starts with an  inspection of the exterior including garage doors, bulkheads, sill areas etc. A good rule of thumb is if you can slide a pencil through it needs to be sealed.