Squirrels: So Cute but Such Nuisances!

We know – squirrels can be pretty cute sometimes. Watching them climb up and down your trees, trek across power lines, chase each other around your yard until you make up a story about what they must be doing. Fighting? Playing a game? Hanky panky? January 21st was National Squirrel Appreciation Day – because people love squirrels that much!

Unfortunately, squirrels can be quite a nuisance to deal with and can cause serious damage to your property. Squirrels are able to chew through electrical wires and insulation, take up residence in attics and basements and make a mess of your food pantry and outdoor trash cans. Wherever they go, squirrels can leave plenty of gnawed holes and droppings around, causing unsightly damage and attracting further pest and wildlife problems. And if you think damage is limited to your house – just think of what a family of squirrels can do to your flower beds!

The squirrel most commonly dealt with is the Eastern Gray Squirrel, who, from nose to tail, measures around 16 to 18 inches long and weighs a single pound. Though you may see them most active during warmer months, they’re busy year-round – and they’re going to begin breeding heavily as the end of winter comes!

There are a lot of ways to control squirrel damage. First and foremost, exclusion techniques to keep squirrels from entering your home or building are of primary importance. Make sure to check the perimeter, chimney and interior of your building for ways squirrels might access your property and cause destruction as they nest and breed this spring. Watch this Keep Squirrels Away video to hear from our experts.

Find out more about the Eastern Gray Squirrel, and other types of squirrels you may see in or around your property, by clicking here. And if you have any other questions, give us a call at 1-855-CATSEYE.