Gray squirrels are becoming more and more common in the Greenville area. With their unique ability to hop, climb, and run while balancing on thin power lines, they have all the necessary skills to gain access to your home. Often they will follow tree branches or utility lines that come near to your roof or deck, and once they’re close they can easily hop across to land exactly where they want to be. Squirrels can be found nesting in chimneys, crawl spaces, behind walls, or in attic spaces. They will choose to enter homes because they provide a safe shelter.
Gray squirrels grow to be between 6-8 inches in length and they have a big bushy tail that they use for balance. They’re gray with a white belly. You may notice them eating from your bird feeders or scurrying up a tree in your yard. As mentioned before, squirrels are likely to make nests in your home for safety, but how do you know when they’ve moved inside? You may notice shuffling noises coming from your attic or from behind your walls as they run or move about. Droppings are likely to be found as well. Squirrels may leave gnaw marks on walls, wooden structures of your home, personal items, food containers, and more. Noticing chew marks is a good indicator of a rodent living in your home.
The big question is, how can we prevent squirrels from getting inside? If you’re noticing signs of squirrel activity, it’s important to find their point of entry. Inspect the exterior of your house for holes, especially along the roof. Repair broke or missing shingles or siding. Cover all vents and place a cap on all chimneys. Squirrels can squeeze through a surprisingly small hole, so nothing is out of the question. Repair it all! Just be careful not to seal in any wildlife. Another prevention tip is to remove food sources! Remove bird feeders or place them away from your home. These tend to attract squirrels. Garbage, gardens, and compost piles can also do the same thing. Make sure they are also placed a safe distance from the exterior of your home. Trim tree limbs and shrubs away from your home. These could provide easy access to the roof or to the location they’re entering. These prevention tips should be helpful in warding off gray squirrels, however, it’s important to have a professional pest control team on board to make sure your infestation is eliminated.
Gray squirrels pose many dangers once they’re inside a home. Squirrel incisors grow on average about 6 inches a year! This means there is a lot of chewing going on in order to keep their teeth at a certain length. And all of this chewing could be going on in your home if they are inside. Personal items, insulation, drywall, wooden structures, electrical wires, food containers, and much more are all at risk. This chewing can result in a fire hazard, water damage, and costly repairs. And squirrels’ urine and feces will stain your home and produce a foul odor as well. On top of the damage they cause, squirrels can also introduce bacteria and disease into a home, and they can bring in other pests such as fleas, ticks, and mites. To top it off, they’re dangerous when cornered. If they feel threatened they will lash out by biting or scratching in order to defend themselves. You should never try to remove wildlife on your own. Always contact a professional to perform this job.
If you believe you have a squirrel infestation or other wildlife in your home, contact professional pest control services immediately. Removing wild animals should never be handled alone. At Spencer Pest Services, we have the knowledge and expertise to remove wildlife safely and effectively. Contact us today to learn more.