Squirrel Problems
A variety of squirrel problems can occur when they decide to nest within a residential or commercial structure. Some of these are easily remedied while others can have very negative impacts on the both the buildings and the people that inhabit them. The following are some common squirrel problems and some warning signs for you to look out for:
Property Damage
Squirrels cause the most amount of damage in the area immediately around their nest. Squirrels will nest in any area above ground that is safe and secure from predators and the elements. Sometimes squirrels will nest in trees. However, in urban areas, most nesting occurs in attics and chimneys.
Attics： In attics squirrels typically use building materials (insulation, vapor barrier, drywall and wood shavings) to build their nest. This means permanent damage to structural and functional components of a building. Because they are rodents, squirrels need materials to gnaw on in order to wear down their constantly growing front teeth. As such, they will continue to cause damage to the building each day they are present. Squirrels produce two litters per year with an average of 5-6 offspring per litter. Daily gnawing and fast reproductive capacity can result in significant structural damage if left unaddressed.
Chimneys： In chimneys squirrels will bring various materials (branches, leaves, moss, and newspapers) in to build their nest. For such a small animal, the volume of material they use can be surprising. Larger nests contain enough debris to fill 1-2 garbage bags. Obviously, this is a major hazard which can have serious health and safety ramifications if the nest causes smoke to back-up or if it catches on fire.
Electrical：Squirrels will chew through anything – structural wood, aluminium, electrical wires, insulation, shingles and vents are favourite targets. Most concerning is when they chew through electrical wires. Exposed electrical wires can easily cause building materials to catch on fire. Obviously, property damage is of concern but even more so is the risk to the lives of the people occupying the building.
Plumbing: The frequent use of plastic water pipes in homes has meant an increase in flooding due to squirrels chewing through pipes.
Health And Safety Risks
Fire: Although already mentioned above, the risk of fire is so tantamount that we feel it vital to mention it twice. Building materials are dry and in close contact with wiring, which means chewed wires can easily start a fire.
Ticks and fleas: Squirrels attract ticks and fleas, especially in warmer weather. If the squirrels leave the nest for an extended period, these ticks and fleas will look for new hosts (i.e. people and pets).
Feces: Urine and feces can cause contamination and odors to build up within the structure of the building.
Rabies: Although uncommon carriers, any mammal can carry the Rabies virus. So never try to corner or pick up an adult squirrel. Although usually frightened of people, a squirrel can be quite aggressive if it perceives danger. Squirrels are very swift and can move or attack quickly if threatened. If you’re curious to learn more about these agile creatures, including their behaviour, habitat, and impact on the environment, you can explore our detailed squirrel facts section.
Morphology and Lifestyle
- Body length: 9-12 in
- Tail length: 7-10 in
- Weight: 12-28 oz
- Habitat: Above ground (attics and chimneys), but spends much of it’s time on the ground
- Call: Chattering and piercing scream
- Lifespan: 3-4 years
Did You Know?
- Squirrel fact: The squirrel’s front teeth continue to grow throughout it’s life, so they must continue to gnaw to wear them down.
- Squirrel fact: A male squirrel can smell a female that is ready to mate.
- Squirrel fact: The grey squirrel can leap more than 20 feet.
- Squirrel fact: Although usually frightened of people, a mother squirrel can be quite aggressive if she perceives danger or is separated from her babies. Squirrels are very swift and can move or attack quickly if threatened.
- Squirrel fact: There can be 25 or more squirrels per square kilometre in urban areas with mature trees.
- Squirrel fact: Squirrels are more adaptable than you might think. They can fit through a hole the size of a baseball (black/grey squirrels) or a golf ball (red squirrels). And smaller holes can easily be chewed open.
39 Years Of Wildlife Removal Experience
At Gates Wildlife Control, we offer professional and effective animal removal and prevention solutions to keep raccoons, squirrels, and skunks from entering your home. We also provide effective rodent control services for mice and rat infestations. Our team is trained and experienced in the installation of one-way doors, which allow the animals to exit your attic or walls, but prevent them from returning. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote,to keep these animals out of your home for good.
Raccoons, squirrels, and skunks are common animals that can cause damage and create nuisances when they move into your attic or walls. They can chew on wires, damage insulation, leave droppings and debris, and even carry diseases and parasites.
One-way doors are a humane and effective way to remove these animals from your home and prevent them from returning. The doors are installed over the entry points the animals are using to access your attic or walls. Once the animals leave to forage for food, they are unable to re-enter the space through the one-way door.
At Gates Wildlife Control, we have the knowledge and equipment to effectively install one-way doors for raccoons, squirrels, and skunks. Our team will also assess your home and identify any potential entry points that need to be sealed off to prevent future intrusions.
In addition to installing one-way doors, we also offer repair services for damage caused by the animals and provide screening of potential entry points. This includes fixing holes in the roof or walls to prevent water from coming into the roof and walls and installing screens over roof vents, soffits and chimneys.
Don’t let raccoons, squirrels, or skunks take over your attic or walls. Contact Gates Wildlife Control today for a free consultation and quote, and keep these pests out of your home for good with our one-way door installation services.
Morphology and Lifestyle
- Wing span: Big Brown Bats – 32 to 39cm; Little Brown Bats – 22 to 27cm.
- Weight: Big Brown Bats – 11 to 25g; Little Brown Bats – 5 to 11g.
- Vocalization: Bats use high frequency echo-location that is hard to hear with the exception of some clicking sounds.
- Lifespan: Between 10 and 20 years with the rare bat living as long as 30 years.
Did You Know?
- Bat fact: Bats play an important role in our environment as they can consume up to 3,000 insects in one night.
- Bat fact: Bats in Canada will not fly in your hair and suck your blood.
- Bat fact: Bats can spread the rabies virus when infected with very little to no evidence of contact.
- Bat fact: Bats can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime.
- Bat fact: A bat can produce several times its own weight in waste each month.
- Bat fact: Bat colonies can range in size from one to several hundred and can double in size every year.
- Bat fact: Bats hibernate when the temperature drops below 10 degrees C.
More About Squirrels
Humane Raccoon Removal
Humane Skunk Removal
Humane Squirrel Removal
Do It Yourself Dangers
For those who may be tempted to take on the task of removing animals and animal proofing themselves, it is important to remember that it can be a dangerous undertaking. Falling off ladders and roofs while attempting to remove animals or seal entry points can result in serious bodily harm. In some cases, even aggressive animals can pose a danger to those trying to remove them. It is best to leave these tasks to experienced professionals who have the knowledge and equipment to safely and effectively handle wildlife removal and animal proofing. Attempting to do it yourself can put you at risk of injury and potentially even more damage to your home.
