Squirrels in Long Branch, NJ Like Pork Chops Too

Challenge

Recently, I went out on a service call in Long Branch, NJ, to help a homeowner who was in the midst of a wildlife infestation in his attic. This homeowner found out he had an infestation the hard way. As he was doing some spring cleaning in his attic and removing some boxes, a squirrel literally jumped on top of his head before scampering off! Needless to say, this “close encounter of the squirrel kind” scared the daylights out of him!

Contrary to popular belief, squirrels, unlike raccoons, aren’t common carriers of rabies. Also, they will only bite if they are cornered and feel threatened. The primary health risk of a squirrel infestation is what these rodents bring with them inside your home. Squirrels are often infested with disease-carrying ticks and fleas. Flea or tick infestations inside a home are notoriously difficult to get rid of. These virtually microscopic fast-breeding insects take up residence in carpets, soft furnishings, and furniture.  

As I began my exterior inspection to determine damages and potential entry points, I soon found how the squirrels had gained access into the attic. There was a ripped hole in the side of the soffit that builders and contractors informally call a "pork chop” because it is functional and easy to build, but not the most elegant. The “pork chop” is the eave return where the soffit meets the roof. Over time, because of harsh weather conditions, this wood became so warped and rotted that the nails had been backed out. This damage formed an opening that was the perfect size for squirrels to gain access into the soffit area, which gave them a pathway straight into the attic. Often, as here, wildlife infestations occur because of some pre-existing damage. Wildlife will not hesitate to exploit weaknesses in a structure. The best way to keep squirrels or raccoons out of your attic is to immediately fix any roof or soffit damage. 

Solution

In order to safely and humanely remove the squirrels from the attic, I placed a one-way exclusion over the main entry point. A one-way exclusion is a device that allows a squirrel to safely exit the attic but prevents them from getting back in. It is a one-way trip out of your home! The device is secured with chew-proof hardware cloth.  A temporary one-way device secured over the main entry point prevents squirrels or any other animal from accessing that area until the problem is permanently fixed. 

Additionally, I placed baited traps on the roof along the squirrel's path to entice them to enter the traps. Once I completed the set-up, I closed off the area with metal flashing so that the animals can longer access this spot. In no time at all, this home will be squirrel-free. Once all the squirrels are safely removed, the homeowner will be able to repair the “pork chop.”