Squirrels Get into Attic Through Gable Vents
Some home design really invites squirrels.
Today’s post showcases a design element that is a huge invitation to squirrels: open gable vents.
Gable vents are vents on the sides of homes toward the peak. There are many styles.
For example, here are two views of vents at gables to give an idea of what we’re talking about.
These two vents pictured above, which don’t provide for much air movement, are not very inviting to squirrels. Both of these homes’ exterior have been updated within the last twenty years.
But, compare the modern designs above with the design shown to the left and still found on many homes.
The designers of this home, by creating a larger and open vent, intended this vent to provide very good ventilation for the attic. What they didn’t take into consideration was squirrels.
Squirrels are definitely using the vents on either end and have free run of the attic.
Video | A Better Explanation
When Ryan went to inspect, he made a video which provides a great explanation and visualization of the problem.
The Squirrel Solution: Removal and Repair
Understanding the problem brings us to a plan for a squirrel free attic.
Removal
The first action is to remove the offending squirrels. We do this by setting two styles of live traps.
The first style of trap is set on the roof by the entries. These traps catch squirrels that aren’t inside the attic when the openings are sealed.
The first squirrel caught in the video was in this style of trap. This squirrel was trying to get in.
The second style of trap catches squirrels that are actually inside when the traps were set.
The second squirrel shown in the video is in a one- way door trap that was placed over the entry/exit hole shown to the right.
With all the other points of exit blocked off, the squirrels’ only way out is through the hole and into the trap.
The trapping goes on until there is no more evidence that squirrels are using the attic.
Removing the squirrels rather than just blocking them is highly recommended.
Squirrels determined to get back to a place they call home can chew through most materials including siding and the material to screen this vent.
Taking the offending squirrels out of the equation results in a much higher probability that the repairs will not be damaged.
Squirrels without a memory of this attic as home will be less motivated to excavate through stout repairs.
Repair
Once the squirrels have been removed, the second step is making solid and attractive repairs.
Each of these entries shown in the video needs shoring up with squirrel-proof repairs.
The hole into the side of the dormer needs patched and the siding needs put back in place.
The gable vents need a paint job and screening. For this type of vent, we recommend screening on the outside of the gable vent.
Professional Squirrel Removal for Stark / Summit / Portage Counties
Removal. Exclusion. Solution. This is our mantra and what we can provide to homeowners with squirrel problems in the Akron-Canton-Kent area.
If you are not in our service area, please consider finding a professional animal removal provider who pays equal amounts of attention to removal, repair,and prevention strategies.
Squirrels in the home can be irksome and sometimes difficult to avoid, but help is usually only a call away.
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