It may be surprising to read, but one of the most pernicious little creatures in nature is the red squirrel. These small, admittedly cute creatures can wreak havoc in surprising ways and cause unexpected damage to unwatched areas of the home. Indeed, some of the most destructive scenes our technicians have seen at our client’s houses were caused by red squirrels. This makes it especially important to call for humane squirrel removal services whenever you suspect their presence in your home.
What Are Red Squirrels?
Red squirrels are the smallest of the tree squirrel brethren. They are found across parts of North America, from Alaska, through Canada, and into the northern United States. Their preferred home is in wooded areas, especially those containing pine trees.
Unlike some other wild animals, red squirrels do not hibernate. However, they do typically stay dormant during the winter seasons. They usually live between three and seven years. In some cases, such as in captivity, they can live up to 10 years.
They are best identified by their reddish fur and a white underbelly. Red squirrels appear almost fairytale like, with small bodies and big bushy tails. Though other squirrels are bigger, red squirrels can reach up to 9 inches in length, not including their 6-to-8-inch tail.
These squirrels’ preferred diet includes pine nuts, thus their presence in forests with pine trees. While they will eat insects, they would much rather hoard nuts than go hunting for small bugs.
What Kind of Damage Can They Cause?
You will be surprised by the ways red squirrels get into your home and the damage they can cause. We’ve found red squirrels gain entry through an aluminum roof, for instance, by chewing through the foam inside vents.
Once inside, squirrels can cause expansive and expensive damage. They can chew through wiring, which may short-circuit appliances or connected electronic devices. Outside, they’ll also run along power lines and potentially damage transformers.
Their nests are known fire hazards, as they make these habitats out of grass, tree bark, feathers, fur, and even insulation. As red squirrels like to craft their nests in areas of warmth, they often choose to build them near or inside vents or corners of attic spaces.
Due to their incessant chewing, they can also damage your home in unexpected ways. One technician responded to a house call that was dealing with a water leak and scurrying noises in their walls to find that red squirrels had chewed their way all the way through the dishwasher. When the homeowners ran their appliance, the resulting water leak damaged their kitchen floors and ran all the way down to their basement. As anyone who has dealt with standing water before knows, these repairs are costly.
What Are The Signs of Infestation?
The most prominent sign of a red squirrel infestation is the noise. They are active during the day, and their scurrying and birdlike chirps will emanate from walls, ceilings, and wherever else they may be hiding.
You will likely find their dropping near their nests, too. These droppings are often made up of significant piles of oval-shaped pellets.
Another visual clue as to their presence is the claw and gnaw marks on the side of the home or near potential entry points. Their gnawing, as stated above, can also result in chewed through wires and cords.
How Can Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Help?
If you’re dealing with the signs of a red squirrel infestation, you need the humane wildlife prevention and removal services Skedaddle provides. We employ humane methods to rid your home of unwanted pests and can assess the property for potential nests and entry points. Our team of technicians can work quickly to seal up entrances and prevent a re-infestation.
It’s important to note that you should never try to remove red squirrels yourself. They can turn aggressive and may also carry communicable diseases. The safest way to remove them is to contact us.
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