Gray squirrels, easily identifiable by their bushy tails, often appear on Merrimac properties. And while they’re quirky and joyful to watch outdoors, they will create extensive problems for homeowners if they find their way inside.
Gray squirrels in Merrimac are the most beneficial creatures when they’re out in the wild, as their seed-catching activities help to spread seeds. However, they don’t bring any benefits to a household aside from causing damage to the integrity of a home coupled with mounting out-of-pocket costs for homeowners.
Read on to learn about the types of squirrels that hang around Merrimac yards and the diseases that squirrels in Merrimac are capable of spreading. Also included are a few tips on effective squirrel prevention for Merrimac properties and the safest way to keep squirrels away from your Merrimac property.
The Types Of Squirrels That Hang Around Merrimac Yards
Three types of squirrels predominantly hang around Merrimac yards, and these are:
- Gray squirrels
- Flying squirrels
- Red squirrels
Gray squirrels are the most problematic squirrel species in Merrimac, and it may be because they can adapt best to living close to humans. These pests prefer urban or suburban areas that are rife with large shade trees, and they cause extensive damage to oak, beech, and chestnut trees, in addition to destroying gardens.
When these pests enter homes, they cause damage to structural components, particularly roofing, siding, and exterior trim, as well as electrical cables, powerlines, and transformers, as they frequently gnaw at and run across these wires.
The Diseases Squirrels In Merrimac Are Capable Of Spreading
All squirrels can spread diseases and bring other parasites into your home.
When squirrels build their nests indoors, they urinate and defecate around these areas, and they make their nests using saliva. As a result, anything that’s contaminated with this waste, including food and countertops, and other surfaces, can be contaminated by a disease-carrying squirrel. Some of the diseases that squirrels have been linked to carrying include:
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonellosis
- Rabies
- Tularemia
Squirrels can also carry other parasites, hitch a ride on their fur. These parasites, which can cause diseases of their own, include:
- Ticks
- Fleas
Effective Squirrel Prevention Tips For Merrimac Properties
Aside from professional pest control services, as explained below, the best defense against squirrels and other pests is preventative action. Here are three ways that you can safeguard your Merrimac property against grey squirrels and other squirrels:
- Protect Your Bulbs: If squirrels are gathering in your yard, then it might be because of plants, particularly spring bulbs—such as tulips and crocus—that are providing them with food. Place chicken wire around potted bulbs to protect them, or consider growing them inside of a propagator instead.
- Frighten Them: Placing a statue of an owl or other intimidating bird around your garden can help to scare squirrels away. Be sure to move around the statue periodically, as squirrels will grow used to its presence.
- Use Plants That Squirrels Don’t Like: There are quite a few plants that squirrels detest the smell of, and those are mustard, mint, marigolds, and nasturtiums, among others. Intersperse these plants in and around your garden and yard to discourage squirrels from feeding on the others.
The Safest Way To Keep Squirrels Away From Your Merrimac Property
Because of the damage, they can cause to yards, plants, and homes and the diseases and parasites they can spread to your family and pets, the safest way to keep squirrels away from your Merrimac property is with help from professionals.
Freedom Pest Control is a family-owned and operated business specializing in removing squirrels and other pests from homes or properties and has been serving Merrimac residents since 1994.
If you suspect you have squirrels or other pests, call Freedom Pest Control today at 978-216-7838.