Understanding Squirrels: What You Need to Know
Squirrels are a common type of rodent. In the northeast, tree squirrels are most common and usually are identified by their large bushy tail and their presence in trees and on buildings’ roofs.
Three of the most common tree squirrels living in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are gray squirrels, flying squirrels, and red squirrels.
- Gray squirrels have a primarily gray coat and a lighter-colored underbelly. They are medium-sized rodents with relatively narrow, furry tails and short ears that stand up off their heads.
- Flying squirrels are small species of squirrels. While their name suggests they fly, they are not capable of true flight. They move from tree to tree using a flap of skin between their back and front legs to glide through the air. Like the gray squirrel, they have a long bushy tail.
- Red squirrels are another small squirrel species with reddish-gray fur on top of their body and lighter cream-colored fur on their underside. These squirrels have white around their eyes. Their tail is not as robust as other types of tree squirrels.
Are Squirrels a Threat to Your Property?
Squirrels are pests that are unwanted on our properties mainly because of the destruction they cause. Things that squirrels damage include:
- Bird feeders
- Trim, siding, and vents
- Gardens and lawns
- Cables, wires, and pipes
- Insulation and drywall
When squirrels are on our properties, they are not only destructive but pose health risks. They contaminate food and surfaces with bacteria and pathogens they carry in their urine, excrement, and saliva that can make people ill. Squirrels, like other rodents, will introduce parasites, like fleas and ticks that they carry within their fur, into yards and homes.
Identifying the Causes of Your Squirrel Problem
If your property has trees on or near it, you will likely have squirrels living on your property. Squirrels are excellent climbers and nest and travel through trees, utility lines, and the roof of buildings to help protect themselves from predators.
Properties with lots of places for squirrels to forage for food are also prone to having large populations of squirrels living on them. Bird feeders, pet food, gardens, compost, and trash cans are places squirrels will look for food. The more places on your property they have to forage for food, the more likely they will make your property into their permanent residence.
Common Locations for Squirrel Nesting
When squirrels live close to homes or other structures, it is very common for them to make their way indoors. They like to move inside to nest in a temperature-controlled structure that protects themselves and their babies from predators. A squirrel’s ability to climb usually means they enter inside at the roof level — through roof eaves, gaps at roof intersections, and through chimneys and vents.
Squirrels are often found nesting in chimneys, wall voids, and attic spaces. If squirrels are nesting in your home, it is common to see them traveling on your roof or hearing running behind walls or above your ceilings.
Effective Strategies for Squirrel Removal
Squirrels can quickly wear out their welcome, causing significant destruction in our yards and homes. To get rid of squirrels from your Massachusetts or New Hampshire property, trust the local professionals at Freedom Pest Control. We are dedicated to our customers and providing innovative and eco-friendly pest management. To rid properties of squirrels, our knowledgeable professionals will identify, trap, and humanely remove squirrels from your property. Once that has been completed, we will use exclusion techniques and seal up entry points to prevent re-entry. (Additional fees may apply for exclusion of gray squirrels). If you would like to learn more about removing squirrels from your property with the help of our quality wildlife control services in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, give our professionals a call today!
Preventing Future Squirrel Infestations
Keeping pests like squirrels away from your New England property requires vigilance and attention.
The best way to accomplish your goal is to partner with a professional and implement the following prevention tips:
- Trim back tree limbs from your home’s roofline.
- Leave a space between shrubs and bushes and your home’s exterior walls.
- Place covers over vents.
- Patch holes around windows, doors, and other openings in the exterior of your home.
- Install caps on chimneys, repair holes along the roofline, and fix damage to the roof.
- Maintain gardens, keep locking lids on trash cans and compost bins, and remove bird feeders from your yard to limit their access to food.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control solutions.