Read facts about the common squirrels in Kansas and tips on squirrel removal.
Fox Squirrel
The largest native species of tree squirrel in North America is the fox squirrel. Their size, unique coloring, and habits set them apart. With a body length of 10 to 15 inches and a tail length of the same, fox squirrels are 20 to 30 inches long overall. They have no discernible sexual dimorphism in terms of size or appearance, and they weigh between 1.0 and 2.5 pounds. Their undersides are typically brownish-orange, while their upper body can range from brown-grey to brown-yellow. Fox squirrels are opportunistic feeders that mostly consume vegetation in their diet. Acorns, nuts, seeds, fleshy fruits, buds, flowers, bird eggs, insect larvae, insects, fungi, tubers, and roots are just a few of the many wild items they consume. Females can produce two litters per year, with an average litter size of 2-3, but litters can range between 1 and 7.
Gray Squirrel
Gray squirrels can weigh up to 1.5 pounds and have a body length of 8 to 10 inches, along with a tail that is about the same length. Their bellies might be white or brownish, but their fur is primarily gray. They could have white ear tufts in the winter. This species also contains squirrels with unusual color variations, such black and albino squirrels. Their broad, bushy tails have earned them the nickname “bushytail” due to their common appearance. They eat a variety of foods, such as fungus, nuts, seeds, buds, and flowers from trees, and sometimes insects and small rodents. They especially enjoy the seeds of many different trees, hazelnuts, walnuts, and acorns.
Call Now To Schedule An Appointment!
Squirrels In the Attic
Unusual Noises
Listen for loud scampering noises early in the morning and at dusk, as squirrels are most active during these times. Squirrels can make considerable sounds when inhabiting your home, including scratching, chewing, and rustling. The majority of clients believe they have a raccoon problem since squirrels can sound much larger than they actually are in the attic.
Squirrel Removal
Lethal Traps
The trap, specifically Conibear model #120 or #110, needs to be placed over the squirrel’s entry hole. Secure the trap with its chain.
A Kania trap is designed to quickly and humanely kill squirrels. Set the trap in the late afternoon or early evening.
Live Traps
Cage traps capture squirrels without harming them, allowing for relocation. Bait the traps with peanut butter or nuts and place them near entry points or the paths squirrel’s use. Check these traps daily, as squirrels should not be left in the trap for long periods due to stress and potential harm. Repeater traps are effective for catching multiple squirrels as they enter or exit the attic. Mount these traps directly on the entry/exit holes.
One-Way Exclusion Doors
One-Way Doors These devices allow squirrels to leave the attic but prevent them from returning. They are mounted over the main entry/exit holes used by the squirrels. This method is humane and effective as part of a broader exclusion strategy, which should include sealing all potential entry points to prevent re-entry.
If you feel uncomfortable following these squirrel removal tips Reach out to us!
Damage to Your Home
Signs of squirrel damage in the attic, inspect for chewed materials such as molding, wiring, beams, and entryways to your attic or roof. Squirrel removal will be necessary.
Look for holes in your siding, soffits, or vents that squirrels may have enlarged for easier access. Signs that appear to be water damage on your walls or ceiling could actually result from squirrel urine and feces.
Chewed electrical wires, which can lead to power outages, electrical fires, and other hazards.
Damage to attic insulation, as squirrels use it for nesting material and also soil it with urine and feces, compromising its effectiveness.
Teeth marks on wood, walls, and other materials within the attic.
Damage To Home’s Exterior: Holes in shingles, roofline damage, and chew marks on outer panels of the home, which can be entry points for squirrels. Siding, boarding, and other materials that squirrels can access.
Structural Damage: Weakened support beams and wood framing due to squirrels gnawing on them. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and potential health risks. We recommend professional wildlife removal services to safely and humanely remove the squirrels and repair the damage caused.
Nests: Squirrels use insulation and outside materials like leaves and debris to build their nests. Check for destroyed and ruffled insulation or nests in your attic.
Squirrel Droppings: Look for scattered droppings in and around your attic and roof. Squirrel feces are small brown pellets, usually with rounded ends, about a half-inch in length.
Health Risks: Accumulation of feces and urine can lead to health hazards such as mold growth and the spread of diseases like Salmonella.
How to Prevent Squirrels From Entering the Attic
There’s no magic product to deter squirrels from entering your property or home. Here are preventative measures you can take to make your property less attractive to squirrels.
Conduct a thorough inspection of your attic and roof to identify any potential entry points, such as holes, cracks, or gaps. Seal these openings with sturdy materials like metal flashing, hardware cloth, or aluminum soffit panels, as squirrels can chew through wood and softer materials. Ensure vents are properly covered with vent covers.
Trim Trees and Vegetation: Keep tree branches trimmed at least 6 to 8 feet away from your roof to eliminate easy access points for squirrels.
Secure Food Sources: Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving pet food outside. Use squirrel-proof bird feeders or eliminate bird feeders altogether to reduce attractants.
Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect your attic and roof for signs of damage or new entry points, especially after severe weather. Maintain your property by keeping metal flashing on your soffits and replacing any chewed wood as it weakens the exterior materials.
Professional Assistance
Consider hiring a professional when it comes to dealing with wildlife. They can provide expert advice, identify hard-to-find entry points, and safely remove any squirrels already inside. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of squirrels entering your attic and causing damage. Regular vigilance and maintenance are key to keeping your home squirrel-free.
What Are Some Common Entry Points For Squirrels In The Attic
Roof Vents: Roof vents, designed to release warm air from the attic, can also attract squirrels, especially when covered with easily chewable materials like plastic or aluminum.
Roof Edges: The area where the roof meets the eaves is prone to moisture collection, leading to the degradation of materials. This makes the roof edge softer and easier for squirrels to chew through.
Roof-Soffit Intersections: The intersection where two roofs meet often has gaps due to shingles from the lower roof not sealing tightly with the soffit above, providing an entry point for squirrels.
Gable Vents: Similar to roof vents, installers place gable vents on either side of a gable roof for ventilation. Made of materials like wood, plastic, or aluminum, squirrels can chew through them.
Chimneys: Uncapped chimneys provide easy access for squirrels. While aluminum or clay-lined flues may be difficult for them to climb, brick chimneys are easier to navigate.
Attic Windows: Attic windows, if not installed correctly, can have cracks or openings around them that squirrels can exploit to gain entry.
Heating Pipes and Vents: The warm air emitted from heating pipes and vents can attract squirrels looking for a cozy nesting space. These vents are often only protected by plastic covers, which can be chewed through.
Drip Edges: Warped drip edges can create spaces between the edge and the framing of the house, serving as a common entry point for squirrels.
Vents and Chimneys: Both vents and chimneys, if not properly screened or capped, can serve as access points for squirrels into the attic.