Clark’s Termite & Pest Control does not offer carcass and dead animal removal. Animal removal is only completed by our team when an animal is found in a wildlife trap. For local animal removal vendors, please contact your municipal office.
If you have a home or business in the Carolinas, protecting your property from pests is crucial. Some pests can cause damage to your property, while others can pose health risks to you, your family, or your customers.
Squirrels can be problematic in buildings as they often nest and reproduce in vents, attics, and other small spaces, and they are known carriers of diseases that can affect humans. If not addressed, these furry creatures can become a real nuisance. To protect your home or business from squirrels, you need to understand their behavior, implement preventive measures, and know effective treatment options should an infestation occur.
What Are Squirrels?
Squirrels are small, quick, bushy-tailed rodents commonly found throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. They belong to the same family as prairie dogs, chipmunks, and marmots. While there are over 200 species of squirrels, they generally fit into three categories: tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. Squirrels are native to the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa, with most North American species measuring 15 to 20 inches in length and weighing about a pound. They primarily consume seeds and nuts but may also be attracted to fruits, vegetables, and even small insects.
How Do I Identify Squirrels?
Squirrels have long bodies covered in short, thick fur and four legs. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs, allowing them to sit up or scurry on all fours. In the Carolinas, the most common squirrels are eastern gray squirrels, identifiable by their white underbellies and gray fur. Other common species include fox squirrels, which may have yellowish underbellies, and the southern flying squirrel, which is nocturnal with large eyes.
How Do I Get Squirrels?
Squirrels are well-adapted to urban and rural environments in North America, frequently attracted by food and shelter. They can enter homes or businesses through small openings to nest. These critters are often seen scavenging for food and can become a nuisance if fed, as they’ll return if they know they can find food.
What Are the Effects of Squirrels in and Around My Home or Business?
Squirrels can cause significant damage by chewing on woodwork, ceiling panels, electrical wires, and insulation. They may also damage the exterior of your property while attempting to enter. Squirrels can contaminate water supplies with feces and urine, leave behind uneaten food to rot, and potentially introduce diseases that can harm humans. Their chewing on electrical wires poses fire hazards, and if they get trapped in walls or attics, they may perish, leading to unpleasant odors.
How Long Do Squirrels Live?
In the wild, squirrels in North Carolina and South Carolina typically live 5-7 years, depending on the species. Females often live longer, up to 13 years. They can reproduce after their first year, with two litters annually, each containing two to five “kittens,” leading to rapid population growth if infestations are not addressed.
How Do I Prevent Squirrels?
Preventing squirrels from invading your property is crucial. Experts recommend against feeding squirrels, as this encourages them to return. Regularly rake up fallen fruits, nuts, or other food sources, and keep trash cans tightly sealed. Pets like dogs or cats can deter squirrels, or you can use plastic statues to scare them away. Certain flowers, such as daffodils and hyacinths, may also repel squirrels. To keep them out of your building, inspect for openings or weaknesses they could exploit, especially in roofs and eaves, and promptly repair any holes.
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