Squirrels break into Colts Neck, NJ home
Challenge
Recently, a family in Colts Neck, NJ was hearing scratching and chewing noises coming from above the ceiling. More often than not, trespassing wildlife in attics turn out to be either squirrels or raccoons. With their exceptional climbing skills, these critters have no problems gaining access to roofs, and once there, they often find a weak spot, such as a soffit vent or a damaged part of the roof, to make entry inside. Here, during my inspection, I quickly determined that squirrels were the troublemakers.
Solution
Whenever I’m dealing with a wildlife infestation, I want to determine their point of entry. This is the vicinity where I want to trap the animals. Also, it is important to exclude the wildlife from returning to avoid a re-infestation. I placed a one-way device over their point of entry. This allows the animals to leave the structure, but it’s a one-way trip. The one-way blocks any attempted re-entry. I then placed three baited traps nearby the one-way. Any captured squirrels will be relocated to a safe location away from human habitats. Once all of the animals are out of the house, I’ll remove the temporary one-way and secure the opening with a trim coil patch. Unfortunately, we often also have to deal with the aftermath of a wildlife infestation. These animals can cause damage from their chewing and nesting activities. Often, attic insulation is contaminated and ruined, and the toxic animal droppings contain all sorts of pathogens that pose a health hazard to the home’s occupants when particles become airborne. We then can come back remove the old insulation, clean and deodorize the area and blow-in new pest resistant cellulose insulation,
