A squirrel is a cute little critter to see running through the park collecting food but when they start to invade your home they go from cute to a nuisance quickly. When squirrels are living in the walls or attic of your home, they scurry around making noise and causing damage so it is always a good idea to get the infestation taken care of as soon as possible. There are four species of squirrels that are found in the State of California. Each are different in their look and characteristics so it is good to know what you are dealing with.
Squirrel Species Found in California
Native Douglas Squirrel: Sometimes referred to as chickarees, douglas squirrels are found in mostly conifer-forested regions. They are very vocal, native tree squirrels that may become nuisance home or garden pests in remote rural areas.
Native Western Gray Squirrel: A tree squirrel that is found primarily in oak woodlands in foothills and valleys as well as pine and oak forests. When found in urban environments, tree squirrels can get to your roof with ease and start their nests in your attic and roof spaces. The western gray squirrel has prominent ears and is gray in color on top with distinctive white underparts. Western gray squirrels are distinguished from eastern gray and other squirrel species by their very long gray bushy tails with white-frosted outer edges. They quite aggressive in collecting food and have been known to steal from bird feeders and other animals to score a free meal.
Eastern Gray Squirrel: Another tree squirrel, Eastern gray squirrels were originally introduced into Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. They can have variations in color but are typically mostly gray with some having a distinctive reddish tint. Eastern gray squirrels are medium sized, with fairly narrow tails and shorter ears than Western gray squirrels. There are some ways that you can keep squirrels of all kinds out if your home.
Eastern Fox squirrels: Like the Eastern gray squirrel, Eastern fox squirrels were also introduced from the Eastern part of the United States. They are now well established in most major cities in California. Fox squirrels can be identified by their yellow/brown to orange top coat, tan to reddish/brown underside, and bright orange/brown ears. The fox squirrel is often incorrectly referred to as the red squirrel by many residents of California.
How To Keep Squirrels Off Your Roof & Out of Your Home
The best thing that you can do to keep squirrels out of your home is to trim back the trees in your property. Tree squirrels especially are very adept at using the long overreaching limbs to jump on the roof to gain access to your home. The next step to take is to make sure that you have sealed all the vents around your home. There are some vents that usually have a wire cover but it can come lose and that will give the squirrels access to your home. Check the vents to ensure they are covered securely.
Nuisance Wildlife Inspections, Control, Removal, Exclusion & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Squirrel trapping and removal is not a do it yourself kind of project. It should also be noted that it is illegal to use poison baits in the management of any species of tree squirrel in California. If you suspect squirrels in your walls, attic or roof space, it is best to hire a professional wildlife company to trap and remove them for you. Animal Pest Management offers professional pest control and wildlife removal services. Give our office a call today!
