Should I Call a Pest Control Company to Get Rid of Squirrels in Tallahassee, FL?

When you hear things go bump in the night (and day), you may not immediately think about rodents frolicking around your property, but think again. Wildlife, like the squirrels that live in Tallahassee, can cause damage in your home attic, on your roof, and in crawl spaces.

Whether you find these clever critters stealing birdseed in your backyard or having a field day in your attic, it is best to contact a professional rodent control company as soon as possible. Left to their own devices, squirrels will chew through almost anything (including power cables), make noise, and possibly spread disease.

What are the most common species of squirrel in Tallahassee?

Florida is home to three common types of tree squirrels: the gray, the fox, and the flying squirrel.

Gray Squirrel

Gray squirrels have gray-brown fur and a light-colored underside. They live in both rural and urban areas and build nests in trees and attics. They feed on nuts, berries, and seeds, but also supplement with birdseed and whatever treat they may find in a homeowner’s garden.

Fox Squirrel

Reaching up to 28 inches in length and nearly two pounds, the fox squirrel is the largest species of squirrel in Florida. They usually are light brown to black, have long, bushy tails, and strong hind legs that allow them to jump with ease. They spend most of their time on the ground in open, wooded areas, but will not hesitate to use a nearby tree as a bridge to a home attic. Their diet consists of nuts, berries, seeds, fungi, and the occasional egg or insect.

Flying Squirrel

The flying squirrel is similar to the gray squirrel in size and color, but is unique in that it can glide through the air at distances of up to 150 feet. This species is more active at night and feeds on berries, nuts, bugs, fruit, mushrooms, fungi, dead animals, eggs, and flowers. Flying squirrels are particularly prone to carrying disease, as their feces contains bacteria that can become airborne and spread to humans and food through air ducts and vents.

Are squirrels dangerous?

Any of the squirrels listed above can wreak havoc inside and outside your home or business. Naturally, they are drawn to areas that provide access to food and are prone to building nests inside overgrown shrubbery, crawl spaces, and attics. Like most rodents, they are quite agile and can shimmy their way through small spaces, gaps, wall/air vents, and roof edges.

Squirrels can create problems for homeowners in a variety of ways. They make noise by scratching at walls and running around attics and can chew their way through electrical wire and insulation.

They also leave behind urine and feces, causing horrible odors, not to mention the bacteria and disease they can carry and spread to you and your loved ones.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Home

According to Sciencing, a squirrel who survives its first two years is likely to live up to an additional five years or more. Female squirrels can have up to two litters a year with two to nine squirrels per litter.

Knowing these cute, but destructive creatures may invite themselves into your home without plans of leaving, it is crucial to keep your spaces clear of potential nesting sites and food. Common DIY strategies for keeping rodents out include sealing possible entry points into your attic, avoid hanging bird feeders, and making your home the least desirable nesting location.

Try the following squirrel prevention tips at home:

Trim back branches that are touching your roof
Remove and secure garbage cans
Clean crawl spaces and patch gaps, cracks, and holes
Replace worn and broken vents

These strategies may keep squirrels and other common rodents away, but only professional pest control services can ensure squirrels will not return. Instead of spending your precious time trying to find entry points and making sure every bit of food is secured or disposed of, save hours and money by contacting our licensed experts to remove the rodents for good.

Call us at the first signs of squirrel activity, and we will use our exclusion services to rid of the squirrels in your Tallahassee home and take steps to prevent future infestations.

Our service includes:

A thorough inspection of your home and customized plan for removal
Trapping and removing existing pests
Securing your home against future squirrel activity by sealing cracks, closing voids, and securing roof and attic entry points

Capelouto Termite & Pest Control is here to solve your pest problems. Our trained professionals can deal with squirrels and other pesky wildlife in a way that is safe and effective. Contact us to set up a free inspection and start eliminating squirrels in your home or business today!