A Cautionary SoDu Squirrel Saga

Sandy D. Smith, a member of Facebook's SoDu Parents Posse, recently had to cope with an invasion of gray squirrels that caused damage to insulation and her home's HVAC system.

It's a disaster she laments could've been prevented if she'd listened to her father a decade ago.

Here's what Smith told online neighbors. Southpoint Access is sharing with her permission:

Warning the Posse about the Durham squirrels and possums. Don’t make the mistake I did!

Durham squirrels: 3. Me: 0.

About 10 years ago, my dad told me to replace the covers on the 13 exterior crawlspace vents. Did I listen? No. Did I regret it? Absolutely.

Fast forward to today: A termite inspector noticed the insulation in my crawlspace was falling. Not long after, my cats started intensely staring at a floor vent. Turns out, squirrels had gnawed through the vent covers. A possum had squeezed through the holes, moved into the ductwork, and mice and rats had joined the party.

Enter Justin from Triangle Wildlife (highly recommend!). He trapped the critters, repaired the vents, and cleaned up the disaster zone. But that wasn’t the end. Justin kindly pointed out leaking pipes in the crawlspace.

Next up: Chris from Streamline Plumbing (also highly recommend!) discovered that the Durham SuperSquirrels had been sharpening their teeth on my pex pipes.

The grand finale? Insulation replacement, HVAC repairs, and a hefty stack of bills—all thanks to squirrels.

Moral of the story: If your dad tells you to squirrel-proof your vents, just DO IT. Your wallet will thank you.

When it comes to protecting your home from squirrels in North Carolina, experts recommend:

• Using caulk or expanding foam to fill cracks and holes around the roof and eaves. Install chimney caps and mesh screens over external vents.
• Trimming tree branches that allow squirrels to reach your roof.
• Using non-lethal deterrents, such as chili powder, where squirrels are chewing.
• Making noise: Bang on the ceiling, yell, or play loud music.
• Remove food sources, such as birdfeeders.
• Hire a professional.

Do not poison squirrels. That's against North Carolina law.