squirrels

TREE SQUIRRELS IN THE ATTIC

Tree squirrels, in an urban environment.  Eddy County Extension often receives calls about tree squirrels in attic or damaging trees.  The most common species I have seen are Fox squirrels.  They were introduced throughout most of their range in New Mexico, except in the north where they likely dispersed in from Colorado. They are primarily found in urban areas in the eastern part of the state, but have expanded their range some since their introduction. They prefer upland hardwood forests containing nut producing trees. The fox squirrel is a gray with tints of orange, and has a buffy orangish-belly, New Mexico Game and Fish).  They like our pecans and do quite well here.  Squirrels are a game animal in New Mexico. See, http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/download/publications/rib/2019/small-game/2019_2020-New-Mexico-Small-Game-Rules-and-Info.pdf   Contact NM Game and Fish before using lethal means for control. 

Most callers are disturbed by scrabbling, squeaking or chewing sounds in their attic caused by an uninvited animal guest. They’ve heard of using mothballs or cloths soaked in or pans filled with every stinky liquid imaginable. They’ve heard of putting a radio in the attic and turning it up as loud as it can go, and even turning on lights to illuminate the area as brightly as possible. Some of these can be dangerous; radios and lights could cause a fire, and mothballs and foul liquid fumes can settle into the living area of the house. After trying all these timewasters, they are now calling for another quick fix. Sadly, there are no quick, permanent fixes. It all comes down to repairing the entrances and exits so the animal parade cannot go on. 

Let’s take a look at some of the ways mammals can get into an attic. Trees that have branches overhanging or are within 6 feet of the house are vertical expressways. Squirrels and raccoons can easily climb the tree and run out on a branch and jump onto the roof. If a tree trunk is 6 feet or closer to a house, animals will just climb the trunk and jump, but a tree this close to a house will eventually damage the foundation, walls or roof. A close tree shading the roof shingles can cause the shingles to dry slowly, failing sooner than they should. Vines, either on or off a trellis, can provide a ladder to happiness, too. Don’t forget the little guys either. Mice and possibly chipmunks can climb a rough brick or block chimney.  Also we see them running up and down power lines, cinderblock fencing etc.  If you have pruned your trees and the only way to the roof is the power line  you can take a 3 foot section of PVC pipe of the smallest dimeter that will fit around your service drop, usually ¾ or 1 inch and split the length of the pipe with a table saw or have someone do that for you.  Call the power company and tell them your problem and your solution.  They will send a qualified person to install this on your service drop.  The squirrel runs down the service line the pipe roll and dumps them on the ground. 

However, all of these depend on having an opening once the animals reach the roof.  This opening might be a torn or missing screen in a gable-end vent. It could be a ripped or missing screen in a square roof ventilation unit referred to as cans. If the animal can push past a torn screen, they are in. This includes bats.  I have turned on light in the attic at night and look where the light comes out, then investigate those areas in daylight.  It is possible to use a very bright flashlight at night inside the attic and shine it on walls and corners to see if a person outside can see the light.

Bats can squeeze into a crack not much bigger than the tip of your little finger. A bat could get into a crack between the brick or block chimney and the roof. As the house ages, the chimney settles in one direction and the house settles in the other. The top surface of the roof is protected by roof flashing and tar, but the underside where the under-hang and chimney meet has a crack. If bats have been regular visitors to this area, there will be a grayish smudge where the bat squeezed into the crack. Oil rubs off their fur onto the under-hang and dirt accumulates on the oil.

In the roof area, it is possible to have fascia boards pop loose at the corners and leave small cracks or have damaged soffits. Everything must be inspected. It is possible to use a very bright flashlight at night inside the attic and shine it on walls and corners to see if a person outside can see the light.

There is no “quick and easy” when talking about getting rid of animals looking for free rent. They have plenty of time to do a thorough house inspection every year, even if you don’t. Repair damage correctly to make sure you are not hearing the pattering of little feet over your head.  I would like to thank Gretchen Voyle, Michigan State University Extension Agent. For some of the information in this article.