Squirrel fecal matter should be treated with care as it may carry disease and bacteria. This means you may not find droppings spread across your attic like you would with other rodents. Some species also have “latrine behavior” where they will only deficate in a dedicated area. Some species have round “rabbit-like” droppings. They are rounded on the ends and slightly bulging in the middle. They are dark brown when they are fresh and lighten with age. Squirrel droppings can vary by species, but are approximately 3/8” in length and 1/8” in diameter. Squirrel droppings can easily be confused with rat droppings. As the number of squirrels in the attic increases, the amount of squirrel poop increases. It is not unusual to find 8-12 flying squirrels in one nesting location. Flying squirrels are usually found in higher numbers. In the springtime when babies are born, you may find between 5-8 gray squirrels. The number of squirrels found in an attic varies. Even if you do not locate the animals in the attic, you will likely find the evidence of the animal. Sometimes you stand outside and watch the critter enter your home, other times you have to get up into the attic and have a look around. The scratching and clawing noises you hear may be a rat or mouse, racoon, opossum, or of course squirrels. It is important to identify the species of animal so that it can be appropriately dealt with. There are many animals that may gain access to your attic and use it as a safe location to give birth and rear their young. It is believed that many household fires are caused by squirrels and other rodents damaging electrical wires. These damaged wires create a substantial risk of fire. The most dangerous aspect of squirrels inside your home, is the likelihood that they will chew electrical wiring. Inside your home, they will pull the stuffing out of couches and chairs, chew on your dining room chairs, and generally destroy your home. There have been stories of families that go on vacation and squirrels gain access to the living areas. Squirrels, and their excrement are known to carry diseases such as Leptospirosis, Lyme Disease, Salmonellosis, Tularemia, and rarely Rabies. Sometimes baby squirrels may fall down wall voids and die, causing extreme odors and fly infestations. Squirrels will tear apart the attic insulation to create nests, and urinate and defecate throughout the attic. Once inside, they chew electrical wiring, PVC pipe, the wood on rafters, and anything else that may be in storage in the attic. To gain access to your attic, squirrels can find a small hole and chew around it to make it large enough for entry and exit. Just like rats and mice, squirrels must chew continually to keep their teeth from becoming too large. In short, squirrels should be removed from your attic space and prevented from being able to return. When squirrels relocate into the safety of your attic, they chew through nearby materials, release fecal matter and urine, and cause odor and risk of disease. volans).Įach of these squirrel species have unique attributes and important behavioral differences, but this article will discuss a general framework for controlling squirrels in buildings. flying squirrels ( Glaucomys sabrinus and G.The most common species of squirrels that invade our homes are: There are many innovative products designed to keep squirrels from eating bird seed, but squirrels do more than frustrate homeowners when they nest indoors they cause actual damage. Squirrels frustrate bird lovers across this country every day. Perhaps squirrels are best known for their clever and relentless attempts to break into birdfeeders. There are over 50 species of squirrels in the United States. At first, it may seem cute that squirrels are using your home to raise and protect their babies, but left unchecked, squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your home. You may see a busy little squirrel running along the gutter then disappear. Initially, you may hear a slight scurrying sound above you as you lay in bed at night. Squirrels nesting in your attic can cause extensive damage.
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