Squirrels can provide hours of amusement as they twitch their tails and chase each other up and down trees all over our yards. However, they can be less amusing when they become pests in our homes. The two most common squirrels in Texas are the Gray squirrel and the Fox squirrel.
Gray Squirrel Facts
Gray squirrels measure 17 to inches 20 and are grayish-brown in color with lighter colored bellies. Their tail is long and silver in color with longer hairs than the ones on their bodies. They will use their bushy tail for balance, a sun shade, a blanket or as a rudder when they swim. They have four front teeth that continue to grow. Their teeth wear down constantly when they gnaw on food and other materials. They are active in the morning and the evening when they are in the constant search to collect food. They do not hibernate but are less active when the weather is cold. Gray squirrels will mate in late winter and will mate again mid-summer if they’ve stored enough food.
Fox Squirrel
Fox squirrels measure 17 to 27 inches and are reddish brown in color but can change depending on where they live. They have long claws that they use to climb trees and collect nuts. They are the largest tree squirrel species in North America. They are known to be very playful, can free fall from heights of 20 ft with ease and can also cover several feet with a single jump. Even though they are tree squirrels, they tend to spend quite a bit of time on the ground. They are active day and night and litters are born during the winter.
Squirrel Damage to Attics & Homes
Squirrels live in trees and rarely enter homes. If they do come into your home, they are looking for food and shelter. If they can find a place to hide, they will come inside more frequently. They will build a nest and stay put if they have a constant supply of food. Nests are usually found in attics, crawl spaces or inside walls. Squirrels can cause damage as they are destructive little creatures. They can also contaminate food and spread health hazards. They can create a fire hazard in your home when they start to chew on insulation and wiring and contaminate your food and introduce fleas and ticks into your home. You will know you’re dealing with squirrels in your home when you hear them as they chew through materials and move through walls. The best way to keep squirrels out of your home is to make sure they can’t get in. Seal any openings in siding, venting, foundation and wiring.
Wildlife Control & Removal in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
More squirrels than you’re used to seeing can be a sign of overcrowding. Contact professionals for squirrel trapping and removal services. Unique squirrel trapping techniques are needed to ensure the safety of the squirrel and to remove them as quickly as possible. For long-term solutions to any wildlife problems, contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control.
