Squirrels

Squirrels are of the rodent family and The Fox squirrel is the largest and the most populous of tree squirrels in central Texas. Squirrels are opportunists in nature and owe their urban success and existence to humans.

The urban setting provides an unnatural abundance of the necessities of life for a squirrel.  Mainly shelter! there are certainly more attics than hollowed out trees! In the city. Although the squirrel’s urban activity provides entertainment for many from the comical attempts at accessing squirrel proof bird feeders, to squirrel watching by the cat in the windowsill, Or the burst of energy from the dog chasing the taunting squirrel across the yard and up the tree. The fox squirrel’s    high reproduction rate, opportunist nature and aggressive determination to utilize attics for nesting makes the Fox squirrel a very common wildlife conflict for homeowners.

Physical Abilities

Squirrels are impressive jumpers, easily spanning fifteen feet in horizontal leaps and free-falling twenty feet or more without injury. The ability to climb any textured vertical surfaces including the inside of downspouts of rain gutters to access roofs. The squirrel is able to chew through   various materials from lead to composition roofing to access the attic. See photos of squirrel damage in the photo gallery.

Biology & Habits

There are two breeding seasons, one peaking in December and the other in June. Breeding begins at one year of age and a gestation period of 42 to 45 days. Average litter size is 3 to 4. At birth they are hairless, blind, and their ears are closed. Newborns weigh about ½ ounce at birth and 3 to 5 ounces at 5 weeks. Young begin to explore outside the nest about the time they are weaned at 10 to 12 weeks. Squirrels are almost always busy preparing for the winter. A squirrel’s diet will change through the year; in the warmer months their diet consists of fruits, berries and succulent plant materials as well as some nuts. Nuts such as acorns and pecans are most often stored for winter. In early spring they prefer tree buds. The urbanized squirrel’s diet may not fluctuate as much due to the abundance of bird feeders in neighborhoods. Male squirrels are very territorial and readily mark their area.

Management

Squirrels are very persisting in nature. Once established, in the attic, squirrels must be trapped and removed to lessen the chance of future damage caused by the animal trying to re-enter the structure. Squirrels that are denied their previously used access will often make a new entry point. Allowing squirrels to live and raise young in your attic can be costly. Austin’s Wildlife Removal Service’s identifies all points of entries and monitors the entries after the squirrel has been removed to ensure complete removal of squirrels from attic before animal proofing. AWRS uses a 26 gauged paint grip sheet at all roof intersections, and all roof and gable vents are proofed with a 23 gauged galvanized hardware cloth. This prevents animal entry, while allowing air flow through vents.

Diseases

Squirrel Squirrels in general is not considered a significant public health concern, as with all animals squirrels do carry parasites such as fleas, along with urine and dropping can be a vector of diseases, such as:

• The Plague
• Leptospirosis
• Salmonella
• Squirrel Pox
• Damage

Squirrels damage an array of items by their constant chewing activity.  including landscaping by chewing the bark from tree trunks and branches as well as the buds of new growth. Squirrels often chew into patio furniture for stuffing. Damage to your home can occur when squirrels find or chew their way into attic thru wood, aluminum siding, light gauged screening covering roof and gable vents, even PVC sewer vent pipes! Once in the attic squirrels can damage air conditioning ducts, electrical and alarm wiring all the while depositing their droppings and urine.

Austin’s Wildlife Removal Services resolves the human and animal conflict.

If you no longer need an alarm clock because of squirrels’ activity in the mornings, or if you hear sounds of running, scratching, chewing noises throughout the day, call us for your free phone consultation at 512-278-0278.