Burlington in Ontario is a city that is home to over 150,000 people. It has parks and trails for residents to enjoy. As part of Burlington’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, the forestry staff assess sites annually and conduct egg mass surveys to determine the public areas infected by pests.
One such common pest is the squirrel. Squirrels can be very pesky creatures, and they can cause a lot of damage in a short period.
If you have squirrels on your property, experts suggest some tips for Squirrel prevention Burlington from entering your home or business. They are:
Seal All Openings That Lead to Your House
When squirrels seek to invade your home, they will look for any opening that they can squeeze themselves through. To prevent this, you need to inspect your home and seal any openings. It includes gaps around doors and windows, holes in the eaves, and cracks in the foundation.
If you have pets, ensure that their doors are squirrel-proof. Expert companies for squirrel prevention will also caulk and seal any openings in your home, such as those for utilities and vents.
Place a Wire Mesh Fence Encircling Your Garden
A wire mesh fence is an effective physical barrier against squirrels. The mesh should be small enough so that the animals can’t squeeze through, and it should be buried a few inches underground to prevent them from burrowing underneath.
If you have a persistent problem with squirrels, you may consider electrifying the fence by running a low-voltage current. It will temporarily shock the animal if they try to touch the fence, deterring them from entering your garden again.
If you have pets or children at home, ensure that the current voltage is not strong enough to harm them. Professional pest control services can advise you on how to do this.
Another option is to place a squirrel-proof feeder in your garden. These feeders have tiny openings which allow birds to access the food but prevent squirrels from getting their hands (or teeth) on it.
Trim Trees and Branches That Are Close to Your House
A 2019 news article reported that Burlington took emergency steps to reduce the expected impact of the emerald ash borer that threatens to kill many of Burlington’s more than 1,200 ash trees that stand in public places.
When you hire a professional service for squirrel prevention in Burlington, ensure that they know how to trim any branches close to your house. Squirrels can quickly jump from these branches onto your roof, and once they are on your top, they can find their way into the attic.
Remove Food Sources That Attract Squirrels
Animals are attracted to areas where they can find an easy food source. For example, if you have bird feeders in your yard, squirrels will be attracted to the area because they know they can find a meal there. To prevent squirrels from being attracted to your property in the first place, remove any food sources that would draw them.
Conclusion
Squirrels can damage your property and threaten your family’s safety. While you can’t keep them away entirely, following the tips above and taking help from a professional service provider should help discourage them from taking up residence on your property.