Rooting The Squirrels In Reno Out Of Their Hiding Places

Pest control in Reno often focuses on creepy crawlies like scorpions and spiders. These pests have the potential to be dangerous. However, homeowners would do well to also look out for squirrels. Squirrels, cute and fluffy creatures that they are, can cause quite a lot of chaos and property damage.

Squirrels are small mammals belonging to the rodent family. These adorable, furry animals are common throughout all North America. They are well known for their bushy tails, which curl up behind their backs. Squirrels come in a variety of shades, from red to brown to gray and black. They generally weigh less than a pound and can grow up to three feet long from nose to tail-tip.

Squirrels are omnivorous, meaning they eat both meat and plants. Squirrels eat a diverse diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and small animals. That said, squirrels will also eat human food scraps if given a chance; this is why squirrels root through trash cans for human leftovers. 

There are dozens of different species of squirrels throughout the United States. Tree-dwelling squirrels are the most common. They do not hibernate during winter but instead rely on their cache of food stores to get through colder months. 

Squirrels mate up to two times per year. The female squirrel's pregnancy lasts for one to two months. Baby squirrels are hairless, toothless, and blind; therefore, they rely solely on their mother for their first couple months of life. Once babies become independent, around three months old, they fend for themselves and live a relatively solitary life.

Where Squirrels Like To Hide

While tree-dwelling squirrels typically live in tree branches or tree hollows, they may seek shelter inside your home to protect themselves from nasty weather. Once inside a house, squirrels may hide in various locations, including:

• Attics
• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Wall voids

As cute as squirrels are, they cause trouble once on your property. In the garden, squirrels will eat crops and dig up flowers. In the home, squirrels chew through electrical wires, which is a fire hazard. Additionally, squirrels gnaw at insulation, sheetrock, and fabrics. Squirrels inside the home can lead to costly repairs and a lot of clean-up.

Deterring Squirrels In Your Attic

During storms or freezing weather, squirrels may climb onto your roof and straight into your attic. Squirrels are excellent climbers and acrobats, and they only require a hole of 1 1/2 inches to enter homes. The best way to keep squirrels out of your attic is to fill in any holes or gaps on your roof with a silicone-based caulk. Furthermore, blocking your chimney with metal, mesh, or a chimney vent will keep squirrels and other pests away.

Getting Rid Of Squirrels In Crawl Spaces

Again, squirrels only enter a structure in search of shelter. However, squirrels will enter yards in search of food or water. The best way to keep squirrels away from your property is prevention. Homeowners who do not make their houses attractive to squirrels will have fewer incidences of squirrels. Reno homeowners should store food in airtight containers so as not to attract hungry squirrels. Additionally, avoid bird feeders as they inadvertently feed squirrels too. Furthermore, trash cans should always have tight-fitting lids to prevent any scavenging. Homeowners should also ensure that there are no gaps or cracks in their siding or foundation where a squirrel could gain access to the home and crawl space.

Always leave wildlife trapping or wildlife removal in Reno to the professionals. Although squirrels are not known for being disease vectors, their bites can still be painful. If a squirrel feels threatened, it may attack, which is why it is always best to leave wildlife removal to the professionals at Celtic Pest Control.

Total Wildlife Control For Reno Homes 

For a guaranteed solution to your squirrel problem, reach out to Celtic Pest Control. Celtic Pest Control is a local pest control company you can trust. We have years of experience and a dedication to excellence that guarantees you a stress-free experience — our commitment is to serve Reno residents safely and efficiently. Give Celtic Pest Control a call today, and let us take care of you and your Reno home!