Squirrels invade Middletown, NJ attic
Challenge
I was dispatched to a home in Middletown, NJ to resolve an active squirrel infestation in the attic. With wildlife infestations. which are often squirrels or raccoons, the objectives are to locate and seal the entry points into the home and trap the invading animals for safe relocation. Often, finding the entry points are easier said than done. Squirrels have an amazing knack for finding their way into homes in hidden, non-conspicuous spots. This is not just a bad coincidence to make life difficult for wildlife technicians. These animals want their privacy as they come and go. They don’t want to be seen or followed by predators, and they also do their best to stay away from people.
During my inspection, to find the access points, I look for evidence that they leave behind from all their chewing and scratching. Animals often care out their own holes in building materials that are weakened, softened, or rotted. It is rare, indeed, to find a wildlife intrusion where the animal has bored its way through “solid” building construction. With this Middletown home, I found wood shavings and pieces of torn insulation all over the downspout below their hidden access.
Solution
Once the access was discovered, I installed three traps on the roof next to the access. The best way to catch squirrels is to set traps on the roof near the entry points. Traps set in attics to catch squirrels is usually unsuccessful. Trapping is an art and there is a lot more to it than just laying out traps and hoping for the best. You have to set the right type of trap for that animal correctly. For example, the trap must have the correct pan tension for the door to close with the animal inside. The trap must be secure with no wobble flush to the roof or secured to the fascia boards. It’s generally a bad idea for homeowners not used to working on a roof or with ladders to trap squirrels as a DIY project.
In addition to the three traps, I installed a one-way door over the access. A one-way wildlife door excluder acts just like a one-way valve. It permits the flow in only one direction. With a one-way, squirrels can exit the attic, but are blocked from returning. With the three live traps and the one-way, I’m confident that, over the next few days I’ll safely trap and relocate these trespassing squirrels.
