Wildlife Control: Squirrels
Squirrels are agile, tree-dwelling rodents commonly found in urban and suburban environments. They often enter attics, walls, and chimneys to seek shelter, especially in colder months. Their chewing habits can cause significant damage to property, electrical wiring, and insulation. Professional wildlife control is crucial for safely handling squirrel infestations and preventing future issues.

Identification:

Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

• Size: 9–12 inches in body length; tail length of 7–10 inches.
• Colour: Typically grey fur on the back with a white or cream-coloured belly. Some individuals, particularly in urban areas, are melanistic (black).
• Habitat: Found in urban parks, wooded areas, and suburban neighbourhoods.
• Behaviour: Active during the day, often seen foraging for food and building nests in trees or attics.

2. Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

• Size: Smaller than the grey squirrel, with a body length of 7–9 inches and a tail of about 5–7 inches.
• Colour: Bright reddish-brown fur with a white or light-coloured belly. The tail is bushy, with a distinct reddish colour and sometimes a hint of grey.
• Habitat: Prefers coniferous forests but can also be found in parks and wooded areas, especially near conifers.
• Behaviour: Known for being highly territorial and vocal, often making high-pitched warning calls when threatened.

3. Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)

• Size: Body length of 9–10 inches, with a tail length of 8–9 inches.
• Colour: Typically grey or brown fur on the back with a light-coloured belly. Their fur has a soft, velvety texture.
• Gliding Membrane: They have a patagium, a flap of skin between their forelegs and hindlegs, which they use to glide between trees.
• Habitat: Prefers mature forests with large, hollow trees and is most active at night (nocturnal).
• Behaviour: Shy and elusive, flying squirrels are rarely seen during the day but are highly active at night, foraging for nuts, seeds, and fungi.

Signs of squirrel activity include:

• Scratching or scurrying sounds in the attic or walls.
• Gnawed wood, wires, insulation, or other materials.
• Droppings that are small, dark, and cylindrical.
• Entry holes in the roof, eaves, or walls, often 1–2 inches in diameter.

Life Cycle:
Squirrels breed twice a year, once in late winter and once in mid-summer. Females give birth to 2–6 kits after a gestation period of about 40–45 days. Kits stay with their mother for around 2–3 months before becoming independent. In the wild, squirrels live an average of 6–12 months due to predators and other dangers, but in urban areas, they can survive much longer.

Diseases:
Squirrels can carry several diseases and parasites that pose health risks, including:

• Rabies: While rare, squirrels can carry rabies, and bites or scratches should be treated immediately.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection transmitted through urine, often found in squirrel droppings.
• Salmonella: Can be contracted from contaminated squirrel droppings or handling.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome: Caused by bacteria found in squirrel nests or feces.
• Parasites: Squirrels may carry ticks, fleas, mites, and other pests that can infect both humans and pets.

Professional Control Methods:
Humane and effective methods are used by professionals to address squirrel infestations and prevent future problems:

1. Inspection and Identification: Wildlife control experts inspect the property to identify entry points, nesting sites, and signs of squirrel activity, including gnawed materials and droppings.
2. Humane Trapping: Live traps are strategically placed to capture squirrels without harm. Traps are checked regularly, and captured squirrels are relocated according to local wildlife regulations.
3. Exclusion and Prevention: Entry points are sealed, and any structural damage is repaired. Preventive measures such as installing chimney caps and securing roof vents are put in place to keep squirrels out.
4. Sanitation and Restoration: After removal, nests and droppings are safely cleaned and disinfected to eliminate health risks from parasites, diseases, and odors.
5. Homeowner Guidance: Experts provide recommendations to deter squirrels, such as trimming tree branches near roofs, securing trash bins, and removing food sources like birdseed or pet food.

Professional squirrel control ensures a humane, safe, and effective solution to protect property and public health, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term prevention.