Tree trimming helps solve squirrel problems: Squirrels often use trees to gain access to houses. Photo credit: The Bat Guys, http://www.batguys.com.
Trimming trees away from the house is a simple solution to help resolve squirrel problems.
Philadelphia PA (PRWEB) January 23, 2014
In the war between squirrels and homeowners, squirrels often emerge the victor using amazing feats of acrobatics to feast on bird feeders or invade homes. While the bird feeder battle can be frustrating, squirrels inside a home are dangerous and pose fire, health and safety hazards. Giroud Tree and Lawn provides tree trimming and other strategies homeowners can use to humanely solve squirrel problems.
Winter is prime time for squirrels to search for a cozy, warm nest. An opening about the size of a fist is all that a squirrel needs to squeeze inside a home. Holes in dormers, ridge vents, eaves, attic vents, and similar vulnerable areas make easy entry points to attics, walls and living spaces.
Trees are often a launching point for squirrels to get inside a house, says Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. “Trimming trees away from the house is a simple solution to help resolve squirrel problems”
To determine how tree trimming can help deter squirrels from gaining access, contact an ISA Certified Arborist at a fully insured tree service company to inspect the trees surrounding the house. The inspection will identify limbs that must be removed or trimmed away from house. Tree trimming should focus on limbs within 6-8 feet of the house. Work should be performed by a tree service professional who is skilled in both side-clearing and ensuring trees retain a healthy beautiful shape.
If squirrels have already gotten inside the home, immediate action is needed. Squirrels can create fire, health and safety hazards by chewing exposed electrical wires, tearing insulation and creating an unhealthy mess from droppings.
The Humane Society of the United States recommends the following steps on its website to ensure humane removal of squirrels from the home.
- Find the point of entry. Inspect the attic for opening(s). If there is no way into the attic, inspect the exterior eaves, vents, and roof.
- Find out if it's a mother squirrel with young. Try to locate the nest. If it's February through May or August through October, babies may be present, wait a few weeks until the babies grow old enough to leave with the mother.
- Remove the squirrels. Hire a professional who knows how to reunite mothers with the offspring.
- Prevent reentry. Install metal flashing to keep squirrels from re-opening access points into attics. Often, squirrels will attempt to get back in anyway, and this can be a signal that young are trapped inside.
Found from Canada to Florida and into the western states, gray squirrels are the most common squirrel in the Philadelphia area. To learn more about protecting a home from this sometimes destructive member of the rodent family, check out the Squirrel Fact Sheet from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The Squirrel Fact Sheet includes information on squirrel identification, habits and advice on how to manage problem squirrels.
About Giroud Tree and Lawn
Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green. Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health. The company has been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award® every year since 2005. The “Giroud Treework for Charity” program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company’s service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.
