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How Squirrely is This?
By Cheramy Rusbuldt, Viewpoint
You dear readers already know that I have embarked on a perilous voyage in this dicey real estate market: owning one historic property, buying another one which needs restoration. What the heck is wrong with me? Am I not old enough, savvy enough and jaded enough to be smart enough to just stay put? Obliviously not!
So, in addition to what I already knew about the “new old” house, I encountered critters in the attic. At first, I thought it was only in the ceiling of a flat roof over the master bath. I fixed it.
Next thing I knew, the invaders were penetrating two more sites.
Having spent 10-plus years in the Historic District, including a very expensive clearance of the lot on Virginia Street (and being told that there was evidence of rats, bobcats and raccoons in the yard), I was suspicious of the clattering and digging noises just over my head in the family room of the “new old” house.
So, I did the right thing: I called a critter catcher to rid my roof/attic invaders. It was an experience I shall not soon forget.
The wirey young man arrived almost on time, but daylight was fading fast. He shrugged off the inconvenience, strapping on a head-lamp so he could construct a trap over the obvious opening in my fascia board my own contractor had neglected.
The next morning, I again heard the itinerant, illegal tenant scrambling around the corner and across the ceiling. I wandered outside to check the trap. Nothing. So, I called the trapper and registered my discontent about his capture routine.
Because I had already paid for his services and nothing had happened, I believed I had been the victim of yet another email scam. To my surprise (and grateful reaction), he appeared at my door to find the errant invader trapped just like the pro had predicted!
It was both sweet and sour. I wanted that damnable squirrel out of my house, but (after working at the Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary), I didn’t want death to a varmint, no matter how destructive.
My critter catcher wanted the same thing, so he persevered to catch the critter and relocate it to a wildlife/rural location. What transpired is both elusive and instructive. If you have critters invading your home (my granddaughter tells me her modern and very expensive home in Allen has squirrels in their attic), call someone who knows what they are doing because beyond the aggravation of the noise of their living in your house, they can eat wires, ceilings, drywall, etc. before you know it.
Bottom line is to take stock of your home and your personal space. If you have rodents invading your home, call me. I have the name and number of a caring, successful man who will clear your attic, foundation, or wherever you realize you cannot rid your house of invaders
Old houses are susceptible to critters. I finally.have a solution.
Cheramy Rusbuldt is a free-lance writer who lives in the McKinney Historic District.
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