Squirrel Removal & Info
Pest squirrels are divided into three groups for classification: tree squirrels ground squirrels flying squirrels Species that fall into all three groupings have the capacity to cause destruction on lawns and in homes. Some of the more common species that regularly come into contact with humans and manmade structures include fox squirrels, eastern gray squirrels, and red squirrels.
Biology & Behavior
Tree squirrels belong to the rodent family and Utah has the Albert squirrel, the Pine squirrel and the Eastern Fox squirrel. The Pine squirrel is also known as the Red squirrel or Chickaree. Tree squirrels are seldom found far from forested or wooded areas. Tree squirrels feed on a variety of materials including fruits, bark, leaves, fungi, insects, bird eggs, nuts and occasionally other small animals. Tree squirrel diets vary by species and are determined by their habitat and season of the year. They do not hibernate but tend to store great quantities of food during the winter months.
Noises
What Does a Tree Squirrel Sound Like?
Squirrels primarily emit warning and mating calls. Tree and ground squirrels are most active in the daytime and can be heard in attics or gutters and burrowing in gardens or under porches, respectively. Their young are noted for having sharp cries, while adult squirrels make noises that sound like “kuk” or “qua.” Squirrels in attics or walls also make scratching noises as they travel across surfaces. Other squirrel sounds, like buzzing, chattering, whistling, or the stomping of feet, signal danger and act as an audible threat to potential intruders.
Tracks
Squirrel tracks are relatively small at about two inches in length. Although their prints are around the same size as those left by rabbits, squirrels have front paws with four narrow toes tipped with tiny claws. A squirrel’s larger rear paws also feature five distinct toes with a large pad at the heel.
Scat
Squirrel droppings are similar in size to kidney beans and range from 5 to 8 mm in length. They usually get scattered about as the rodents run and easily blend in with the ground due to their light brown coloration. As tree-dwelling creatures, squirrels often use hollow crevices in tree trunks as toilets. Droppings are generally pill-shaped and cylindrical in appearance, sometimes with tapered ends.
Damage
Tree squirrels are a nuisance and cause damage when they use buildings for nesting sites and food storage or gnaw into attics to take up residence. They often gain access through vents, broken windows, knot holes, and construction gaps under eaves and gables. Occasionally, the chimney and fire place provide an entry route. Some have a remarkable ability to destroy wooden shakes and shingles. The amount of structural damage may at times be severe. They can be especially destructive to cabins that are vacant during part of the year, since they are free to continue the activities until the owners return. Garages, barns, stables, tool sheds, and other buildings often serve as home for tree squirrels. Rarely do Tree squirrels take up residence in a building without being seen or leaving evidence. The typical evidence of Tree squirrels includes droppings, gnawed holes, nest materials, food stores, shells, hulls, pits, and other food remnants. If squirrels are in the attic or garage even if not visible, their movement can be heard.
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Commonly ASKED QUESTIONS?
What do you do with trapped animals?
That answer depends on the state in which you live. Each state has their own laws that dictate what we must do when it comes to controlling wildlife on your property. In some states, we can trap, transfer and release the animals. In some states we can trap the animals, but we can only release them back onto your own property. If you don’t want the animal released on your property, it must be humanely euthanized. Sometimes we don’t even need to trap the animal and a simple exclusion device (one-way door) can be installed to allow the animal to exit your home and be locked out.
How much does it cost to remove an animal?
There are a number of factors that determine pricing; location of the animal (i.e. – chimney, attic, crawl, wall void, living area), condition of the animal (i.e. – sick, aggressive, dead), location and condition of the property and time of year (i.e. – weather condition, offspring present?). Generally speaking, pricing will vary by location and species for just the animal removal and that pricing usually does not include the entry repair.
I think I have birds in my chimney, can you get them out?
The answer to that question is most likely “Yes”, but are you sure what you’re hearing is birds? Raccoons easily invade chimneys and they have their litters on the smoke shelf of fireplaces. The sounds baby raccoons make are often mistaken for birds in chimneys and removal can be difficult. The only birds that nest in chimneys are chimney swifts and they’re federally protected, so removal can’t be performed, but exclusion can be – once they depart. If you have a pre-fabricated chimney and birds fall between the cooling tubes, removal is nearly impossible.
How soon can you get here?
Office hours vary from franchise to franchise, but generally speaking, office hours are 8am – 6pm M-F and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.
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