Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes various species found across the United States. The most common types of squirrels that homeowners encounter are:

• Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis): These are the most widespread squirrels in North America. They have a grayish-brown fur coat with a white underbelly and a large, bushy tail.
• Fox Squirrels (Sciurus niger): Larger than gray squirrels, fox squirrels have reddish-brown fur and can be found in many parts of the eastern and central United States.
• Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus): Smaller than their gray and fox counterparts, red squirrels have reddish-brown fur with a white underbelly and are commonly found in coniferous forests.
• Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys spp.): These nocturnal squirrels have a unique flap of skin between their front and back legs that allows them to glide between trees.

Squirrels typically measure between 14 to 20 inches in length, including their tail, which can be almost as long as their body. They have sharp claws, excellent climbing abilities, and keen senses that help them navigate their environment and avoid predators.

Life Cycle and Habitat

Squirrels generally have two breeding seasons per year, one in early spring and another in late summer. After a gestation period of about 44 days, females give birth to litters of 2-8 young. Baby squirrels, called kits, are born blind and hairless but develop quickly.

These rodents are adaptable and can thrive in various habitats, including:

• Deciduous and coniferous forests
• Urban parks and gardens
• Suburban neighborhoods with mature trees
• College campuses and other green spaces in cities

Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. They construct nests, called dreys, in tree cavities or build them using leaves and twigs high up in tree branches. In urban and suburban areas, they may also nest in attics, chimneys, or other parts of buildings that provide shelter and safety.

Squirrel Behavior and Risks

Understanding squirrel behavior is crucial for effective prevention and control. These agile rodents exhibit several behaviors that can lead to conflicts with humans:

Feeding Habits

Squirrels are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet. They primarily consume:

• Nuts (acorns, walnuts, pecans)
• Seeds
• Fruits
• Fungi
• Tree buds and bark
• Insects (occasionally)

In urban and suburban areas, squirrels often raid bird feeders, gardens, and even trash cans in search of food. Their constant foraging can lead to damage to ornamental plants, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees.

Nesting and Denning

Squirrels seek out warm, dry places to nest, especially during the colder months. This behavior can lead them to enter attics, chimneys, and wall voids in homes. Once inside, they may cause significant damage by:

• Gnawing on wooden beams and electrical wires
• Tearing up insulation for nesting material
• Creating entry holes that allow other pests to enter
• Leaving droppings and urine that can create unsanitary conditions

Potential Risks and Damages

While squirrels may seem harmless, they can pose several risks to both property and human health:

• Property Damage: Squirrels' need to constantly gnaw can result in damage to home exteriors, attics, and even vehicle wiring.
• Fire Hazards: When squirrels chew on electrical wires, it can create a significant fire risk.
• Landscape Destruction: Their digging and foraging habits can damage lawns, gardens, and ornamental plants.
• Disease Transmission: Although rare, squirrels can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and rabies, which can be transmitted to humans or pets.
• Parasites: Squirrels may introduce fleas, ticks, and mites into homes or yards.

Prevention Tips for Squirrel Control

Preventing squirrel infestations is far easier and more cost-effective than dealing with an established problem. Here are some effective strategies to keep squirrels away from your property:

Secure Your Home's Exterior

• Inspect your home's exterior regularly for potential entry points.
• Seal any gaps or holes larger than a quarter-inch with durable materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth.
• Install chimney caps to prevent squirrels from entering through the chimney.
• Trim tree branches that come within 8-10 feet of your roof to limit squirrels' access to your home.

Modify Your Landscape

• Remove food sources by keeping your yard clean of fallen fruits and nuts.
• Use squirrel-resistant plants in your garden, such as daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums.
• Consider installing motion-activated sprinklers to deter squirrels from specific areas.

Protect Bird Feeders

• Use squirrel-proof bird feeders or add baffles to existing feeders.
• Place bird feeders at least 10 feet away from trees or structures that squirrels can use to access them.
• Clean up spilled seeds regularly to avoid attracting squirrels to the ground beneath feeders.

Secure Trash and Compost

• Use sturdy, animal-proof trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
• Keep outdoor compost bins securely covered and avoid adding meat or dairy products that might attract squirrels.

Use Deterrents

• Apply taste deterrents to plants, bulbs, and seeds to make them less appealing to squirrels.
• Consider using ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds to repel squirrels (effectiveness may vary).
• Plant strong-smelling herbs like mint or garlic near vulnerable areas to deter squirrels.

When to Call a Professional for Squirrel Control

While prevention methods can be effective, there are situations where professional help is necessary. Consider contacting a licensed pest control expert like Arrest-A-Pest if:

• You hear noises in your attic or walls: This could indicate that squirrels have already entered your home and are nesting.
• You notice significant damage to your property: If squirrels have caused extensive damage to your home's exterior, wiring, or insulation, professional intervention may be required.
• Prevention methods aren't working: If you've tried multiple prevention techniques without success, a pest control expert can provide more advanced solutions.
• You're dealing with a large population: A significant squirrel infestation may require professional trapping and removal services.
• You're concerned about disease transmission: If you're worried about potential health risks, a professional can safely remove squirrels and decontaminate affected areas.

At Arrest-A-Pest, we understand the damage that rodents like squirrels can produce. Our expert technicians are trained to inspect your property thoroughly and implement the most effective preventative measures possible. We aim to catch infestations before they grow rapidly, providing personalized plans to meet your specific needs.

Professional Squirrel Control Services

When you call Arrest-A-Pest for squirrel control, you can expect comprehensive services that include:

• Thorough Inspection: Our technicians will conduct a detailed examination of your property to identify entry points, nesting sites, and the extent of the infestation.
• Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the inspection results, we'll develop a tailored strategy to address your specific squirrel problem.
• Humane Removal: We use safe and humane methods to remove squirrels from your property, following all local regulations and guidelines.
• Exclusion Techniques: Our team will seal entry points and implement measures to prevent future squirrel intrusions.
• Sanitation: We'll clean and decontaminate areas affected by squirrel activity to ensure a hygienic environment.
• Ongoing Prevention: We provide advice and services to help maintain a squirrel-free property in the long term.

Remember, attempting to remove squirrels on your own can be dangerous and often ineffective. Professional pest control services ensure that the problem is addressed safely, humanely, and comprehensively.

Conclusion

Squirrels may be charming to watch in parks, but when they invade your property, they can quickly become a nuisance and a potential threat to your home and health. By understanding squirrel behavior, implementing effective prevention strategies, and knowing when to call in professional help, you can protect your property from these agile rodents.

At Arrest-A-Pest, we're committed to providing expert pest control services to keep your home and business free from squirrels and other unwanted pests. Our family-owned business offers personalized attention and on-time service, ensuring that each customer receives professional, courteous, and consistent care.

Don't let squirrels become one more thing to worry about. Contact Arrest-A-Pest today for a free estimate and let us develop a squirrel control program tailored to your specific requirements. With our help, you can enjoy a pest-free environment and peace of mind.