Understanding Pest Control For Trees

As a homeowner, the sound of squirrels roaming around your attic is never a good thing. You will probably have to pay a pest control company to remove the squirrels. In the meantime, they may cause serious damage to your electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation, and even the walls and floors of your attic. The best solution is to stop them from getting inside in the first place. Here are four ideas:

Pay for Tree Trimming Service

The easiest way for squirrels to get onto your roof (and thus into your attic) is by hopping over from nearby tree branches. A professional tree trimming company will best know how to safely trim back your overly close branches. Hiring a professional means that you never even have to set foot on a ladder. Hiring a tree trimming service will also protect your home from tree-related damage during high winds and heavy storms. Companies like Show Me Tree Service may be able to help.

Add Metal Sheeting to the Base of Trees

By adding metal sheeting to the base of your trees, you will make it much harder for squirrels to climb up since their claws slide right off the metal instead of gripping it like tree bark. This will not only help prevent the squirrels from getting into your attic, but will protect your trees from squirrel damage as well. You can buy metal sheeting at any major home improvement or hardware store and attach it with large nails.

Cover Attic Vents

Your attic vents can help air circulate through your home and keep things cooler in the summer, so you don't want to completely block them. Instead, purchase some simple wire mesh from the hardware store and use this to cover your attic vents. This keeps squirrels and other small critters out of your attic while still allowing your attic vents to do their job.

Replace Missing Shingles

If your roof is in disrepair, it will be much easier for squirrels to chew or scratch their way through the roof and into your attic. Once or twice a year (especially in spring after winter storms have possibly caused damage), you should check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Making minor repairs to your roof as they are needed will not only help keep squirrels out, but may also help extend the lifespan of your roof.

By following these tips, you can significantly decrease the risk of squirrels showing up in your attic.