Foreseeing Serious Pest Problems

Awhile back, I received a call from a homeowner asking some pointed and insightful questions as to the value of her pest control service. This homeowner reported that she’s had her home "treated" on a quarterly basis to "keep the pests away." A few months ago, however, tree squirrels had gotten into the attic by clawing and gnawing a hole through some warped fascia boards. The squirrel accessed the house by running along tree limbs overhanging the roof. Inside, the squirrels gnawed on several rafters, some electrical wiring and had ruined some stored memorabilia and furniture.

The homeowner inquired of me, "Don’t you (i.e., pest management professionals) look around while you’re spraying for bugs for obvious conditions that might attract or cause other pest problems?" She then added, "I guess I just assumed that’s what my service is all about — kind of like pest insurance." She commented to me that none of the servicemen throughout six years of service ever mentioned the potential problems of tree branches contacting the homes siding or roofing.

If this were an isolated case, I would not bother to discuss it here. But throughout the years, I have paid attention to this issue when I’m with technicians during routine residential services that provide exterior treatments. And guess what — I have found it is not uncommon for many technicians to be so preoccupied with performing an actual "preventive" perimeter program and getting on to the next stop that obvious conducive conditions go unnoticed.

The Tree Squirrel Example. Although several pests could be discussed here, tree squirrels as per my phone call are a good example because of their significance as serious structural pests. Many areas of the U.S. have established populations of tree squirrels. The most common species include the Eastern and Western gray squirrels, the fox squirrel, the red (or pine) squirrel and flying squirrels. With the exception of flying squirrels, tree squirrels can be particularly destructive if they gain entrance and use homes as harborages. Because they are rodents, squirrels constantly gnaw on various objects and surfaces they encounter. They damage structural timbers, wooden siding, cedar shingles, stored items and of most concern, they gnaw on all different types of wiring and pipes. Squirrels are opportunists, taking quick advantage of any available openings into the home. However, even small holes or the slight warping of boards or flashing may initiate a squirrel to enlarge the opening and then gain entry.

It should seem obvious, then, that it is important for homeowners to be aware of activities and whereabouts of squirrels around their homes, in addition to any conditions conducive towards attracting squirrels. This is where we come in.

The Conducive Condition Scan. For the most part, conditions conducive to tree squirrel infestations are easily scanned during any type of exterior service (perimeter exterior sprays, ant baiting, termite jobs, carpenter ants, etc.). This is, of course, assuming tree squirrels are active in the area and assuming there are established trees that provide nuts and harborage for the squirrels (i.e., suitable squirrel habitat). For example, here is a partial list of some of the more important potential squirrel habitats:

1. Branches within 6 feet of roof areas;

2. Climbing ivy to the home’s upper stories;

3. Vertical lattice panels to roof areas;

4. Telephone and utility lines leading from tree areas to house areas;

5. Broken, rotting, warped or deteriorating structural elements in upper floors (e.g., fascia boards);

6. Warped or unsealed flashing around vent stacks, chimneys, ventilation fan outlets, etc.;

7. Open, broken or unscreened louvers;

8. Uncapped chimneys; and,

9. Poorly maintained bird feeders or dog kennels providing food attraction.

I teach technicians to be aware and be observant. It only takes a moment to perform a conducive-condition scan while you are performing other service work. Moreover, the good news is that these conducive conditions are not specific to tree squirrels. These conditions are also conducive to other pests such as carpenter ants, various species of tramp ants, deer mice, raccoons and others.

Communicate the message. Our observations of conducive conditions must be communicated to the client. All noted conditions can be checked off on a service ticket and mentioned to the client while closing the service. However, in the case of the more serious conducive conditions (e.g., touching tree branches, uncapped chimneys, wet and rotting fascia boards, etc.), I recommend also leaving a brief fact sheet or a door hanger with the client for them to read and study. Printed materials provide substantial reinforcement of important messages. But such materials must be simple and succinct. And, they must be readily available so that the educational message is timely.

Different fact sheets for important issues can be kept in the technician’s truck. Consider information sheets about the following:

• Prevention of tree-to-house contact;

• Uncapped chimneys and wildlife;

• Correctly storing firewood;

• Clogged gutters and building damage; and,

• A list of local nuisance wildlife damage control professionals.

When you stop to think about it, there is a dramatic difference in the significance of a service that prevents annoying millipedes, earwigs or pavement ants on the den floor, and the significance of a service that helps to prevent tree squirrels from gnawing holes into the attic and then gnawing on electrical wiring. In fact, which is the more valuable service we can offer?

Charles Mayo, the famous physician, once said, "That which can be foreseen, can be prevented." When buildings are subject to various pest issues, it’s our jobs as professionals to be proactive — to be the ones who foresee.