Differing Styles…Same Result
Raccoons and Squirrels Both Get Into Homes
Because of high populations, safe and adequate natural shelter spots for squirrels and raccoons are at a premium in many of our neighborhoods.
The result is, one way or another, raccoons and squirrels wind up in people’s attics, walls, and soffits.
But how do they get in?
Squirrels and raccoons get into people’s homes by:
- Using their “special gifts”
- Being opportunists
Special Gifts of the Raccoon
When it comes to getting into people’s homes, the traits which raccoons use to their advantage are strength, dexterity, and great climbing ability.
The picture to the left is a perfect and very common example of how and where a raccoon makes access to a soffit.
Their front paws are very dextrous. They are able to grip and manipulate things very well. Couple this with exceptional strength for their size and it’s easy to see how vinyl and aluminum soffit is no match for determined raccoons.
Great climbing ability is evidenced in this photo. Exiting the soffit at the loosened point, a raccoon would have no problem going up and onto the roof above or climbing down the spouting to the roof or ground below.
Special Gifts of the Squirrel
As good as raccoons are at climbing, this is where squirrels excel. The ability to climb vertically (and even inverted) on nearly every surface we have on our homes’ exteriors, it is easy to understand how squirrels can access their entry points.
But how do they get in? By chewing.
Squirrels are rodents and, thus, come equipped with sharp, constantly growing teeth.
These teeth enable determined squirrels access to just about anywhere they really want to go.
Here’s a recent example of a squirrel chew-in.
Like many other examples we’ve seen, squirrels will gnaw their way through wood, vinyl, shingles, rubber, and even aluminum when they really want to get some place.
These six thumbnails are examples of entrances squirrels have used. You’ll see squirrels go through a number of different building materials in order to get in.
Opportunism: A Common Trait
Give them an inch and…they’ll move right in.
Squirrels and raccoons usually take full advantage of any opportunities humans give them.
Easy roof access, a great food source, a missing piece of soffit, a weak piece of wood from a water issue…whatever the opportunity…you can bet raccoons and squirrels will eventually find it and take advantage of it.
We give them a lot of credit for their tenacity.
Need Help with a Squirrel or Raccoon Problem?
If you need help with a squirrel or raccoon problem and reside in the Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area, contact the professionals at Frontline Animal Removal.
We’ll find out how they’re getting in, remove them, and make a repair to keep decrease opportunity for another animal.
For more on Raccoon Removal:
For more on Squirrel Removal:
