Squirrels are a cute fluffy-tailed rodents. But they can be damaging. Squirrel droppings, for example, can be a breeding ground for multiple disease-causing organisms and can pose health risks.
Leptospirosis is a common health concern for many. Usually, mice are the carrier. But it is also found in squirrel urine and feces, which can be transferred to humans thru contaminated water and food. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, high fever, red eyes, headache, jaundice, chills, vomiting, and muscle aches.
Salmonellosis is another disease people may suffer when exposed to squirrel droppings. Salmonellosis is an infection with Salmonella – bacteria that typically live in the intestinal tracts of animals like rodents. Studies show that more than 40,000 salmonellosis-related cases are reported in the US every year.
A squirrel may also carry fleas and ticks that can easily be transferred to dogs, cats, and humans, of course. Experts say ticks are dangerous as they can cause Lyme disease. Serious symptoms are nerve pain, fever, fatigue, and headache. When left untreated, it can spread to the nervous system, joints, and heart.
What’s more, squirrels can cause unexpected home repair and maintenance. As a rodent, it is innate for them to chew. For that reason, they might damage your power lines and rooftop wiring, which could lead to accidents or fire. A professional and trustworthy pest control like Synergy2 got you covered.
Common FAQ’s About Squirrel Droppings
1.What do squirrel droppings look like?
2.Squirrel droppings vs rat droppings?
3.What does squirrel poop look like?
Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem
Squirrels are cuddly and adorable. But they can be destructive. Here are a few signs you have a squirrel problem:
Water Damage on Your Ceiling or Walls
Water damage can be caused by severe weather, clogged gutters, leaking pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning sprinkler systems, or leaking water heater.
Sometimes, it may indicate a squirrel population in your attic, leading to a pile of feces, including their urine.
When left unsolved for days or months, the buildup of waste would start to seep into the wood and insulation.
Over time, it could lead to staining and peeling walls, which many homeowners do not want.
Strange Noises
You may feel happy when you do not see squirrels in your yard. But do not relax. It is possible they already have a nest in your attic. Examine your ceiling for a day, and you may hear scampering, chewing, scurrying, and scratching noises for sure.
Squirrel Footprints
If you do not hear any strange noise, you may track squirrel footprints. These rodents are small, with four toes in front and 5 in their back paws.
For better results, you can place a piece of cardboard with some flour on top in spots where you see squirrels.
It is easy to use and effective at the same time.
Damages
Any evidence of squirrel damage is challenging to find inside your home as it is hidden in walls and attic.
The trick here is to look for teeth marks on wood, chewed electrical wire, wood chips, air vent damage, and nest in the insulation.
You can also search for holes in shingles, chewed bark on trees, and ripped open garbage bags.
Decaying Smell
Aside from the feces and urine, it is possible that some squirrels may get stuck in your attic. Soon, these rodents will die and begin to decay, causing a foul smell around your property.
A decaying smell is extremely uncomfortable and unhealthy. Removing dead rodents is not suitable for those with a weak heart. There is nothing to worry about. Syngery2 is ready to guide you from start to finish.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels?
Suppose you have tried everything you could to get rid of squirrels and nothing worked. That’s frustrating and expensive.
Here are some expert-recommended methods you should try:
Invest in a Motion Activated Sprinkler
Squirrels only have jaws and teeth to fight off when in danger. So, they are more likely to run in times of an adversary.
Many people believe they need to harm squirrels to scare them effectively. But that is not true. Any sudden sound or movement is more than enough.
While there are multiple options to consider, a motion-activated sprinkler will be your best bet.
Some think that a sprinkler could drive up their utility bills. To avoid high electric consumption, make sure to direct your attention to brands with easy-to-customize settings.
Other features you should look for are tripod stands and rotatable motion sensors.
Take Advantage of Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Squirrels cannot resist grains, fruits, seeds, and nuts. When they see bird feeders, they may eat all the food available. You can definitely use critter-proof bird feeders.
Instead of sticking them on the ground, suspend the feeder on a wire. But be sure you hang them at least five feet from the ground.
Plant Something They Hate
While squirrels eat and love greens, there are plants they hate. Experts say flowers that emit a strong smell are a perfect choice.
Top deterrent plants include Galanthus, mint, daffodils, geraniums, and hyacinths.
Daffodils, for instance, can be dangerous to squirrels as they are high in calcium oxalate crystals and lycorine.
Alliums like scallions, onion, leeks, and garlic can also repel these fluffy-tailed rodents naturally.
Seal Any Entry Points to Your House
Another way to prevent and get rid of squirrels is to remove all entry points to your house.
Our homes attract squirrels because they are well-insulated. They also provide extra protection from predators and other elements.
Therefore, when you see cracks, block them right away. Whether the eaves are damaged, or there is a hole in the screen door, fill them with durable sealants.
Synergy2 – A Trusted and Sought-After Pest Control Specialist
While a DIY squirrel removal is cost-effective, nothing can beat the services of an experienced and reputable pest control expert like Synergy2.
Your ultimate satisfaction is our number one priority since our establishment. We believe that not every strategy can meet client’s specific needs.
That’s why we always consider the requirements of our customers to provide the quality and well-individualized services they deserve.
Synergy² Pest Control Jackson MS
If you’re looking for the right team to handle the issue for you, Synergy² is here to help. We provide trusted services throughout the area, so contact us for the best pest control services around.
Feel free to read more about us and decide if Synergy² is the right company for you. We have over 350 Five-Star Google reviews for pest control service in the Jackson metro area (Jackson/Madison/Brandon/Ridgeland). Check out our newest location reviews for pest control service in Jackson, MS here at Synergy² Jackson Pest Control!