Squirrels may seem like a delightful addition to your garden, but when they invade your property, they become far less endearing. These agile creatures can cause extensive damage to homes, commercial properties, and apartment complexes by gnawing on electrical wires and burrowing into insulation, posing significant fire risks and structural damage.
Moreover, squirrels can enter buildings through small openings, often making nests within the premises. Their presence is not just a physical nuisance but can also lead to unpleasant odors and noise.
Prompt and effective action is necessary to manage squirrel populations in and around human dwellings because squirrels can have up to 3-4 litters per year. Rusty’s Animal Control (RAC) offers professional and humane squirrel exclusion services to protect your property from these furry intruders.
The Risks of Squirrel Infestations
- Fire Hazards: one of the most alarming risks comes from squirrels gnawing on electrical wires. This can lead to short circuits and, in some cases, fires
- Structural Damage: squirrels can chew through almost any material to gain access to a cozy nesting spot, including siding, insulation, and even structural wood
Types of Squirrel Infestations & Their Behaviors
| Type | Mating Season | Habits | RAC’s Solutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piney Squirrel | Begins mating in Mid Nov-Dec, giving birth in Feb, May, and Aug, with typically 2-6 per litter. | Known for chewing into houses, especially in roof lines or soffit returns, and territorial behavior that drives away other squirrels. They may cause damage to wood trusses and electrical cords. | Includes two-week trapping and comprehensive exclusion to prevent future entries. |
| Gray/Fox Squirrel | Breeds in Dec-Jan and May-Aug, with young becoming mobile at 2-3 weeks. | Chew and mark territory around entry points, but generally less destructive than Pineys. | Trapping, exclusion, remediation of affected areas, and disinfection. |
| Flying Squirrel | Mating Season: Multiple litters per year in Feb-March and June-July. | Nocturnal and colonial, capable of gliding up to 150 ft. They are extremely curious and can quickly make their presence known due to their nocturnal activities. | Diverse trapping methods, full-house exclusions due to their pheromones attracting others, and thorough disinfection and remediation. |
Preventing Squirrel Entry
Keeping squirrels out of your home requires vigilance and a few key strategies:
- Inspect and Seal: regularly check your home for potential entry points, such as holes in the siding or gaps in the roofline. Seal these areas with durable materials
- Remove Attractions: bird feeders and accessible pet food can draw squirrels to your property. Removing these food sources can discourage squirrels from taking up residence
- Professional Nest Removal: if you find a squirrel nest, especially one with young, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Wildlife professionals can handle the situation humanely and safely
Misconceptions About Squirrels
- They Will Leave on Their Own: Once squirrels have established a nest, they are unlikely to leave voluntarily. Professional intervention may be necessary to remove them safely.
- They Only Have One Litter Per Year: Squirrels can have up to 3-4 litters per year, with four or more young per litter.
RAC’s Thorough Squirrel Exclusion Services
Squirrels can be persistent, making it challenging to remove them once they’ve settled in. Attempting to handle a squirrel problem on your own can be ineffective and may even violate wildlife protection laws.
RAC employs a meticulous process for excluding squirrels, which includes:
- Identifying all entry points squirrels are using to access the building
- Sealing the property thoroughly with materials such as Pest Blok to ensure all potential entry points are blocked
After successfully evicting the squirrels, RAC’s service extends to cleaning up the mess left behind. This includes:
- Repairing any damage to insulation and structures
- Sanitizing the affected areas to eliminate odors and health hazards from squirrel urine and feces
Clients can have peace of mind knowing that RAC offers a one-year warranty on all squirrel exclusion work.
Get Started Today
RAC is your expert partner in wildlife control, providing professional exclusion services for squirrels and other pests like mice, rats, and raccoons. Our team is also proficient in nuisance wildlife management and habitat modification to keep your property safe and secure.
Contact us now to address your squirrel problem and learn more about our comprehensive exclusion services.