Squirrels are not that smart to recognize that an open attic is on the other
side of solid material. However, they are smart enough to recognize a small
opening that they can chew larger to gain access to a possible nest hole. If
there is a large space on the other side that they gain access to it is a
squirrel bonus.

The problem now that they know what is on the other side, they will make
repeated attempts to gain access, even after you have sealed it up. So the
real trick/problem is to not let them learn about your attic and soffit
spaces. Don't let them find a way that invites them in and they will stay
outside. Once they are in, they will want to be in, don't give them a
chance.

"Norminn" wrote in message
...


Bonnie Jean wrote:
Good morning everyone

I have a few squirrels trying to build a nest in a nook on the outside
of my
home, at attic level. So far they have been unsuccessful although they
have
done a bit of damage to one of my American Holly trees. Their attempts
have
blown down thus far, and it appears they have not gotten inside my
attic. I
am sure that if they wanted to get inside the attic, the could. I
noticed
this morning that there is a nest about 20 feet from the house in
another
Holly tree.

So my question is, should I do anything, or really, could I do anything
about this?

In a related question, there is some damage to a soffit vent made by
squirrels a few years ago. Who would have the expertise to fix or
replace
the vent? In other words, what would I look up in the Yellow pages, or
local
paper, to find a person to fix it?

Thanks,
Bonnie



Soffit vents can be a very easy job for homeowners, depending on how
high up you can/want to go and how accessible it is. Go down to a box
store and shop around to familiarize yourself with materials and find a
good, general DIY repair book. Even with someone else doing the work,
you should be familiar with materials and methods.

As far as damage to a tree goes, what have they done? If they are
chewing bark, there is little you can do. A limb that can be damaged by
a squirrel is not likely to be important to the tree.

Look, also, for small openings around eaves, roof, gables, etc, and
consider closing them up securely with hardware cloth.

Soffit vents are most commonly strips of aluminum or plastic nailed
under the overhand - easy to pull off and replace.