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McNeelyPest.com ISSUE 3 • VOLUME 1 • JANUARY 2019 As the fall weather transitions into winter there are many critters seeking shelter. Often this may be in a hollow tree, a leaf nest, burrow, or even an old stump hole. In addition, many animals find that if they gain entry into the crawl space or attic of a home, then they have discovered a much more comfortable place to spend the winter. With the early visit of cold weather and snow this year, it has been very common for us to hear customers call saying, “There’s something’s in my attic!” As the weather cools in the Carolinas and Virginia house mice and also deer mice often enter into our homes and businesses. Deer mice are excellent climbers and one of our most common attic inhabitants. Some- times they don’t even come down into the living area of the home. Unfor- tunately they make burrows through attic insulation creating pathways for air to travel, thus compromising the integrity of our insulation. They also leave deposits of droppings and urine, plus potentially chew on electrical wiring causing shorts and fire hazards. Following deer mice, our next two common attic invaders are flying squirrels and grey squir- rels. Flying squirrels are very common in many areas but are nocturnal and rarely seen by homeowners unless after falling down a chimney or in the attic. Since they are roughly the size of hamsters they can typically gain entry through fairly small openings into the home. Grey squirrels will often chew openings into attic spaces, attic louver screens, and into wall voids. Like deer mice these animals cause the same attic concerns, but with a larger potential for damage… In addition to mice and squirrels we also encounter raccoons, opossums, and a variety of birds that gain entry into the attics. Homeowners can help reduce unwanted animal entry into their homes by keeping tree limbs trimmed back at least six feet from the home, SEASONAL FEATURED SERVICE SOMETHING’S IN THE ATTIC! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO CONTENTS: SEASONAL FEATURED SERVICE FUN FACTS SPECIALTY SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES & BABIES COMPANY EVENT & CONGRATS PHOTO CONTEST WINNER EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH TESTIMONIALS JOB OPENINGS Fun Facts Gray squirrels can live up to 20 years. Gray squirrels are the “social butterflies” of the forest. Squirrel’s front teeth grow constantly, and gnawing helps keep them filed. Squirrels run zigzag to escape predators. Squirrels are born blind. Flying sqirrels usally “glide” between 20 & 30 feet. pruning shrubbery and vines that may be against or trailing up on the sides of structures, visually inspecting the exterior edges of the soffits and roofline for openings, and checking screening of attic louvers. In addition, it is also a good practice to inspect along the foundation, door openings, crawl space vents, and any pipe penetrations for plumbing, gas, or HVAC… And, if you need help with any inspections, sealing/pest exclusion, attic insula- tion, gutter cleaning, or unwanted critter removal, the staff of McNeely Pest Control is prepared to take care of this for you!
