There are plenty of squirrels loose in The Woodlands, TX this winter! We have seen an abundance of calls from all over the Greater Houston Area regarding Squirrels but especially in The Woodlands, TX! Squirrels are native to the Houston area and can be found all throughout the region. Squirrels typically live in forests, but they can also be found in urban and suburban areas, like The Woodlands. Squirrels will seek shelter in a variety of places, from bird houses to your house. Don’t let squirrels nest in your home uninvited this Holiday Season!
How Do You Know If Squirrels Are Living In Your Home?
There are a few telltale signs Squirrels may be living in your attic. One sign is if you hear scratching or gnawing noises coming from your attic. Squirrels will often chew on wood, electrical wiring, and other materials in the attic as they make their home. Obviously, squirrels chewing on your electrical wiring poses a huge threat to your safety! Another sign of Squirrels nesting in your attic is droppings. Squirrels will leave feces in little piles all around the attic. Squirrels might also leave urine stains, making your attic wet and smelly. Squirrels will also leave behind their food sources such as acorns, nuts, and berries in the attic. If you see any of these signs, it is likely that Squirrels are living in your attic.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Squirrel Droppings and Rodent Droppings?
The easiest way to tell the difference between squirrel droppings and rodent droppings is by size. Squirrel droppings are typically about the size of a raisin, while rodent droppings are typically about the size of a grape. Another way to tell the difference is by the smell. Squirrel droppings have a strong, musky smell while rodent droppings have a more pungent, ammonia-like smell. Finally, you can tell the difference by the appearance of the fecal matter. Squirrel droppings are rounded, while rodent droppings are more irregularly shaped. Squirrels can carry diseases, so it is important to be able to tell the difference between their droppings and rodent droppings.
What Are Squirrels Attracted To?
Squirrels are attracted to food, water, and shelter. They seek refuge in your home during the winter because it’s a warm and it is a safe place to be. Squirrels such as the Fox Squirrel and the Grey Squirrel are common in The Woodlands, TX because of its natural landscape. The Woodlands’ wooded areas and local bodies of water make The Woodlands a PRIME area for Squirrels to thrive. Squirrels will eat almost anything, but they especially love nuts, seeds, and fruits.
- The Fox Squirrel: This large, reddish-brown tree squirrel has a long fluffy tail and likes to eat acorns and other nuts. Fox squirrels can run up to speeds of 15 miles per hour, jump up to six feet horizontally, and can also change direction quickly.
- The Grey Squirrel: The Grey Squirrel is a tree dwelling rodent that has adapted to live in the forests of North America. It is very common throughout the forest. Grey squirrels are easily identified by their Grey fur and bushy tail. Grey Squirrels are active during the day and are very curious. They are not afraid of humans and can sometimes be seen stealing birdseed from backyards. Grey Squirrels jump from tree to tree using their long tails to balance. Grey Squirrels, like all rodents, have four front teeth that grow constantly. Their lifespan in the wild is about 6 years.
Why Do Squirrels Like to Nest In Your Home?
Squirrels like to visit your home because they like to store food for the winter. Squirrels bury nuts and seeds in your yard, and will enter your home through small openings such as cracks in the walls, attic vents, and by chewing through the roof. Squirrels can cause damage to your home by chewing through the insulation in your attic and throughout your walls, as well as chew on wiring. Squirrels can also carry parasites and diseases, including rabies. Squirrels are not good to have around your home, which is why it’s important to remove any food sources they may be attracted to, such as bird feeders, and seal any openings that they may use to get into your home.
How Can I Keep Squirrels Out Of My Home This Winter?
Squirrels can be destructive, but there are things you can do to Squirrel-proof your home. You can help keep squirrels out of your home by sealing any holes or cracks in your home’s exterior. You should also trim any trees or branches that are close to your home, as squirrels can use these as a way to get into your home. If you have any bird feeders or Squirrel-proof feeders in your yard, make sure to keep them clean and free of food debris. Squirrels can use this debris as a way to take up residence in your yard, so make sure to keep your feeders clean. Squirrels are active during the day, so make sure to keep your home well lit at night. As Squirrels enter homes more often in winter, these tips may help to keep them out of your home. Squirrel proofing your home can be a challenge, but it is very important to protect your home from Squirrels.
If you feel like there may be squirrels living in your attic, do not hesitate, call us today for your FREE Consultation and Quote! We promise to over-exceed your expectations. There is no reason why you should be having to deal with Squirrels this holiday season! Call the experts so we can make your home Squirrel FREE this Winter! Call 281-683-6737, as always, ask for Chris!
Thanks for reading!