Have you ever spotted a playful squirrel darting across your yard or leaping from its nest or tree to nest or dog to tree to nest? While these bushy-tailed critters may seem harmless and cute in their natural habitat, they can quickly become a nuisance when they invade our homes. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of squirrels, discuss the potential risks they pose, and provide you with valuable insights on how to prevent and control squirrel infestations. If you're dealing with a squirrel problem in Austin, TX, Heat Wave Pest Control is here to offer expert assistance.
With Heat Wave Pest Control's professional squirrel control services, you can trust us to handle squirrel infestations responsibly and provide you with a safe and squirrel-free environment. Let us take care of your squirrel control needs, and enjoy a peaceful and pest-free property.
What are squirrels?
Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents known for their distinctive bushy tails and agile acrobatics. They belong to the Sciuridae family and are prevalent in various parts of North America, including Austin, TX. These industrious creatures are known for their hoarding behavior, as they collect and store food for the winter months. While squirrels are typically found outdoors, they may occasionally venture into our homes in search of shelter and sustenance.
Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents known for their distinctive bushy tails and agile acrobatics. They belong to the Sciuridae family and are prevalent in various parts of North America, including Austin, TX. These charming creatures are well-known for their hoarding behavior, as they diligently collect and store food for the winter months. Squirrels can be found in a variety of environments, such as forests, parks, and even urban areas.
These nimble creatures have adapted well to their surroundings and are known for their climbing and jumping abilities. With their sharp claws and strong hind legs, they effortlessly navigate trees and plants and leap from the ground to branch to the ground to branch. Squirrels have a keen sense of smell, excellent vision, and a natural curiosity that often leads them to explore their surroundings.
While squirrels are mostly found in outdoor habitats, they can occasionally find their way into our homes. Once inside your house, they may cause damage by gnawing on wood or insulation materials. It’s important to be aware of these pests animals’ potential intrusions and take preventive measures to protect your home from squirrel damage.
Squirrels are herbivorous animals, primarily feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, and plants and vegetation. Their diet can vary depending on the available food sources in their habitat. As opportunistic foragers, they are known to raid bird feeders and flower pots and even pilfer plants and seeds from gardens and plants.
These resourceful critters have become beloved backyard and garden visitors for many people. People who keep squirrels often enjoy watching their playful antics and acrobatic displays. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between appreciating squirrels and taking steps to avoid any negative impacts they may have on our homes or gardens.
Squirrels are resourceful creatures that can find their way into our homes through various entry points. If you’re wondering what common places are where you might find squirrels within your home, here are some common areas to keep squirrels to be aware of:
Attics: Squirrels are excellent climbers and can access your home through overhanging tree branches or other nearby structures. Once they find a potential entry point, such as a gap or hole in the roof or soffit, they may enter your attic and create nests or storage areas.
Chimneys: Squirrels may venture down chimneys in their exploration. If there is no protective barrier, such as a chimney cap or screen, they can easily enter your home through the fireplace.
Vents: Dryer vents, bathroom vents, or exhaust vents provide an entry point for squirrels, especially if there are damaged or missing vent covers. These openings can lead squirrels into crawl spaces or even the interior of your home.
Gaps in roofing or siding: Squirrels are skilled at squeezing through small openings. Any gaps or cracks in your roofing or siding, such as those caused by aging or weather damage, can serve as an invitation for squirrels to enter.
Eaves and overhangs: Squirrels may find their way into your home through gaps in eaves or overhangs. These areas provide them with shelter and protection from the elements.
While squirrels may appear harmless and cute, it’s important other squirrels to be aware of the potential diseases and pests they can carry. Squirrels can harbor various diseases and pests, including:
1. Leptospirosis: Squirrels, mice and rats can be carriers of the Leptospira bacteria, which can cause leptospirosis in humans. This bacterial infection can lead to symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and jaundice.
2. Tularemia: Squirrels can carry the bacteria Francisella tularensis, which causes tularemia. This disease can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected squirrels or through tick or flea bites. Symptoms of tularemia include fever, skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory problems.
3. Salmonellosis: Squirrels, rats, mice and rabbits can carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause salmonellosis in humans. This infection typically results in symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.
It’s important to note that the risk of contracting these diseases from squirrels is relatively low, and most cases are rare. However, it’s always advisable to take precautions when dealing with squirrels find or with baby squirrels in well-infested areas or handling squirrels directly.
To minimize the risk of disease transmission, follow these guidelines:
1. Avoid direct contact: Do not handle squirrels or their droppings with bare hands. Wear gloves and use appropriate protective measures if you need to clean up, eat squirrel trap or move squirrel find or dispose of or eat squirrel droppings.
2. Maintain proper hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential contact with squirrels, their nesting materials, seeds or areas they have infested.
3. Seek medical attention: If you suspect you have been exposed to a squirrel-related disease or experience symptoms after encountering squirrels, seek medical attention promptly. Inform your healthcare provider about your potential exposure to assist with accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The best time to call a pest control company about squirrel-related issues is as soon as you suspect a squirrel infestation in your home. It’s important to address the problem promptly to prevent further damage and mitigate potential health risks.
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to reach out to a pest control company:
Unusual noises: If you hear scratching, scurrying, or running sounds coming from your attic, walls, or other areas of your home, it could be a sign of squirrels or other rodents taking up residence.
Sightings: If you spot squirrels inside your home or notice them frequently entering or exiting your property through possible entry points, it’s a clear indication of an infestation.
Property damage: Squirrels have a tendency to chew on various materials, including wood, insulation, electrical wiring, and even personal belongings. If you notice signs of gnawing, shredded insulation, or chewed items, it’s time to take action.
Foul odors: Accumulated squirrel droppings or nesting materials can emit unpleasant odors. If you detect strong, musty smells in certain areas of your home, it may be due to squirrel activity.
Preventing squirrels from entering your home is crucial to avoid potential damage and nuisances from trapped squirrels here. Here are some effective tips to help you to keep squirrels and those furry critters at bay:
Seal entry points: Inspect your home for any cracks, gaps, or holes that squirrels can use as entryways. Pay close attention to areas around the roof, vents, chimneys, and eaves. Seal these openings using sturdy materials like steel mesh or caulking to prevent squirrels from gaining access.
Trim tree branches: Squirrels are excellent climbers and can use tree branches as a bridge to your home. Trim any branches that overhang your roof or are within jumping distance of your house. This creates a barrier and makes it more difficult for squirrels to reach your home.
Install chimney caps and vent covers: Use chimney caps and secure mesh vent covers to prevent squirrels from entering through these openings. These barriers allow proper ventilation while keeping squirrels out.
Secure garbage bins: Squirrels are attracted to food sources, including garbage bins. Ensure your bins have tight-fitting lids that are squirrel-proof. Consider using bungee cords or other secure fastening methods to prevent squirrels from accessing the contents.
Remove food sources: Squirrels are opportunistic foragers. Avoid leaving pet food outside and ensure outdoor food sources like bird feeders are squirrel-proof. Use feeders designed to deter squirrels or place them away from areas where squirrels can easily reach them.
Protect gardens and bird feeders: If you have a garden or bird feeders, take steps to protect them from squirrel interference. Install fencing around garden beds and use squirrel baffles or squirrel-resistant bird feeders to discourage their access.
Maintain landscaping: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your home to minimize potential squirrel pathways. Remove any debris or piles of leaves that can serve as hiding spots or nesting materials.
How do I get rid of squirrels?
If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation and need to get rid of them, it’s important to approach the situation carefully and humanely. Here are some effective methods to consider:
Remove food sources:
Start by eliminating any food sources that may attract squirrels. Secure garbage bins, remove fallen fruits or nuts from your yard and consider temporarily removing bird feeders or using squirrel-proof feeders.
Seal entry points:
Identify and seal off any openings that squirrels are using to access your home. Use steel mesh or caulk to close gaps in the roof, walls, vents, or any other potential entry points. Make sure to do this when you’re certain no squirrels are currently inside, as sealing them in can lead to more damage.
Trim tree branches:
Trim back tree branches that are close to or touching your home. This prevents squirrels from using them as a means to access your roof or attic.
Use repellents:
Natural repellents, such as predator urine or strong-smelling substances like mothballs or peppermint oil, can deter squirrels from specific areas. Apply these repellents near entry points or areas where squirrels are active, but be aware that their effectiveness may vary.
Install traps:
Live traps can be used to capture squirrels so that they can be safely released elsewhere. Place the traps near areas where squirrels frequent, baited with something like nuts or peanut butter. Once trapped, release the squirrels far away from your home, ensuring they won’t return.
Seek professional help:
If you’re uncertain about handling the situation yourself or if the infestation persists despite your efforts, it’s advisable to contact a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property.
Professional squirrel control process
For professional squirrel control services, turn to Heat Wave Pest Control. With our expertise in dealing with squirrel infestations, we can provide effective solutions to protect your property from these nuisance creatures.
01
Squirrel Control Inspection
Our skilled technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to assess the extent of the squirrel infestation and identify entry points and potential nesting areas. This enables us to develop a targeted squirrel control plan tailored to your specific situation.
02
Squirrel Control Treatment
As part of our squirrel control process, we employ live trapping methods to safely capture the squirrels. We prioritize their well-being and ensure a proper relocation to a more suitable environment. Additionally, we offer exclusion services, which involve sealing off entry points and implementing measures to prevent future squirrel intrusions, providing a long-term solution for squirrel control.
03
Follow-up
We believe in the importance of follow-up visits to ensure the effectiveness of our treatment and address any concerns. Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to evaluate the success of the squirrel control measures, make necessary adjustments if required, and provide ongoing support to keep your property squirrel-free.
Contact a pest control company
Why hire a squirrel pest control company?
Are squirrels wreaking havoc in your home? Don’t fret! A squirrel pest control company, like Heat Wave Pest Control, is here to lend a helping hand. Let’s dive into how these professionals can tackle squirrel infestations and address your concerns.
Thorough assessment: When you contact a squirrel pest control company, a skilled technician will conduct a meticulous inspection of your property. They’ll scour every nook and cranny to determine the extent of the gray squirrel infestation, locate entry points, identify nesting areas, and assess any damage caused. This detailed assessment serves as the foundation for creating a personalized treatment plan.
Expert knowledge and experience: Pest control professionals are armed with specialized knowledge about the gray squirrels’ behavior, habits, and effective removal techniques. They’ve seen it all! With their expertise, they know just the right strategies to tackle the infestation without causing harm to the squirrels or your property. They’ll implement proven methods to address the issue head-on.
Safe and humane removal: Rest assured, squirrel pest control companies prioritize the well-being of these furry creatures. They employ humane methods to capture and remove squirrels from your premises. Live traps are used to trap and safely catch the critters, ensuring their safety throughout the process. Once captured, the squirrels are released in suitable areas far away from your home, where they can resume their natural activities.
Repairs and exclusion: Simply evicting the squirrels isn’t enough; sealing off entry points is crucial to prevent future infestations. Squirrel pest control companies excel in this area. They’ll assist in repairing or sealing any openings that these agile creatures exploited. By identifying weak spots in your home’s exterior, they’ll implement effective exclusion techniques, such as installing sturdy mesh or sealing gaps, making it nearly impossible for squirrels to reenter your house.
Damage restoration: Squirrels can cause significant damage to your property. From chewed electrical wires, to insulation woes and nesting debris, the aftermath of a squirrel infestation can be daunting. But fear not! Pest control companies are well-equipped to handle damage restoration. They’ll clean up the mess, repair structural damage, and ensure your home returns to its former glory.
Preventive measures: Prevention is key when it comes to squirrel infestations. Professional pest control companies offer valuable advice on how to minimize the risk of future encounters trapped squirrel here. They’ll recommend modifications to your landscaping, guide you on managing potential food sources, and suggest additional deterrents to discourage squirrels from making a return visit.
What are squirrels?
Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents known for their distinctive bushy tails and agile acrobatics. They belong to the Sciuridae family and are prevalent in various parts of North America, including Austin, TX. These industrious creatures are known for their hoarding behavior, as they collect and store food for the winter months. While squirrels are typically found outdoors, they may occasionally venture into our homes in search of shelter and sustenance.
Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents known for their distinctive bushy tails and agile acrobatics. They belong to the Sciuridae family and are prevalent in various parts of North America, including Austin, TX. These charming creatures are well-known for their hoarding behavior, as they diligently collect and store food for the winter months. Squirrels can be found in a variety of environments, such as forests, parks, and even urban areas.
These nimble creatures have adapted well to their surroundings and are known for their climbing and jumping abilities. With their sharp claws and strong hind legs, they effortlessly navigate trees and plants and leap from the ground to branch to the ground to branch. Squirrels have a keen sense of smell, excellent vision, and a natural curiosity that often leads them to explore their surroundings.
While squirrels are mostly found in outdoor habitats, they can occasionally find their way into our homes. Once inside your house, they may cause damage by gnawing on wood or insulation materials. It’s important to be aware of these pests animals’ potential intrusions and take preventive measures to protect your home from squirrel damage.
Squirrels are herbivorous animals, primarily feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, and plants and vegetation. Their diet can vary depending on the available food sources in their habitat. As opportunistic foragers, they are known to raid bird feeders and flower pots and even pilfer plants and seeds from gardens and plants.
These resourceful critters have become beloved backyard and garden visitors for many people. People who keep squirrels often enjoy watching their playful antics and acrobatic displays. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between appreciating squirrels and taking steps to avoid any negative impacts they may have on our homes or gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Squirrels are resourceful creatures that can find their way into our homes through various entry points. If you’re wondering what common places are where you might find squirrels within your home, here are some common areas to keep squirrels to be aware of:
While squirrels may appear harmless and cute, it’s important other squirrels to be aware of the potential diseases and pests they can carry. Squirrels can harbor various diseases and pests, including:
1. Leptospirosis: Squirrels, mice and rats can be carriers of the Leptospira bacteria, which can cause leptospirosis in humans. This bacterial infection can lead to symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and jaundice.
2. Tularemia: Squirrels can carry the bacteria Francisella tularensis, which causes tularemia. This disease can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected squirrels or through tick or flea bites. Symptoms of tularemia include fever, skin ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, and respiratory problems.
3. Salmonellosis: Squirrels, rats, mice and rabbits can carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause salmonellosis in humans. This infection typically results in symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.
It’s important to note that the risk of contracting these diseases from squirrels is relatively low, and most cases are rare. However, it’s always advisable to take precautions when dealing with squirrels find or with baby squirrels in well-infested areas or handling squirrels directly.
To minimize the risk of disease transmission, follow these guidelines:
1. Avoid direct contact: Do not handle squirrels or their droppings with bare hands. Wear gloves and use appropriate protective measures if you need to clean up, eat squirrel trap or move squirrel find or dispose of or eat squirrel droppings.
2. Maintain proper hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any potential contact with squirrels, their nesting materials, seeds or areas they have infested.
3. Seek medical attention: If you suspect you have been exposed to a squirrel-related disease or experience symptoms after encountering squirrels, seek medical attention promptly. Inform your healthcare provider about your potential exposure to assist with accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The best time to call a pest control company about squirrel-related issues is as soon as you suspect a squirrel infestation in your home. It’s important to address the problem promptly to prevent further damage and mitigate potential health risks.
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to reach out to a pest control company:
By contacting a pest control company as soon as you notice any of these signs, you can ensure that the squirrel control and infestation is addressed promptly and effectively. Professional pest control experts, such as Heat Wave Pest Control, have the knowledge, experience, and tools to assess the situation, develop a customized plan, and safely remove squirrels and mice from your home.
Preventing squirrels from entering your home is crucial to avoid potential damage and nuisances from trapped squirrels here. Here are some effective tips to help you to keep squirrels and those furry critters at bay:
How do I get rid of squirrels?
If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation and need to get rid of them, it’s important to approach the situation carefully and humanely. Here are some effective methods to consider:
Remove food sources:
Start by eliminating any food sources that may attract squirrels. Secure garbage bins, remove fallen fruits or nuts from your yard and consider temporarily removing bird feeders or using squirrel-proof feeders.
Seal entry points:
Identify and seal off any openings that squirrels are using to access your home. Use steel mesh or caulk to close gaps in the roof, walls, vents, or any other potential entry points. Make sure to do this when you’re certain no squirrels are currently inside, as sealing them in can lead to more damage.
Trim tree branches:
Trim back tree branches that are close to or touching your home. This prevents squirrels from using them as a means to access your roof or attic.
Use repellents:
Natural repellents, such as predator urine or strong-smelling substances like mothballs or peppermint oil, can deter squirrels from specific areas. Apply these repellents near entry points or areas where squirrels are active, but be aware that their effectiveness may vary.
Install traps:
Live traps can be used to capture squirrels so that they can be safely released elsewhere. Place the traps near areas where squirrels frequent, baited with something like nuts or peanut butter. Once trapped, release the squirrels far away from your home, ensuring they won’t return.
Seek professional help:
If you’re uncertain about handling the situation yourself or if the infestation persists despite your efforts, it’s advisable to contact a professional pest control company. They have the expertise and tools to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property.
Professional squirrel control process
Squirrel Control Inspection
Our skilled technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to assess the extent of the squirrel infestation and identify entry points and potential nesting areas. This enables us to develop a targeted squirrel control plan tailored to your specific situation.
Squirrel Control Treatment
As part of our squirrel control process, we employ live trapping methods to safely capture the squirrels. We prioritize their well-being and ensure a proper relocation to a more suitable environment. Additionally, we offer exclusion services, which involve sealing off entry points and implementing measures to prevent future squirrel intrusions, providing a long-term solution for squirrel control.
Follow-up
We believe in the importance of follow-up visits to ensure the effectiveness of our treatment and address any concerns. Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to evaluate the success of the squirrel control measures, make necessary adjustments if required, and provide ongoing support to keep your property squirrel-free.
Contact a pest control company
Why hire a squirrel pest control company?
Are squirrels wreaking havoc in your home? Don’t fret! A squirrel pest control company, like Heat Wave Pest Control, is here to lend a helping hand. Let’s dive into how these professionals can tackle squirrel infestations and address your concerns.
Thorough assessment: When you contact a squirrel pest control company, a skilled technician will conduct a meticulous inspection of your property. They’ll scour every nook and cranny to determine the extent of the gray squirrel infestation, locate entry points, identify nesting areas, and assess any damage caused. This detailed assessment serves as the foundation for creating a personalized treatment plan.
Expert knowledge and experience: Pest control professionals are armed with specialized knowledge about the gray squirrels’ behavior, habits, and effective removal techniques. They’ve seen it all! With their expertise, they know just the right strategies to tackle the infestation without causing harm to the squirrels or your property. They’ll implement proven methods to address the issue head-on.
Safe and humane removal: Rest assured, squirrel pest control companies prioritize the well-being of these furry creatures. They employ humane methods to capture and remove squirrels from your premises. Live traps are used to trap and safely catch the critters, ensuring their safety throughout the process. Once captured, the squirrels are released in suitable areas far away from your home, where they can resume their natural activities.
Repairs and exclusion: Simply evicting the squirrels isn’t enough; sealing off entry points is crucial to prevent future infestations. Squirrel pest control companies excel in this area. They’ll assist in repairing or sealing any openings that these agile creatures exploited. By identifying weak spots in your home’s exterior, they’ll implement effective exclusion techniques, such as installing sturdy mesh or sealing gaps, making it nearly impossible for squirrels to reenter your house.
Damage restoration: Squirrels can cause significant damage to your property. From chewed electrical wires, to insulation woes and nesting debris, the aftermath of a squirrel infestation can be daunting. But fear not! Pest control companies are well-equipped to handle damage restoration. They’ll clean up the mess, repair structural damage, and ensure your home returns to its former glory.
Preventive measures: Prevention is key when it comes to squirrel infestations. Professional pest control companies offer valuable advice on how to minimize the risk of future encounters trapped squirrel here. They’ll recommend modifications to your landscaping, guide you on managing potential food sources, and suggest additional deterrents to discourage squirrels from making a return visit.
If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation or have concerns about any other squirrels-related issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional squirrel pest control company like Heat Wave Pest Control.Their trained technicians can provide you with the necessary assistance and help restore peace of mind in your home.
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