AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I was a professional animal damage controller. If you are having problems with squirrels, raccoons, beavers, moles, voles, etc. damaging your property, I can help give you information to resolve that damage. I was an assistant editor for Wildlife Control Technology magazine and have published numerous articles as well as two books in this field.
Experience Former assistant editor for Wildlife Control Technology; Master's degree in Hebrew Bible (yes I am licensed minister), Past New England Director for the National Wildlife Control Operator's Association. I have published two books, The Wildlife Removal Handbook (rev. ed) and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook, and numerous articles. Perhaps a highlight was making the cover of Wildlife Control Technology. I have debated a noted animal rights activist in my own state of Massachusetts on radio and TV. http://icwdm.org
Question We've suspected for sometime that we have a squirrel problem. We hear scratching in the angled area of the trey ceiling above our master bedroom at night. I've trapped several tree squirrels with no effect. We had an exterminator out and he said that tree squirrels are not nocturnal. He charged us $50, but could not figure out how they were getting in.
Tonight we actually found a flying squirrel inside the bedroom. The large eyes and flat tail were the giveaway. We have no idea how it got in the room - we can't find any openings.
In any event, we have a serious infestation and we need to get rid of these flying squirrels ASAP. I've been up in the attic several times, but I don't see any droppings or other evidence of activity up there. The place where we hear them is in the angled area between our wall and the ceiling. I'll illustrate below:
Can you recommend an expert who will come to our home, get rid of these beasts, and prevent them from coming back. We're prepared to pay what is needed to comprehensively solve the problem.
Jeff Whatcott
Answer Unfortunately, you asked me to recommend someone but you didn't give me a city and state.
I would suggest that you visit http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/hiringprofessionals.htm It will give you tips on how to hire a professional.
As for lists of nwco's, I would visit http://www.nwcoa.com click on certification and then on the certified list. That would be a place to start your hunt.
You said you hired an exterminator. I understand that term to refer to bug people. You want a wildlife control person/company. Flyers need only 1/2 inch to get into a building. A proper inspection would often require getting on a ladder and looking for the hole. It can be a tough job. Especially if the house is big and the infestation small.
