This is the time of year when the calls start coming in from frustrated residents dealing with pest squirrels. The requests all have a similar ring to them. "I have squirrels living in my soffit on the back of my house. I would like to know what it would cost to have them removed." "We have a squirrel issue; they have gotten in through a soffit (part of which must've fallen off during the winter). I guess we need them trapped and the soffit reinforced with mesh." Do you notice the common thread? That's right. Squirrels love soffits. Protecting your soffits can go a long way to protecting your attic spaces and wall voids from unwanted guests.

What do I need to do the job?

Before you get the ladder out and start to work on reinforcing your soffits there are a few things you'll want to know first.

• Squirrels do not like being trapped. If you accidentally trap a squirrel inside your soffits, you could cause some major damage inside your home.

• Squirrels are a daytime creature and may be out foraging while you do your repairs. If they have babies inside your home they are not going to be happy when they return and find you've patched it up.

• When a professional takes care of a squirrel problem they take care of other issues that go along with a squirrel infestation. Squirrels leave feces and urine in your walls and attic crawl spaces. They can also bring parasites in with them. A professional knows to look for ticks, fleas, mites and lice and addresses those problems after all squirrels have been safely removed.

• Homeowners can underestimate the chewing ability of squirrels. This is a rodent that can bite its way through steel mesh if it is not the right gauge.

What do you suggest?

If you want to keep squirrels out of your house, trim tree branches back from your rooftop so squirrels can't use them as a bridge. Remove bird feeders and other food sources from around your home. Store your trash in durable garbage cans with tight-fitting, secure lids. And have the professionals take care of removing those squirrels. March through May is the breeding season for squirrels. If you're hearing noises in your walls or attic, call a pest control company like Thomas Pest Services. Our wildlife control services will handle the problem safely and humanely.