What are squirrels?
Squirrels are a type of rodent. In addition to their constantly growing front incisors, squirrels are famous for their long bushy tail. Their tail is very important as it provides them with the ability to leap great distances, over great heights, while maintaining their balance.Squirrels have dark eyes, ears that stand up off of their head, and an elongated body covered in light gray to dark-reddish brown fur. The most common type of squirrel is the tree squirrel. As their name suggests they use trees to build their nests, stay hidden from predators, and to harvest food.
Are squirrels dangerous?
When living outside and leaping from tree to tree squirrels are fun little creatures to watch. But, when these rodents decide to take advantage of our yards and homes they become less “fun” and more of a problem.Squirrels, like all rodents, have front incisors that grow throughout their life. To stop their teeth from overgrowing they chew on almost anything they come across.
Squirrels that have found their way into our homes chew through important things like wires, pipes, ducts, flooring, boxes, and more. Their chewing habits may also lead to short circuits, fires, and water damage. Inside of our homes, they cause other damage, including digging through insulation, drywall, and upholstered furniture.
Squirrel infestations also pose health risks. They carry on their bodies, and introduce into our yards and homes, fleas, ticks, mites, and other parasites that spread disease. In addition, squirrels themselves spread bacteria and pathogens throughout the surfaces of a home they have invaded.
Why do I have a squirrel problem?
Why do I have a squirrel problem?
Like any pest, squirrels are opportunistic and will move onto any property that offers them with food, water, and shelter. Squirrels are omnivores and have a varied diet, feeding on insects, bulbs, seeds, fruits, and nuts. They also like to eat many of the same foods we eat and enjoy foraging through our trash and compost.
Squirrels will move indoors any time of the year but are most problematic during the late fall and winter months when the lure of our temperature-controlled buildings is too much for them to pass up!
Where will I find squirrels?
Where will I find squirrels?
Squirrels have adapted to living in a variety of environments both urban and rural, but are most problematic in areas where there are plenty of trees for them to climb and nest within. Properties near wooded areas and parks are very susceptible to squirrel infestations.
Squirrels aren’t just found in trees. They also move from place to place along utility lines or by leaping from rooftop to rooftop.
Squirrels that decide to move into our homes, usually live and nest in the attic, chimney, or wall voids. Homeowners often discover the presence of squirrels, after hearing them running and scratching behind walls or above the ceiling.
These rodents are also common visitors inside of garages and sheds. They will hide and nest inside of cardboard boxes, lawnmowers, and even in the hood of cars.
How do I get rid of squirrels?
How do I get rid of squirrels?
Getting rid of squirrels from your yard, home, or business is best left up to a professional. The professionals at Amco Pest Solutions will provide you with the year-round solutions needed to get rid of squirrels and prevent their return. Whether you are looking to get rid of a current squirrel infestation or prevent future problems with squirrels, our family-owned and operated company is here to help.
Our professionals are committed to providing the pest control services needed to help home and business owners keep their properties free of squirrels and other common pests. Amco Pest Solutions provides residential pest control and commercial pest control services throughout New Jersey, the Five Borough of New York, and South Florida. Reach out today to learn more about our effective squirrel control solutions!
How can I prevent squirrels in the future?
How can I prevent squirrels in the future?
To make your property less attractive to squirrels, whether you live in New Jersey, New York, or South Florida, use the following, easy to execute, prevention tips:
Squirrels are exceptional climbers and easily jump from place to place. Cut tree branches back away from the outside of your home, to deter them from jumping onto your home’s roof.
Squirrels love to feed on seeds, remove bird feeders and other wild animal feeders from your property.
Keep tight-fitting lids on compost bins and trash cans.
Inspect your home for tiny cracks and crevices especially around the roofline. Squirrels can take advantage of the tiniest of openings and chew their way inside of your home.
Make sure vents leading into your home are tightly installed and covered to keep curious squirrels out of your home.
Place a cap on your home’s chimney.
Keep the doors and windows of garages, sheds, and other outbuildings closed as much as possible.
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