Spring is peeking out all over this morning. The Bradford Pears up the street are in full bloom and buds are noticeable on many of the other trees. Yesterday, I had to mow for the first time this year. I cleaned out the leaves from the flower beds, anticipating the approaching frost-free date later this month, so Spring color could be planted. It’s the perfect working weather – not too hot, not too cold.
However, I also discovered I have a problem requiring immediate resolution. I have squirrels in my attic. To some of you that comes as no surprise, but I’ll address that in a bit…
I thought I’d been hearing something up there when I’d get up in the morning. I hoped I was just hearing things in the fog of awakening, but I found out where the little critters were getting in when I was working in the yard yesterday. I hate having to get in the attic. Unfortunately, I can’t procrastinate in this matter. The reality is the furry little tree rats can do a lot of damage. So, I need to climb up there and put out the mothballs, fox urine, or poison the little devils: do whatever it takes. Then I have repair the area where they’re getting in. It’s a pattern I’ve become familiar with in my life.
Those of you to whom “squirrels in the attic” are no surprise know exactly what I’m going through. They’re annoying and probably causing all kinds of damage and mess, but I find all kinds of reasons to put off going “up there”. They’re in the smallest part of the attic. I’m too big to get back there. Maybe I can just wait until they’re out doing what squirrels do and block up where they’re getting in. Maybe they’ll go away on their own. The list goes on and on.
The truth of the matter lies is that I’m scared. Fear takes hold when I think of dark recesses and furry little rodents. It doesn’t seem very manly, but it is what it is. Fortunately, I have friends who have gotten the squirrels out of their own attic. They don’t want to admit they were scared too, but they got the little demons. And they’re more than happy to help me out.
Metaphorically speaking, I started getting the “squirrels out of the attic” several years ago. You know, the crazy thoughts and subsequent actions causing tremendous damage and mess to my world. Complete strangers became close friends and taught me how to deal with the “squirrels”. The biggest problem was admitting they were up there in the first place. If I could just pretend they weren’t there, I wouldn’t have to get the ladder, if you know what I mean.
I’m so grateful you helped me chase them out. And even more grateful you’ve helped me find their entry points and close them up. They still find ways to get in even the tiniest hole, but I’m not as apt to put off getting rid of them. You help me stay more vigilant by keeping them out of there in the first place. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” as the old saying goes…
Keeping the attic clear has become a necessary evil at my house. Stuff gets shoved up there. The squirrels come and make a mess so every now and then, I have to clear it out. I throw out what’s old or unusable. It’s remarkable how that process seems to lessen my fears every time I go up there…
Anyway, I’ve got the mothballs, poisoned peanut butter, and the ladder ready; not too mention a big work light. The light comes in handy in the dark places and reminds me I’m not scared anymore…
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