Dealing with Unwanted Insect Invaders: A Personal Story

Have you ever experienced an insect infestation in your home? Whether it's squirrels, mice, or other unwelcome pests, dealing with an infestation can be a frustrating and challenging experience.

Squirrels in the Shed and House

Neighboring these amusing yet mischievous creatures to nature, squirrels, often dubbed by many as 'tree rats,' have found their way into the walls of my old 1905 farmhouse. The issue wasn't limited to the attic; the walls of my two-story house were also infested. Imagine the scurrying, skittering sounds of a squirrel nestled in your house - not a pleasant experience!

I have struggled with a squirrel infestation for several years. Not content with just the attic, they made their nests in my shed and storage space, where they harvested a significant number of walnuts. Despite the fact that I have several walnut trees on my property, some of the nuts appeared right in the middle of our bed, reminding us of their irritation.

Initial attempts to remove them through regular methods involved using traps; however, these proved to be largely ineffective. I kept a shotgun in the kitchen pantry, but by the time I could retrieve it, the squirrels had already darted away. My cats and the family dog occasionally caught a few, helping somewhat. My neighbor also took matters into his own hands, shooting a considerable amount of the pests, alleviating the situation for a while.

To keep the problem from reoccurring, I had the tree branches that were close to the house trimmed. As a result, squirrels no longer have access to entering the house. On the other hand, my shed continues to pose a challenge. Squirrels make their nests and have heavily damaged the walnut crop inside. This will likely continue until I take further action. Currently, my focus is on sealing the soffit and fascia of the shop and using eliminating pest foam in strategic areas. I hope this method will make the shop and shelter squirrel-free this winter.

Mice in the Flat

Earlier this year, I encountered a different kind of infestation. Mice appeared in another property. These pests seemed to have come from the empty flat above mine, leaving my family in need of pest control services. This incident highlights the importance of proper sealing and maintenance of a home to avoid such intrusions.

Past Experiences: Cockroaches in the Apartment Complex

While mice and squirrels present a challenge, cockroaches brought another level of discomfort. Recall a time in 1985 when we lived in an apartment complex. A large family moved into the unit behind ours, and soon after, cockroaches infiltrated our kitchen. While it wasn't a pleasant situation, we were fortunate to have a Raid Fumigator Can to assist us in eliminating the infestation. The infestation proved to be more challenging after the exterminator made a mistake, and things got worse instead of better.

While our unit was the worst, the manager of the apartment complex and my mother used this chance to take matters into her own hands, eventually solving the issue with a Raid Can. We moved out of the apartment in 1986 due to a rent increase, but not before leaving behind some evidence of the cockroach infestation. The refrigerator and surrounding areas still contained an abundance of roaches when we moved everything out.

Through these experiences, I learned the hard way that proper prevention and prompt action are crucial to avoid such household nuisances. Each time, I discovered makeshift solutions that worked, but a more proactive approach would have been ideal. Therefore, I strongly recommend regular checks and comprehensive pest control measures to keep your living environment pest-free.