Squirrel Treatment
How Do I Identify A Squirrel Infestation?
Appearance - Squirrels are known for their large bushy tails and mostly gray coloring, but are not always just gray in color. Squirrels range from brown to gray as well as black and red depending on where you are geographically located in the United States. Adult squirrels are roughly ten inches to a foot long with the tail included in the measurement.
Behavior - Squirrels tend to enjoy roaming streets, sidewalks, and property as well as hanging in trees in the area. These are normal behaviors, but sometimes squirrels decide that they’d much rather live inside your house instead of remain outside where they belong. Signs of an infestation may be pieces of insulation or drywall missing from your attic which could be a sign of a squirrel nesting or beginning to nest. You may also see squirrel droppings or smell urine. They may chew electrical wiring. Outside, squirrels will dig up bulbs, chew house siding, and dig holes in the lawn to collect food.
Due to squirrels being more elusive when they are nesting, you will probably never find a squirrel that has made it to your main living quarters. It will tend to stay where it is quiet and safe such as a garage or attic.
Why Could I Have Squirrels?
Squirrels tend to enter houses that have trees close to windows leading to attics. If you live near trees where a squirrel could enter your home, then you may be more prone to a squirrel problem. Squirrels tend to come inside in the fall and winter months to keep warm and safe. Attics and garages tend to offer both of those amenities. More likely than not, squirrels are simply looking for a place to nest to keep their young as safe. Outside, they are attracted to bird feeders, trash bins, and fallen food (i.e. berries, acorns, nuts or birdseed).
Why Should I Treat My Squirrel Problem Immediately?
Squirrel infestations left untreated can cause problems for your house and the health of your family. If they are living in your house then they are leaving droppings and urine as well. Both the urine and droppings of any species of animal are cause for concern and as they can carry many diseases. Squirrels are also known flea and tick carriers. One squirrel can have 5 babies every 6 months. It is best to call us to evict the squirrels from your home before any squirrel problems begin.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels
Squirrels are rodents. Like other rodents, mice, and rats, in particular, you do not want squirrels in your home. They are destructive and can chew on wires, which could create an electrical hazard. Squirrels in large numbers can also be a problem in your yard. They dig lots of holes, which can make your yard unsightly.
It is best to get rid of your squirrel problem before it gets too bad. In the rest of this article, we give you tips to do just that.
How Do I Spot a Squirrel Problem?
You would be surprised how hard it is to notice a squirrel in your home sometimes. Squirrel activity is not always immediately apparent, and it can do a lot of damage before you find them. Learning the signs of a squirrel problem is essential for keeping the problem in check.
- Hearing strange noises.
Squirrels make a loud scurrying noise as they scamper around your home. They will likely be in your attic or garage. So, if you hear scurrying and scampering in these locations, you can be you have a squirrel problem. - Noticing damage.
Squirrel damage will likely be limited to your attic and garage. But, if you look you may notice signs of their residence. These include teeth marks in wood and wires, squirrel nests, damage to the air vents, and holes in shingles. - Finding squirrel droppings.
Squirrels will leave droppings wherever they congregate. If you notice some of the damage listed above, keep your eyes out for squirrel droppings. They will indicate a squirrel infestation. - Noticing more squirrels than usual in your yard.
If you notice more squirrels than normal in your yard, you may want to be on the lookout for signs of an infestation. More squirrels mean more chances one finds its way into your home. Squirrels have their babies between March and September. During these months it is even more important that you keep your eyes peeled for signs of a squirrel problem.
How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels?
Many places in the United States are laws regulating how squirrels should be handled. For example, if the squirrels have babies, you may not be able to remove them right away. You should consult your local laws and regulations before attempting to get rid of squirrels on your property.
The best ways to get rid of a squirrel problem include the following.
- Set traps.
Live traps may be a good way to relocate a small number of squirrels. Just make sure you are following all relocation rules for your area. Squirrels can also transmit diseases like rabies, so you will need to be extremely careful when trying this option. - Put wire over entry points.
Sealing entry points may not get rid of your current squirrel infestation, but it will help you keep them out of your home in the future. Putting wire mesh over potential entrance points is a good solution. - Contact a professional squirrel removal company.
The easiest and most effective way to get rid of squirrels is to contact a local squirrel removal company. It can be hard to find the best company in your area, though. That is how GoLocal Pest Control can help. Contact us today to learn more about our process.
How to Prevent Squirrels
Squirrels can be a fun rodents to watch. Their antics are entertaining. However, they can also be destructive and annoying. Squirrels are almost always a problem for homes with bird feeders. It doesn't matter what you do, they will find a way to get that bird food. Also, squirrels chew wires and often make nests in our homes.
The best squirrel solution is prevention. Follow the tips in this article to prevent squirrels from terrorizing your home and yard.
Why Do I Have Squirrels?
Squirrels have very simple needs. They have to have food, water, and shelter. If your home or yard provides these things, especially if it provides all three, you will find squirrels. Let's look at each requirement individually.
- Food
Squirrels eat a variety of nuts. But they are not picky. They will also happily eat fruit, vegetables, seeds, mushrooms, and other plants in their habitat. If it is edible, it is likely squirrels will eat it. A yard that provides a lot of food, will have a lot of squirrels. - Water
Water is another requirement for squirrels like it is for all life. Squirrels love birdbaths. But they will also happily use pools, ponds, streams, and other water sources. A yard with an easy source of water will likely have a squirrel problem. - Shelter
This is a big one. Squirrels are medium-sized rodents. They are prey animals for many predators. They need a safe place to live. Squirrels prefer to make their nests in trees. However, they will also happily use buildings on your property if they can get into them.
How Do I Prevent Squirrels?
The annoyance of having a squirrel problem far outweighs the enjoyment you may get from watching their antics. It is important to prevent squirrels from setting up shop in your yard. You also want to ensure they cannot find their way into your home or garage. Here are a few ways you can prevent a squirrel problem.
- Use predators.
Dogs and cats will often hunt, or at least chase, squirrels. If you have these pets, make sure to turn them loose in your yard. It may scare the squirrels from entering your space. - Keep them away from food.
Do not feed squirrels. That is just asking for an issue. If you have bird feeders, you should also try to squirrel-proof them. Any compost or trash should be in lockable containers to prevent squirrels from getting to it. - Block potential nesting sites.
You don't want squirrels to find a way into your home or garage. The best way to do this is to seal off any potential entrances. Use a wire mesh or wood to seal off holes or cracks in your buildings. - Contact a squirrel exterminator.
Squirrels are clever little pests. It may seem impossible to completely prevent. That is where a good squirrel exterminator can help. At GoLocal Pest Control, we can help you find the top squirrel removal company in your area. Just put your zip code into our database. You will have a wealth of options to choose from.
What Do Squirrels Look Like?
There are squirrels on every continent in the world except Antarctica and Australia. This means you have likely seen a squirrel before. So, you probably know what they look like. However, these ubiquitous pests can come in many sizes and colors.
It is important to be able to identify squirrels. This will help you stop a squirrel problem before it begins. Squirrels are a nuisance in the yard and home. They dig constantly and often find their way into buildings. If you don't want squirrels in your house, you need to know what they look like.
How Many Species of Squirrel Are There?
Squirrels have been around for at least 36 million years. The earliest fossil evidence for squirrels comes from the west part of North America. However, this fossil evidence is for modern squirrels. It is believed that the earliest mammals were very squirrel-like. These mammal ancestors lived more than 200 million years ago. So, squirrel-like animals have been on Earth for a very long time.
Today there are about 200 species of squirrel worldwide. Sixty-five of these species are found in the United States. That means only 22% of all squirrel species live in the U.S. These sixty-five squirrel species fall into six categories.
- Tree squirrel
- Flying squirrel
- Ground squirrel
- Prairie Dog
- Marmot
- Chipmunk
What Do Squirrels Look Like?
The animals that are types of squirrels may surprise you. Who would have thought that a Prairie Dog was actually a squirrel? Because the different squirrel categories are so varied, we will describe them individually below.
- Tree squirrel:
These are probably the squirrels you think of when you hear the word "squirrel." Tree squirrels make their nests in trees. They can be found throughout the United States. They are usually 19-29 inches in length, including their tails. The tails are long and bushy. Depending on the species, a tree squirrel could be brown, gray, red, or black. The most common tree squirrel species are the Eastern Gray Squirrel, Eastern Fox Squirrel, and American Red Squirrel. - Flying squirrel:
Flying squirrels are usually smaller than their tree squirrel cousins. They have a length of approximately ten inches. They can be white, gray, and brown. Their most distinguishing feature is the folds of skin between their front and back legs that help them glide long distances. - Ground squirrel:
This type of squirrel has the most variety of any squirrel category in the U.S. They live on the ground, not in trees. There is a large size range for these squirrels. They can be 7-30 inches long. Ground squirrels are commonly called gophers or groundhogs. They are often brown or gray. - Prairie Dog:
Prairie Dogs are a type of ground squirrel. They are usually between 11-13 inches long. They have a short tail, small ears, and short legs. They are usually light brown or gray, and they prefer deserts and shrubland. - Marmot:
Marmots are another type of ground squirrel. They are the largest type of squirrel in the world. They range from 17-28 inches in length. They are reddish-brown and have stout bodies. - Chipmunk:
Chipmunks are the second most populous type of squirrel. They have brown, black, and white stripes down their back, short legs, and bushy tails. They are also quite small, only 4-7 inches in length.
If you have any of these squirrel types in your yard, you need the help of a professional. Let GoLocal Pest Control help you find the top exterminators in your location.
How to Find an Exterminator to Help with Squirrels
Squirrels can be fun to watch. These little rodents have large, bushy tails. They also tend to engage in funny theatrics. However, they can also cause a lot of damage. Not only do squirrels raid bird feeders, but they can enter homes, chew wires, make loud noises, and generally cause havoc. Squirrels can also spread disease, although this is not as prevalent as with other rodents.
To keep squirrels out of your home, you need a good exterminator. Finding the top pest control companies in your area is as easy as following the advice in the rest of this article.
What Should I Look for in a Squirrel Exterminator?
Squirrels are a common pest, both in our yards and our homes. They can be found all over the country. Therefore, most pest control companies will specialize in squirrel removal. However, you still need to ensure you are picking the right company for the job. Not just any exterminator will do.
In order to evaluate potential exterminators, you should ask these questions.
- How do I know if I have a squirrel problem?
- What do you do to exterminate squirrels?
- Will the squirrels return?
- How long will your treatment take?
- How long until I see results from the treatment?
- What are your suggestions for preventing squirrels?
- What are the laws surrounding squirrel removal in this area?
What Should I Expect from Squirrel Exterminators?
First, you have to choose the right exterminator. Then it is time for treatment. Squirrel removal has a couple of steps. These are followed by almost every pest control company.
- The inspection.
The technician will begin by inspecting your home and yard. They will find the squirrel nests and feeding sites. They will also determine how many squirrels are invading. - The estimate.
After the inspection, the technician will go over your results with you. They will offer treatment recommendations and estimate the cost. - The treatment.
Treatment for squirrels will vary depending on if they are inside or outside. Outside squirrels can be live-trapped and removed from the property. Inside squirrels may also be trapped. The technician may try sealing up the entrances and exits when the squirrels are out foraging for food and water as well. Many laws govern how and when squirrels can be removed from a home. Make sure to discuss these issues with your technician before treatment begins.
How Do I Find an Exterminator to Help with Squirrels?
Local exterminators are always our recommendation. They provide more personalized service. They will also be experts in the varieties of squirrels native to your area. It is better to hire a local company than an impersonal, national one.
To find the best local exterminator near you, you need GoLocal Pest Control. We provide a fully vetted list of the top exterminators in each area of the country. Just put in your zip code. You will be given multiple options to choose from in seconds.
Most Common Locations for Squirrels
1. California
In California, squirrels are a common sight in both urban and rural areas, particularly the Western gray squirrel and the Eastern gray squirrel, which have adapted well to suburban environments. Squirrels in California are often found in parks, gardens, and residential neighborhoods, where they can cause damage by gnawing on trees, digging up gardens, and sometimes nesting in attics or chimneys. In rural areas, ground squirrels are also common and can be a significant pest in agricultural fields, where they damage crops and burrow into the ground.
2. Texas
Texas is home to several species of squirrels, including the Eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, and the ground squirrel. These squirrels are commonly found in urban areas, parks, and wooded regions, where they nest in trees and forage for acorns, nuts, and seeds. In suburban neighborhoods, squirrels in Texas are known for raiding bird feeders, digging up gardens, and sometimes finding their way into attics to nest. Ground squirrels, particularly in West Texas, can also be a nuisance in agricultural areas, causing damage to crops and soil.
3. Florida
In Florida, squirrels are widespread, particularly the Eastern gray squirrel, which thrives in the state's warm climate and abundant forests. Squirrels in Florida are commonly found in residential areas, parks, and woodlands, where they are known for their acrobatic feats and habit of raiding bird feeders. They are also known to enter homes, especially attics, where they can cause damage by chewing on electrical wires and insulation. In rural areas, squirrels may also affect citrus groves and other agricultural activities by feeding on crops.
4. New York
New York is home to several species of squirrels, including the Eastern gray squirrel and the red squirrel, which are particularly common in urban and suburban areas. In cities like Buffalo, squirrels are a familiar sight in parks and gardens, where they are known for scavenging food and sometimes becoming quite bold around people. In upstate New York, squirrels are frequently found in forests and rural areas, where they can cause damage to trees and gardens. During the colder months, squirrels may seek shelter in attics or garages, leading to potential property damage.
5. Ohio
Ohio's mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes provides an ideal habitat for squirrels, particularly the Eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel. Squirrels in Ohio are commonly found in backyards, parks, and woodlands, where they forage for food and nest in trees. In residential areas, squirrels can become a nuisance by digging up lawns, raiding bird feeders, and sometimes entering homes to nest in attics. In rural areas, squirrels may also cause damage to crops and young trees by gnawing on bark and buds.
These states highlight the widespread presence of squirrels across various environments in the United States. Squirrels are highly adaptable and thrive in both urban and rural settings, often making their homes in trees, parks, and sometimes in the attics of homes. While they are generally seen as harmless and even entertaining, squirrels can cause significant damage to property, crops, and gardens, making them a common nuisance in many areas.