Hi Brigitte!

A grandmother with two twin grandsons! I can imagine you’ve got your hands full!

Okay, now about your ceiling fan!

Well, yanking out the pull chain is a common problem and is reasonably easy to fix.
The first step is to turn off the power to your ceiling fan by turning off the circuit breaker that feeds it power so that it’s safe to work. Be sure to double check that no power is feeding into the line by using a Voltage Tester.
Once clear, then you’ll need to determine the type of switch that needs replacement.

If you’re replacing the switch to the light, you’ll need the type that has two positions (on and off). If it’s for the fan then you will need a three position switch (hi, lo, off).

When going to the hardware store, it’s usually best to take the old switch with you to make sure the new one will fit in the same hole/slot. These switches are fairly standardized nowadays, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a match.

Again, make sure you turn off the power before attempting to remove this switch.

Before removing the old switch, note which wires are connected from the switch to the fan. You’ll want to repeat this same set-up with the new switch. With pliers, loosen and remove the knurled nut and locknut that hold the switch in the fans fixture housing. (Obviously, depending upon the make and model of your fan, this might vary slightly.)

Disconnect the old switch wires. If they cannot be disconnected, cut them, leaving a couple of inches of the wires coming from the fan for reconnection with the new switch.

The replacement of the old switch should be pretty straightforward from here; just match the same color of wires on the fan, with the wires on the NEW switch and connect with plastic wire nuts (usually these are included in the switch package). If the colors do not directly match then refer to the instructions on the new switch package which should explain which colors belong where.

To minimize future wear and tear on the pull-chain switch, it’s usually best to operate the fan using a wall switch or for the ultimate in convenience, look for a remote control. Either wall-mounted or a wireless handheld unit, the device should control the lights and the fan speed. Some of these even have a night-time mode for use in bedrooms, in which the speed is automatically slowed over time! Or, there are those remotes that include a security setting that trips the light or fan using random patterns that simulate an occupied house.

How’s that for innovation!

Regarding the squirrels, I’ve never been approached with this problem before. But, I’ve done a little research for you and found what I think to be a pretty comprehensive explanation. This guy seems to know his stuff on how to remove (or evict) them from your attic for good. Keep in mind, we’ve never personally used this technique, nor do we endorse his website or activities in any manner (this is just the legal mumbo jumbo). However, here’s the direct link:

http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/squirrels.htm

I hope all of this information helps you! Be sure to tell your friends about us. We’re thrilled to have you as a fellow Jane and we hope to hear how it all turns out!

Hugs and hammers,

Jane

Brigitte!
Wow - more power to you - go grandma!! Also, for another squirrel removal option try the Critter Gitter - a humane way to solve your problem...

http://www.smarthome.com/6110.html

Good Luck!!