They can be cute, photogenic, and a fascinating subject of films and creative works. But it’s safe to say that squirrels are an unwelcome intruder in homes, where they either find holes in the house or chew their way through soft spots in the roof, vents, and chimneys to gain entry.
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| Image source: Pixabay.com |
While they are small, squirrels can be the source of major home damage. Like other types of rodent, they chew on everything and create a dangerous situation that can lead to house fires. Here are ways that they typically enter houses.
Roof vents and edge
Plastic and aluminum vents are installed on many roofs to allow for proper ventilation of the attic. Squirrels, unfortunately, are able to detect the warm air that escapes the attic, knowing there’s a cozy area somewhere there to nest when they chew past the vent cover. Then there’s the edge where all the rain as well as melted snow on the roof end up eventually. When shingles and roof boards here deteriorate due to prolonged wetness, squirrels get the chance to create openings.
Chimneys
Squirrels also enter through uncapped chimneys, although the success of their invasion could still depend on the materials used for lining the chimney. Brick-lined chimneys, for instance, provide an easy entry path and enable squirrels to nest on top of the fireplace.
Wall vents
Picture this: the exhaust for kitchens as well as dryer fans and bathrooms are usually located on exterior walls, and the plastic covers installed over the top of the openings couldn’t do much to prevent squirrel entry. The vent pipe looks like a tree cavity, offering a nest for these creatures apart from being a breeding ground for unsanitary conditions.
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| Image source: Pixabay.com |
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