Squirrels can seem harmless enough when you see them scurrying along outside, intent on hoarding nuts and seeds. But don’t be fooled; when they get on your roof and inside your home, they can cause an incredible amount of damage—gnawed electrical wirings, chewed-through insulation, and holey roof shingles and underlayment. And you wouldn’t want their urine and feces anywhere inside your house.
Florida residents are no strangers to the problems these furry creatures can cause. Below is an excerpt from a Florida Today article offering tips—both serious and not—on keeping squirrels away:
They’re vermin to some. Cunning adversaries to others. Squirrels have long been a source of fascination and frustration for gardeners and bird enthusiasts engaged in a near-constant battle to keep them away from the nuts and seeds put out for birds.
Greased poles. Loud music. Motion-activated sprinklers.
Bill Adler Jr. has heard all the strategies. And tried many of them.
The 57-year-old humor writer has been collecting tips to keep squirrels from avian meals for three decades, and recently updated his 1988 book, “Outwitting Squirrels: 101 Cunning Stratagems to Reduce Dramatically the Egregious Misappropriation of Seed From Your Birdfeeder by Squirrels” (Chicago Review Press), for a third edition.
The most important thing to know? While technology has changed, squirrels still have little else to do all day but strategize.
And they’re good at it.
While the article didn’t give specific tips on keeping them out of your home, there is one important takeaway for you to note: booby traps aren’t guaranteed. Squirrels are wily creatures and are perfectly capable of getting around them.
If you’re really worried about squirrels getting inside your home via your roof, perhaps a more permanent solution is in order: invest in a metal roof. Metal is one of the few things squirrels cannot chew through, hence the advantages. Roofing by Curry, one of the leading roofers in Sarasota, can set you up with a metal roof that can protect your home from invading squirrels and help you lower your monthly energy bills as well.
As a GAF Master Elite contractor, Roofing by Curry is not only one of the top roofers in Sarasota FL, but also one of the best in the US. They are known for their impeccable workmanship, top-of-the-line products, and industry-leading warranties. For more information, visit www.roofingbycurry.com.
(Article Excerpt from http://www.floridatoday.com/story/life/home-garden/spaces/2014/05/02/squirrels-driving-nuts/8607293/)
