Squirrels

What are squirrels?

Squirrels are a species of rodent. Tree squirrels are the most common kinds of squirrels and are found living in any urban, suburban, or rural areas where trees are present. Two types of squirrels that are common to northern New Jersey are flying squirrels and gray squirrels.

Flying squirrels
Despite their name, flying squirrels do not actually fly. Instead, they jump and glide using a specialized membrane that is found between their front and back legs. Flying squirrels have grayish-brown fur and lighter-colored underbellies. They also have unique, large black eyes, which provide these nocturnal creatures with superior night vision.

Gray squirrels
These squirrels are gray in color with lighter-colored underbellies. Their bodies are covered in short, thick hair and they have long, bushy tails that they use to balance themselves as they leap from tree to tree. Their tails also help keep them warm. These squirrels are most active during the day and are often seen running around the ground, up trees, and leaping from tree to tree or from tree to house.

Are squirrels dangerous?

Like other species of rodents, squirrels are considered dangerous pests. They have the potential to transmit diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, and may introduce dangerous parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites into your home and onto your property. Like other rodents, squirrels' front incisors continuously grow throughout their life and they constantly gnaw on objects to prevent them from overgrowing. Squirrels can cause a lot of structural damage to your home by chewing through wires, pipes, insulation, drywall, and flooring. They will also chew on and damage personal items stored within your home. In addition, squirrels often find their way into and damage cars.

Why do I have a squirrel problem?

Squirrels are drawn to properties that provide food, water, and safe shelter. Squirrels are omnivores and have a varied diet, though they especially like to feed on seeds, nuts, and berries. Properties with a lot of trees, bird feeders, gardens, compost piles, and clogged gutters can be attractive to squirrels. While preferring to live outside, squirrels often move indoors in the late fall in order to have a safe, warm place to overwinter. They find their way into homes and other buildings through chimneys, gaps at roof intersections, holes in the roofline, spaces around windows or doors, vents, or through gaps in exterior walls.

Where will I find squirrels?

Outside, tree squirrels like flying squirrels and gray squirrels prefer to create their nests inside natural tree cavities or inside old holes that woodpeckers have created. Squirrels that have found their way inside homes often create their nests inside chimneys, attics, wall voids, in basements, and in crawlspaces.

How do I get rid of squirrels?

The best way to solve your northern New Jersey property’s squirrel problem is to partner with a local pest control company. When you partner with Heritage Pest Control, our reliable and friendly professionals will be at your residential or commercial property within 24 hours to assess the infestation and recommend treatment. We are proud to provide all our customers with reliable, affordable, and environmentally friendly pest solutions. To learn more about our squirrel control services, reach out to us!