They may look cute and cuddly, but squirrels are not animals you should tolerate on your property. There are lots of reasons why you should take steps to control squirrels in Utah County. Not only do they carry fleas, ticks, and mites, but they can be destructive.
Most people don’t see squirrels as a problem. Some just ignore their presence while others set out food for squirrels in their yards. When squirrels know they’re getting an easy meal on a consistent basis, they certainly won’t be willing to leave easily and their numbers will multiply.
Squirrels Common To Utah County
While there are many species of squirrels, the tree squirrel is most common in the Utah County area. Tree squirrels have long bodies covered in short, reddish-brown, gray, or brown fur. Their thick, bushy tails help them balance as they jump from tree to tree.
Squirrels Are Rodents
Most of us don’t react the same way to squirrels as we do to mice or rats. But squirrels are rodents, too. Equipped with large, front incisors, squirrels need to gnaw on things to keep these teeth from getting too long. That’s one of the ways squirrels pose a danger to your home. If a squirrel gets into your home, it will likely chew on hard surfaces such as wood, pipes, or even electrical wires. Not only is this type of activity destructive, but it could result in a fire.
Squirrels Are Uninvited Guests
During warm weather, squirrels build their nests high in the treetops. They spend much of their time in the trees but come to the ground to forage for food and water. As omnivores, squirrels will eat almost anything, including:
- Fungi
- Nuts
- Berries
- Small insects
- Young snakes
- Seeds
- Eggs
In the colder months, squirrels may find their way into homes. They use trees to reach the roof or eaves. Since squirrels are so small, they can squeeze through even the smallest opening to enter a home. From there, they’ll build nests in attics, chimneys, storage boxes, or wall voids.
Once settled in, squirrels can really mess things up. They’ll start searching for food, chewing through boxes, bags, and furniture as they do. Their droppings will damage walls, ceilings, and insulation, creating a stinky situation that requires expensive repairs.
And, like other rodents, squirrels multiply quickly, so even if you start with just a couple in your attic, their numbers can grow. That’s a real problem if someone in your house is allergic to squirrels. Their fur can trigger nasal allergies for many people.
The Key To Squirrel Prevention
To prevent squirrels in Utah County, be proactive about your property. Here are four things you can do to keep squirrels at bay.
- Remove Bird Feeders: You may like watching songbirds in your yard, but birdfeeders also attract squirrels. Consider purchasing squirrel-proof bird feeders or look for ways to make your feeders less accessible to squirrels. You can also move bird feeders well away from your house.
- Close Openings: Seal cracks and holes in your house to prevent squirrels from entering. Use caulk or some sort of sealant to close entry points, especially along the roofline. Put a tight-fitting cap on your chimney.
- Eliminate Tree Branches: Cut branches that come in close proximity to your home. Without a nearby tree, squirrels won’t be able to access your roof quite as easily.
- Work With A Pest Control Professional: Working with an experienced pest control company is the most effective way to keep squirrels from becoming a problem. Pest Pro Pest Control knows what it takes to keep squirrels out of your home and in the trees where they belong.
If you have a squirrel in your house, we can address it, and we can help you take steps to prevent future problems. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.