Squirrels are undoubtedly endearing creatures that add charm and life to our natural environments. However, when these furry visitors decide to make your roof their permanent residency, they can cause considerable damage. Squirrels have a strong penchant for gnawing on wooden beams, electrical wires, and other structures, substantially compromising the safety and integrity of your home. Although peaceful coexistence is the ideal situation, it is sometimes necessary to adopt measures to fend off these intriguing, yet destructive animals. This article provides practical, effective, and humane methods of keeping squirrels off your roof.
The first step towards any kind of animal nuisance control is understanding the behavior of the creature. In terms of housing, squirrels prefer regions that provide ample cover from predators and are warm enough for their offspring; the attic and loft space of your house naturally fits the bill perfectly. Despite being excellent climbers, the main routes that squirrels use to gain access to your roof, and consequently your attic, are tree branches. This means a straightforward way of deterring squirrel invasions is by cutting back any branches that are close to your house. A distance of at least six to eight feet is usually recommended, as even though squirrels are prodigious jumpers, such a gap will act as a substantial hindrance. Moreover, sealing or repairing the potential entry points like cracks, holes or openings with sturdy and durable material can also deter these unwelcome guests from making your home their nesting space.
Another highly effective strategy you can consider is the installation of squirrel baffles. Essentially, these are barriers that are specifically designed to prevent squirrels from climbing up the downspouts and drainpipes of your house, which are popular routes of ascension for these agile creatures. They come in various shapes and sizes, but the most common versions are conical and tube shaped. The slippery surfaces on these baffles make it virtually impossible for the squirrels to ascend, effectively keeping them off your roof.
You might also want to give squirrel repellents a try, as they can act as a further deterrent. This method, albeit simple, can be instrumental in keeping squirrels off your roof. Many homeowners prefer using natural repellents such as cayenne pepper, which squirrels find repelling due to their strong sense of smell. There are also commercially available squirrel repellents which contain non-toxic but irritable substances to these animals. These repellents can be sprayed onto your roof, gutter, and other areas where squirrels are likely to frequent. However, the effectiveness of these substances may vary and their regular application is required to maintain the desired effect.
Finally, sometimes despite adopting all these measures, stubborn squirrels may still manage their way up to your roof. In such instances, you might be compelled to resort to trapping and relocating them. It must be noted, however, that this should be the very last resort and even then, done in the most humane way possible. Some states require special permits for squirrel traps, so it is prudent to understand the legality of this method in your region before adopting it. And once trapped, the squirrel should be released in a forested area far from your home, to minimize the likelihood of its returning.
So, there you have it. Understanding squirrel behavior, trimming tree branches, using squirrel baffles, and applying repellents are all methods that can be used to keep squirrels off your roof. Though each situation is unique, and what works for one homeowner may not work for another, with persistence and patience, you should be able to devise an effective squirrel-proofing system for your home. Always remember to respect our fellow creatures, even when they are causing us nuisance. After all, our goal should be to strike a balance between our need for safety and comfort, and the squirrels’ need for survival and shelter.
Through the Lychgate
By Giles Watson’s poetry and prose on 2009-01-25 16:03:29