In MetroWest Orlando, FL, squirrels often find their way into homes and businesses. Despite their cute appearance, these furry critters can cause a lot of trouble. Managing squirrel infestations requires swift and effective action to prevent damage and health risks. In this article, we’ll discuss the typical signs of a squirrel infestation, the problems it can cause, and practical solutions for residents and business owners.

Understanding Local Squirrel Species

MetroWest Orlando has three main squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, and southern flying squirrel. Here’s a closer look at each species:

1. Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

• Size and Appearance: Adults measure 16-20 inches long. They have gray fur with white bellies.
• Habits: They stay active all year, building nests called “dreys” from leaves and twigs. They often hide in attic or walls.
• Behavior: Their agility and curiosity let them find food and shelter easily. They often enter homes through chimneys, vents, or roof gaps. They adapt their diet to available food.

2. Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)

• Size and Appearance: Fox squirrels can grow up to a total length of 30 inches, making them the largest of the three. Their reddish-brown fur features black facial markings and a white nose.
• Habits: They prefer open forests or parks and nest in tree cavities or high branches.
• Behavior: They rarely cause problems for homeowners since they like natural habitats. They usually avoid attics and walls.

3. Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

• Size and Appearance: The smallest of the three, adults measure 8-10 inches. Their gray-brown fur is paired with skin flaps between their legs that let them glide.
• Habits: They are nocturnal and social, living in small groups. They nest in tree cavities or attics and forage for food at night.
• Behavior: Though they can’t actually fly, flying squirrels can glide easily. They can squeeze through tiny gaps or chew through walls and roofs to access attics, where they build nests.

Each species stays active throughout the year, always searching for food and shelter. Knowing their traits will help you recognize which type of squirrel is causing trouble and remove them safely.

Recognizing the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

Identifying signs of a squirrel invasion is essential before addressing the issue. Here are key indicators to look out for:

1. Audible Clues

Squirrels are active creatures and often make scratching or scampering noises in your attic or walls as they scurry about in search of food or nesting materials. These sounds may be particularly noticeable during early morning or evening hours when squirrels are most active.

2. Droppings and Traces

Keep an eye out for small, dark droppings resembling grains of rice. Squirrel droppings are typically found near their nesting areas or along their regular pathways. Additionally, look for urine stains or trails on surfaces, which can indicate squirrel activity.

3. Damaged Structures

Squirrels have a habit of chewing on various materials to maintain their teeth and gain access to food sources. Check for signs of chewed electrical wiring, wood trim, or insulation, as squirrels may gnaw on these materials. Not only does this behavior pose hazards such as electrical fires, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your property.

4. Nesting Evidence

Squirrels often build nests using twigs, leaves, or insulation in secluded areas like attics, tree hollows, or roof spaces. Look for these nests in hidden corners or crevices of your property, as their presence indicates active squirrel habitation.

5. Outdoor Behaviors

Observing squirrels’ behaviors in outdoor spaces can also provide valuable clues to their presence. Watch for squirrels darting around trees or rooftops, gathering nesting materials, or storing food such as nuts or seeds. These activities often indicate nearby squirrel populations.

By recognizing these signs early on, property owners can take proactive steps to address squirrel infestations effectively and prevent further damage to their homes or businesses.

The Impact of Squirrel Infestations: Understanding the Effects

When squirrels invade homes or businesses, the effects can go beyond mere annoyance. Here’s a closer look at the various impacts:

1. Structural Damage

Squirrels’ constant gnawing can damage buildings, leading to costly repairs. Chewed wires and weakened structures require extensive fixes to ensure safety.

2. Health Risks

Squirrel droppings and urine carry harmful bacteria, posing health risks to occupants. Inhaling particles or touching contaminated surfaces can lead to infections.

3. Disruption and Noise

Squirrels’ activity creates noise, disrupting peace. Constant scratching and scampering cause sleep disturbances and increased stress.

Understanding these consequences emphasizes the need to address squirrel infestations promptly. By preventing damage and health risks, property owners can restore comfort and safety to their spaces.

DIY Squirrel Removal vs. Professional Services: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Handling a squirrel problem yourself might seem cheaper, but it can be tricky. Here’s what to consider:

1. Knowledge and Skill

DIY Approach: Homeowners often lack the experience to remove squirrels safely. Mistakes can cause hidden nests to be overlooked. Missing early signs of infestation or not securing all openings can lead to re-entry.

Professional Services: Wildlife removal experts know how squirrels behave and where to find their nests. They can remove the animals effectively and prevent them from returning.

2. Equipment and Techniques

DIY Approach: Removing squirrels needs proper tools like live traps. Using the wrong gear could make trapping less effective or harm the animals.

Professional Services: Experts use humane methods and specialized tools to catch squirrels and seal entry points effectively.

3. Safety Concerns

DIY Approach: Squirrels can be aggressive if cornered and might carry diseases like rabies. Mishandling them can risk your health.

Professional Services: Professionals handle wildlife safely to prevent bites or disease. They disinfect affected areas and give helpful sanitation advice.

4. Time and Cost

DIY Approach: Removing squirrels yourself might take weeks with many failed tries. Although cheaper initially, incomplete removal can cause more damage in the long run.

Professional Services: While expensive upfront, experts can remove squirrels quickly and reduce damage to save time and money.

5. Prevention and Advice

DIY Approach: Keeping squirrels away requires regular checks and fixes. DIY approaches often miss key prevention strategies.

Professional Services: Experts provide tips on trimming branches, sealing gaps, and using deterrents to keep squirrels out.

While small infestations may benefit from DIY efforts, hiring experts like Wildout Animal and Pest Removal will reduce stress and save time with more serious infestations.

Effective Solutions for Squirrel Removal

Addressing squirrel infestations requires proactive steps. Here are practical solutions to consider:

1. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your property thoroughly and seal any gaps or openings in walls, roofs, and foundations. Preventing squirrel access helps to minimize the risk of infestations.

2. Trim Trees and Vegetation

Trim tree limbs and vegetation near your property to reduce potential access points for squirrels. By limiting their pathways, you can discourage them from entering your home or business.

3. Install Deterrents

Install squirrel guards or spikes on vulnerable areas such as rooflines or ledges to deter squirrels from gaining entry. These barriers create obstacles that discourage squirrels from accessing your property.

4. Seek Professional Assistance

When dealing with persistent infestations or challenging situations, it’s advisable to seek assistance from professionals like Wildout Animal and Pest Removal. They have the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property.

Taking these proactive measures can help you effectively address squirrel infestations and protect your home or business from further damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to remove squirrels?

A1: It varies, but removal can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the situation.

Q2: What health risks can squirrels cause?

A2: Squirrels can carry diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella. Their droppings can contain harmful bacteria, and they often bring in ticks, fleas, or mites that can spread Lyme disease and other infections.

Q3: What are the risks of not removing squirrels promptly?

A2: Delays can lead to extensive structural damage, health issues, and a bigger infestation.

Take Action Today: Contact Wildout for Expert Assistance

In MetroWest Orlando, FL, the charming yet troublesome presence of squirrels requires knowledgeable and effective intervention. Recognizing the signs of infestation, such as noises, droppings, and property damage, is crucial for timely action. This article has highlighted the behaviors of local squirrel species, the significant risks they pose to both structural integrity and health, and the benefits of professional wildlife removal services over DIY methods.

For those facing squirrel problems, taking immediate steps like sealing entry points, trimming nearby vegetation, and installing deterrents is essential. However, for comprehensive and safe removal, professional services from experienced providers like Wildout Animal and Pest Removal are advisable. Their expertise not only ensures effective squirrel removal but also helps prevent future infestations.

Take action today to protect your property and health by addressing squirrel infestations promptly. Contact Wildout Animal and Pest Removal for expert assistance and regain peace in your MetroWest Orlando home or business.

Contact Us:

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

407-465-9453 (WILD)

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