We've gotten several calls today about squirrels which has prompted us to discuss them further in this edition of pest of the week. Every winter neighboring squirrel families will look for a space to nest to protect themselves and their young from the winter weather. If you attic, garage, or shed happen to be easily accessible or have openings allowing them to freely enter you can bet that some family of squirrels will be bunking down with you for the better part of the holiday season. Squirrels and other rodents can cause significant damage to electrical wiring, insulation, and items that you might just have stored in these areas. The best defense against squirrels it preparation before the nesting season. This means sealing openings, gaps, eaves, ac lines, and any other area where a squirrel or rodent can fit through. Trimming tree limbs that may be touching the home and removing the rain gutter run off or other items that allow access to the roof will help as well. If you already have squirrels in your attic, there are a series of steps that yourself or a pest professional can do to treat the issue. First you must identify how the squirrels are entering. If there are multiple entry points seal off all but one of these areas so the squirrel is now down to one place it can easily enter and depart. From here, you would have a pest professional install a one way door or exclusion cone. What this does is allow the squirrel to leave but not re-enter the space. Once the squirrels have left you can remove the door and patch the area to prevent them from getting in again. It is important to check any patched areas frequently (at least every 6 months) to ensure their continued integrity. This type of exclusion is very common and can be performed by most professional pest companies. We hope these tips will be helpful for anyone looking to treat or prepare their home against squirrels for the winter season. Don't forget to tune in next week for another edition of Pest Of The Week.- Bulls-Eye staff