Squirrel Identification & Prevention

Squirrels are a type of rodent, and, like all rodents, they have sharp front incisors that grow continuously throughout their life. These rodents live all around us and have adapted to live with people in rural, suburban, and urban areas.

Two types of squirrels that often become a problem for New Hampshire property owners are gray squirrels and flying squirrels. Both are tree squirrels and spend a lot of time off the ground in trees and other tall structures.

Gray squirrels are medium in size. Adult gray squirrels grow 16 to 20 inches in length and weigh up to 1/2 a pound. A gray coat covers their body, and lighter fur covers the underbelly. They have long furry tails that rest against their bodies and that they use to help them balance when jumping. Additionally, they have large ears that sit up off their heads.

Flying Squirrels grow between 9 and 11 inches in length and weigh around 4 to 5 ounces. Despite their name, flying squirrels are not capable of true flight. They use a flap of skin between their back and front legs to glide through the air as they jump from tree to tree. Like gray squirrels, they also have long bushy tails.

Squirrels are wild animals but aren’t usually a direct threat to people. They aren’t aggressive and don’t want to confront people; they would rather run away. However, that doesn’t mean we should be okay with sharing our properties with these pests.

Squirrels are destructive animals, and when they find their way to our yards and homes, they can quickly cause a lot of damage as they forage for food and create their nests. Squirrels regularly tear up, dig up, or otherwise cause problems around bird feeders, compost bins, and our gardens and lawns.

When these animals decide to move into our houses, they will damage our home’s exterior (trim, siding, and vents) as they create entry points. Inside houses, squirrels cause structural damage by chewing through cables, wires, pipes, drywall, and insulation.

Most importantly, and why removing squirrels from our homes as quickly as possible is vital, is that sharing our spaces with squirrels is a significant health risk. In their urine, excrement, and saliva, squirrels carry bacteria and pathogens that can make us ill. Additionally, they will introduce the fleas and ticks they have in their fur into our yards and homes.

Squirrels are agile creatures and great climbers. Almost any object that sits above the ground can become a playground, nesting site, or hideout for squirrels. Properties with many trees are notorious for experiencing problems with these pests. However, almost any property can experience issues with squirrels. The roofs of buildings, utility poles and utility lines, vines, woodpiles, construction debris, garages, and sheds also provide squirrels with a place to call home and keep them hidden from predators.

During the day, we regularly spot squirrels scampering around bird feeders, pet food, gardens, compost, and trashcans as they forage for food. On a daily basis, squirrels are most active in the morning and afternoon, retreating to their nesting spots to rest and sleep at night. Squirrels don’t hibernate, but during the colder winter months, we see them out and about less often. They spend more time in their dens and nesting sites to stay warm.

While squirrels typically live outside, they have learned that our homes provide a warm place to nest and a safe place to raise their babies away from predators.

Since squirrels are excellent climbers, they enter our homes above the ground; roof eaves, holes in roof intersections, chimneys, vents, and torn screens are common entry points. We regularly find and remove squirrels from chimneys, wall voids, and attics inside Dover homes. If you spot a lot of squirrel activity on your property, it is important to reach out to a nuisance wildlife control expert.

If squirrels have found their way to your Dover, NH, property and become a problem in and around your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for squirrel control. The faster we remove squirrels from your property, the fewer problems they will cause.

Here at Dependable Pest Solutions, we offer nuisance wildlife control services in Dover that will result in the humane removal of squirrels from your property. Through our proven pest management strategies, we will solve your squirrel problems and ensure they won’t want to return.

Call today to learn more about our squirrel pest control methods. Through the trapping, removal, and exclusion services we offer, our pest management pros can ensure your home becomes and stays free of squirrels.

Squirrels are wild animals and can move to and from our properties as they please. Preventing problems with squirrels can be frustrating. Use these tips to help make your property less interesting to them:

• Remove bird feeders from your property or invest in squirrel-proof bird feeders.
• Install motion-sensor sprinklers around garden areas to keep squirrels away.
• Make sure your chimney has a secure cap and vents have mesh covers over them.
• Repair damage to your home’s roof and fix gaps that develop around windows or doors. 
• Cut back tree branches from your Dover home.
• Keep squirrels out of outbuildings like sheds and garages by keeping their doors closed whenever possible. 

For tree squirrel control in Dover, NH, reach out to us a Dependable Pest Solutions. We are here to help you maintain pest-free homes.