A common problem this time of year are the critters who sneak in to escape the cold temperatures out...

1. Keeping the critters out of your attic
A common problem this time of year are the critters who sneak in to escape the cold temperatures
outside. But, there's hope! Here are ways to prevent this from happening and stop it from
continuing.
Find their entry point
How? It sounds easier said than done, right? Try this. From inside your attic, look for light shining in
from outside. That's a clear indication of a hole or gap that would appear as an invitation to these
critters.
Small critters like squirrels can squeeze through the smallest of spaces to enter your home including
gaps or rotted spaces. Typically, all they need are a hole the size of a human fist to enter. So you'll
need to walk around and search for these holes.
Use sheet metal to prevent tree climbing
Walk around the outside of your home. Do you
have many tall trees that are close to your
home? Close enough for a squirrel to jump
from branch to roof? Any tree that is within six
to eight feet is fair game to these trapeze
artists.
To prevent the squirrels from using your trees
to access your attic, wrap a two-foot band of
sheet metal around the trunk of the tree six to
eight feet above the ground. Trim tree limbs
away from the house.
Remember to never seal entry points prematurely
Before you seal off the entry points, you have to be sure every critter is out. Here's an easy way to

2. know. Ball up some newspaper, stuff it inside the possible entry point, and wait a few days. When
you check back in a few days, if the newspaper is gone, you'll know the squirrels may be inside. But
if the newspaper ball is still there, you are probably fine. Of course you can't be sure, though.
Seal off all entry points
Back up. First, fix any rotting wood you find, install chimney caps and check for gaps in the flashing
at the chimney base. Then seal off all entry points securely. Don't forget to seal openings at these
often forgotten places:
joints of siding
overhanging eaves
places where utility cables or pipes enter the house
Use a Wire Hardware Cloth
Using a staple gun, securely fasten quarter-inch wire hardware cloth over attic vents. Squirrels are
chewers, so be sure you extend the cloth two inches beyond the hole in all directions. Spray the area
with a repellant.
Call Blue Chip!
If at any time you decide to call a wildlife control professional, Blue Chip has the proven ability to
help you with all of your rodent control needs.
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