Photo Album: Squirrel Removal & Entry Point Mystery in Fair Haven, NJ

I was recently called to a Fair Haven residence after the homeowner called Cowleys complaining of mysterious, intermittent scratching and thumping noises in the wall voids. Upon arrival, the homeowner told me that we were the fourth wildlife control company they called upon to resolve this problem. The homeowner was a bit embarrassed to keep calling different companies when a few technicians could not find any nuisance wildlife problem. Presumably, just like the technicians who preceded me, I attempted to locate any potential entry points, and inspected the roof and trim areas. I could not find any openings.  The homeowner swore that he wasn’t “crazy,” and was positive that he heard sounds coming from behind the walls. He was frustrated that there seemed to be no resolution in sight, and implored me to look one more time before leaving. I was determined to figure this one out. I took a step back, and slowly inspected perimeter of the house foot by foot, looking for anything at all potentially large enough for an animal to enter. If a small animal is not entering a residence at ground level, the usual suspect is a squirrel. These wily little creatures and are adept tree climbers that can easily maneuver themselves over to rooftops. Looking for the smallest of clues, and I noticed a vent. I thought this could be it, and climbed up my ladder for a close visual inspection, Sure enough, I saw rub marks and squirrel hairs, and enough of an opening for a squirrel to enter. This was a tough one because from ground level, the vent appeared to fully seal the opening. Sometimes it takes a “squirrel’s eye” view to figure things out. I explained the hidden entry point to the homeowner and how to solve the problem. He gladly gave me the go-ahead. Once done trapping, I screened off the vent to prevent reentry. The homeowner was happy that I finally resolved a wildlife problem that had stumped a few other technicians before me.