Squirrels Exploit Construction Methods & Design
Homeowners…it’s not your fault squirrels or raccoons are in your house! Architects and Builders take heed. Take a look at these pictures which highlight some recent animal intrusions.
The common theme in the following pictures is that design or construction issues helped the animals get in. Our advice to builders and architects is to be conscious of animals like squirrels and raccoons when practicing your trades.
Design Problems and Squirrels
Here is a good example of a design issue leading to a squirrel problem. This arched entry way has a common design element which animals love to exploit: a soffit overhang with a roof underneath it. This gives the animal shelter, a protected entrance, and the stable footing they need to make an opening.
Here are close ups of the right and left sides of the entrance. The left side shows a squirrel nest tucked up in the narrowest part and soffit that has been displaced. Squirrels are the problem now, but raccoons could have easily felt at home here. The right side shows the elements of protection and stability this design offers. It really was an animal intrusion waiting to happen from the moment the architect designed it.
Construction Problems and Squirrels
Other animal intrusions happen due to a combination of design and poor execution by a builder. The pictures below show the left and right side of a chimney and the abutting roof elements. The design itself is not a blatant calling card to animals, but it still offers ease of access (the chimney) and stable footing. The tipping point came with the construction practice. As can be seen on the left and right sides of the chimney, there is a flashing installation issue here. Water has damaged the soffits on both sides and the squirrels took advantage of the water weakened wood on the left. Squirrels and raccoons will often find water weakened areas of roof elements and exploit them. Had the flashing been properly installed, there would been no water damage to the left and the right of the chimney. A squirrel intrusion would have been less likely.
An added not of interest: Where the squirrel hole is in the picture to the left, notice an attempt to keep the squirrels out with a piece of sheet metal. Well, the squirrels just chewed around it. This happens when squirrels are shut in a space or when they are excluded but not removed first. This is why we advocate removal (trapping) of the squirrels prior to just trying to keep them out. Squirrels are determined when they have an established home.
Need Help in the Akron / Canton / Kent, OH Area with a Squirrel Problem?
This blog confirms it wasn’t your fault that squirrels have gotten into your house. The bad news is that you are the one who needs to devise a solution to stop this and future animal intrusions. Don’t worry…we can help.
Call Frontline Animal Removal today and we can design a solution together. We have the ability to remove the squirrels AND fix the underlying problem to prevent future problems. We are experienced in animal removal and animal damage repair. We’ll remove the squirrels and make sure others don’t follow next year.
Removal. Exclusion. Solution
