A family daycare operating from a converted residence in Saint-Jean-Baptiste, at the foot of Mont Saint-Hilaire, requested our emergency help after a squirrel was discovered in the children’s playroom early in the morning. The animal had entered through a window window that had been left ajar, but subsequent inspection revealed that the problem was much more extensive. The attic of the residence, accessible from the ceiling of a corridor, was occupied by at least two individuals. Given the presence of young children in the building, the intervention had to be fast, effective and present no risk to the people present.
Preliminary inspection and immediate precautions
Given the particular context of a daycare, our technician first secured the perimeter by checking that no stray animals were in the common areas accessible to the children. A visual inspection of all rooms on the ground floor was carried out before the families arrived that morning. The attic, inspected from the inside, showed an active nest and signs of recent activity. Two exterior entrance routes were identified: a cracked soffit above a bedroom window and a detached roof joint at the edge of a decorative dormer, two points characteristic of the cottage-style houses of the nineties present in Saint-Jean-Baptiste and in the neighbouring areas of Beloeil and Mont-Saint-Hilaire.
The inspection also revealed slight gnawing marks on a plastic ventilation duct in the attic, as well as a partially damaged antenna cable. These findings were documented with photos and communicated to the daycare manager to ensure full transparency on the condition of the building before, during and after the intervention.
Capture strategy adapted to a sensitive environment
Our squirrel capture protocol was adapted to the daycare context: the traps were installed only outside the building and in the attic, without any presence in the areas accessible to the children. Trap checks were planned before the daycare opened each morning. The baits used, consisting of dried fruit and peanut butter, were placed so that they could not be accessed from outside the traps, and the trap entrances were oriented so as not to pose a risk to curious little fingers in the event of unforeseen access. The daycare manager was informed of all the steps and safety measures in place, which greatly helped to reassure the parents.
In five days, three red squirrels were captured and relocated. Our extermination team in Saint-Jean-Baptiste confirmed through a final inspection that the attic was free before allowing the accesses to be closed. The cleaning and disinfection of the attic was carried out outside the daycare hours, without disruption to the children’s activities. Nests were removed and soiled surfaces treated with an enzymatic disinfectant to neutralize residual odors.
Sealing and sustainable securing of the building
The closure of the accesses was carried out with the greatest care, using materials that comply with the standards applicable in the context of a building welcoming children. The cracked soffit was replaced with a new soffit panel with integrated metal grid, and the roof joint of the dormer was repaired with a certified elastomeric sealant. Protective covers have also been installed on the two basement windows to prevent any future access. To complete the protection of the building, we have systematically reviewed all potential entry points for animals .
The daycare manager received a written report of the intervention as well as a list of appropriate preventive recommendations: checking the basement window grilles twice a year, pruning branches near the roof and safely storing snacks in airtight containers to avoid attracting rodents to the outdoor yard. Nova Extermination is proud to have been able to respond quickly to this delicate situation while maintaining the safety of the little ones. To see similar achievements, see our pages on squirrel captures in various buildings and on raccoon management on the South Shore.