Damn squirrels

[BackInTex]

Really.

Our neighborhood was new when we moved in in '99'. It was previously a rice field. The nearest naturally grown tree was a mile or more away. It wasn't until about 5 years ago that enough planted trees were large enough to provide adequate shelter for varmints. We started seeing some squirrels here and there. In the past two years they are everywhere. In the past 6 months my son complained of noises in the attic. The cat would occasionally stop and stare intently at the ceiling. We had the exterminator put out mice/rat bait. Some was eaten. We found a trapped mouse a few years ago. But last week my son confirmed it was squirrels when he went into the attic and actually saw one running into the insulation for cover.

Last night I finally got serious about finding where they are getting in. I did a visual inspection around the house and all the soffit screens were intact. I went in the attic and looked at the ridge vents. They were secure. Then I saw some light (it was just before sunset) shining DOWN on the edge of the roof line. Down meant the light was coming from above, not up as from the soffit screens.

I went outside and got my tall extension ladder out of the garage. As I was doing it I caught a squirrel peeking over the highest ridge of my roof. He wouldn't move. He was just looking at me. I brought the ladder up as high as it would go, to the roof line, about 20 ft. above the ground. I climbed up, peered over the rain gutter and found it. A hole, about the size of a cue ball, chewed through the asphalt shingle and the 3/4 inch decking. The bastards. Rain hadn't been coming into the house because the hole sits over the soffit and any water getting in there would just drain out the nearest soffit vent. Smart.

Now I'm channeling Carl Spackler. I will rid the attic of these critters by Saturday before the roof repair guys get here. I don't want to trap one in there if at all possible. But if so, I will catch it in a trap and find a good recipe.

[Bob Juch]

You folks need to import some hawks.

[BackInTex]

You folks need to import some hawks.

We've got lots of hawks, but I think they are still moving their diets from previous fauna (snakes, skunks, mice and rabbits) to squirrels. Probably still plenty of the old food to bother trying to outsmart a squirrel.

We will still on occasion see a coyote or fox. Getting rarer though.

[ninjadog]

I would very much like a lot to help you solve your problem, Mr. backin. The little squeakers won't even notice that I'm there. That's my good ninjaneighbor policy.

[BackInTex]

I would very much like a lot to help you solve your problem, Mr. backin. The little squeakers won't even notice that I'm there. That's my good ninjaneighbor policy.

Hmmm... Thanks for the offer. I'm sure you know what you're doing, but I don't. How would you get rid of them if they don't even know you're there? Wait...don't answer that. I don't want to know.

[silverscreenselect]

I'm a bit surprised this thread has been up for nearly 12 hours and one particular MM hasn't put in an appearance yet.

[SportsFan68]

I'm a bit surprised this thread has been up for nearly 12 hours and one particular MM hasn't put in an appearance yet.

If he's too lazy to recycle an avatar, he's too lazy to reply in this thread. That's my opinion.

[BackInTex]

Went up to the attic last night to put one of those ultra-sonic pest noise makers up there. Actually two. I don't know if they really work or not, but when I went up there I saw the squirrels, two of them, and where they are nesting. I'm glad I found it so I can later make sure they are not there. Anyway, they tried to sneak off but I found one, sticking his head out the hole. All I saw was his body, he was being very still. I had Travis bring his airsoft rifle up and he took a shot. He said he missed, hitting the underside of the roof just before the squirrel. It may have been hit on the ricochet. For those not in the know, an airsoft gun fires plastic BBs and while they may sting a bit, are harmless (unless you put an eye out).

Roofers coming this weekend, I hope, to repair the roof. I need the squirrels gone my then.