Hearing Noises Or Scratching In Your Attic? It Might Be A Squirrel

Did you know that Squirrels are classified as rodents? One of the main differences between a rodent and a squirrel is that squirrels have a large bushy tail. All rodents are gnawing animals, squirrels have very well developed jaw muscles and chisel like front teeth that can chew through many things. Their front teeth are kept sharp by gnawing on hard objects such as nuts, seeds and woody plant materials. The rodent’s front teeth are constantly growing and must be constantly filed down if not, they can grow to the point where it would keep the rodent from eating leading to starvation.

Reproductive Rates & Diet

Rodents are known to have high reproductive rates. The squirrels here in Florida can produce anywhere from two (2) litters 2-4 young each year. The first litter is born sometime between January & February and then again during the mid-summer months. It takes sometime for the young squirrels to mature and they are left on their own at around 2 to 2 1/2 months of age. They usually give birth in nests located in trees and are very active during the day. Their diet consists of fruits, nuts, and plants. They have also been known to eat the eggs and young of nesting birds and insects.

Florida is home to three (3) species of squirrels the gray, fox and flying squirrel and one ground squirrel known as the eastern chipmunk. Although they share similar characteristics, they are unique in their own way. The most common squirrel in Florida is the gray squirrel. They are medium in size weighing approximately one pound (1lb.) and are about fifteen (15) inches long. Half of that alone is the length of the tail! They are commonly gray with rust colored hairs scattered throughout their coat. It is not uncommon to also see black or blonde gray squirrels. They are very common in urban areas and do quite well in residential areas where there are a few trees present. They are extremely attracted to Oak and can easily supplement their food by using bird feeders and gardens.

Fox squirrels also known as the Sherman’s fox Squirrel and Mangrove fox Squirrel. They are much larger than the gray squirrels. The adults can weigh more than two (2lbs.) and can reach a total length of twenty-six (26) inches. Fox squirrels are usually buffy gray to reddish tan with a black head, white ears and nose their body color can vary from gray-white to black but the color pattern on their head almost always remains the same. Unlike the gray squirrels, the fox squirrels are very selective in their habitat. They are rarely found in urbanized areas and are usually found in Florida’s slash pine and upland pine forest. They depend mostly on pine seeds for food during the summer months and acorns throughout the remainder of the year.

Flying Squirrels are very small weighing in at about two (2) ounces and measuring just nine (9) inches in length including a 3-4 inch tail. They have very large ears and eyes. Their fur is quite soft and dense. Their upper body is light brown and they have a white belly. What makes the flying squirrel unique is that they are able to glide for distances as far as one hundred and fifty feet (150ft.)! Flying squirrels don’t really fly, they actually glide. They move around by climbing really high up in trees and leaping with all legs outspread thus stretching the skin membrane along their sides and allowing them to glide to another tree. They are not able to move around on the ground very well. They are not as active during the day. They prefer being under the cover of darkness and move quickly through the trees feeding on nuts, fruits, moths and other insects and typically nest in hollow trees.

Types of Problems Caused By Squirrels

Squirrels living in your attic can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars in property damage. Although squirrel problems do vary, most of the problems are caused by their chewing, & digging. Squirrels can be attracted to your landscaping with minimal effort on your part. They are very attracted to oaks, hickories and other trees as well as feeders. Installing a feeder is not recommended because it often leads into more problems then benefits. Feeders encourage squirrels to remain in the area because their food source is nearby and when this occurs, they may search out nesting sites in your home and can cause property damage. They are able to gain access into your home by pulling up roof shingles and chewing through your roof decking. They can also gain access by tearing holes in soffits and fascia as well as damage screens, and often take up residence in attics. Squirrels in attics will often damage insulation, HVAC, chew through pipes and electrical wires causing a potential for water damage and fire hazard.

How Trapline Pest Solutions Can Help

If you are hearing noises or scratches in your attic there is no need to panic. Our experienced team will schedule a visit to inspect your home and provide you with a custom solution for your individual case. We can provide a permanent solution backed by an industry leading no “BS” guarantee.

We are Central Florida’s local, caring and preferred pest control and nuisance wildlife removal company. Our team is ready to help you solve your rodent problem. Our service areas include Orlando, Winter Park, College Park, Windermere, Sanford, Lake Mary, Lake Nona and all of Central Florida.

We standby and guarantee our work 100%

For more information about our services, visit our website at: www.traplinepest.com