Squirrel Biology and Habits

Gray squirrels are active from dawn to dusk, with most feeding occurring in the early morning, and then again in the mid-afternoon. These tree squirrels usually feed on fruits, nuts, and other vegetation. Squirrels may breed twice a year (usually around January and June) and have a 42 – 45 day gestation. They usually have 2 – 3 young that are weaned at 10 – 12 weeks and can live up to 4 years old in the wild. These rodents nest in tree cavities, leaf nests, and atticsor crawlspaces. Common entries to the home are roof vents, louvre vents, soffit vents, construction gaps, and rotten fascia boards.

Hazards

While most trespassing animals are merely a nuisance they can pose a real threat to humans. It is estimatedthat 25 – 50% of all fires of unknown origin are caused by rodents gnawing electrical wires. Squirrels are known carriers of encephalitis and typhus, although they are generally not carriers of rabies.

Squirrel Damage

Damage concerns include squirrels: chewing bark off trees and shrubs, raiding crops and bird feeders, and shorting out transformers while traveling power-lines. In the fall and winter months squirrels enter dwellings for shelter, and in the spring they enter to raise young.  Attic damage can include heavily soiled (with squirrel feces & urine) and compressed insulation as well as damaged attic vents and fans.

Squirrel Control

Wildlife techicians at Critter Control of Atlanta utilize trapping techniques that include include cage traps for live-trapping and removal along with proper baiting for the type f squirrel & season. Live traps are set in the line of travel outside the den entrance (traps are not set inside because there is poor light, and the den is a shelter, not a feeding site). Squirrels inside the home almost always come in through the fireplace or furnace chimneys, and should only be removed by trained personnel with the proper safety equipment ( kevlar gloves, traps, control poles, etc.). Toxicants are illegal and are not used in squirrel control (animals may die in wall voids and cause odor problems). There may also be secondary poisoning hazards to pets (e.g. dogs that eat sick squirrels) and children may be bitten trying to assist sick animals.

Squirrel Management

Trimming trees back 8-12 feet from the structure will help to prevent roof access. Critter Control of Atlanta repair technicians use sheet metal, hardware-cloth, aluminum or wood to seal and close up entry holes to prevent future access. For chimney exclusions Critter Control technicians install only NFPA 211 and BOCA approved chimney screens and rain-caps to prevent squirrel entry. Chimney caps are available in black galvanized or stainless steel models and come in a wide range of sizes Copper chimney caps and special orders are also available.  Many of the prouducts we install some with a lifetime guarantee.

Critter Control of Atlanta offers installation Leafproof Gutter Protection System as another option to prevent animal antry in the attic/roofline areas. Call a Critter Control of Atlanta professional for all of your animal control needs.