Squirrel
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ianrpubs.unl.edu/wildlife/g1377.htmThe type of squirrel for this discussion is typically referred to as a Tree squirrel. It is also known as a Fox squirrel, Gray squirrel, Red squirrel, or Flying squirrel.
This is the type of squirrel you usually see in the trees, roof-tops, and sometimes on electric power poles or lines. They can also scale up gutter down spouts, trees or shrubs,
or gaps in eaves or roof areas and even run across fence tops to get into structures.
It is not hard to recognize these animals with their long bushy tail. Their average size is about 18 in. in length including the tail. They have the same sleeping pattern
as we do. This type of pattern is called diurnal. This sleeping pattern helps to distinguish the difference of noises between rats and squirrels. Rats are nocturnal
meaning their more active at night. They usually forage for food during the middle of the day and return in late afternoon back to their nest area. This early morning
and late afternoon is when they are most active and noisiest.
They typically live between 4-7 years. They have 1 or 2 litters per year with 3-6 young, called pups. These pups are usually born in early spring or late winter.
Their diet generally consists of nuts, seeds, berries, fruits, flowers, and flower bulbs. They may also feed on insects, bird eggs, young birds, and other small animals
or even tender tree bark.
They become a nuisance in the fact they can enter areas with electrical and other types of wires and potentially cause short circuits or fires by chewing the wire insulation. They can enter holes as small as 1 ˝ “ wide. The potential of fires makes it necessary and urgent to remove these animals. The best way is to use a wire type cage trap such as
Safeguard Std Rear Release M52818 18x5x5,
Safeguard Std Rear Release M52824 24x7x8, or
Safeguard Pro Rear Release M54124 24x7x8.
We handle Safeguard brand of trap for the ease of animal removal. This trap has a rear release door that simply pulls up to allow the animal to leave out the back of the trap. Some other traps do not have this type of design.
They could also fall into vents or chimneys on roofs or into wall voids where they could die and create an odor. For this situation we have some odor reduction materials such as
X/O Odor Deodorizer/ Neutralizer 16 oz Btl,
X/O Odor Deodorizer / Neutralizer 16 oz Btl 12/case,
Epolean N7C Odor Neutralizer ˝ gal Jug, and
Rat Sorb 1 oz Btl.
The best trap advice is to not set the trap up in the attic. The squirrel has already explored this area and a trap was not there when it first arrived.
A trap would be something they would most likely shy away from. It is more likely to be captured by placing the trap at the bottom of a gutter down spout, adjacent tree, or
secure it to the top of a fence you see it running across. The best bait to use is to take a regular apple, cut it in half, apply peanut butter and jelly with pecan or other type
nut halves or pieces spread over it then secure the apple back together with a wooden cooking skewer.
Another trapping consideration is “How do you know if the squirrel is not in the space inside anymore?” This is solved by taking a piece of news paper or paper towel
or something else that is easily removed and placing it in the hole usually in the late morning when they are most likely out foraging for food.
If you see the material still in the hole it is a good indication the squirrel or squirrels have not re-entered that area. This is a timing consideration to seal this area to not allow re-entry.
Traps need to be checked at least once a day. It is not necessary to euphonize the trapped animal; it simply got into an area it was not supposed to be. However,
you do need to release it at least 10-15 minutes away from the capture location.
For additional information or product purchases, we can be reached at www.expresspest.com, 972-562-9999, 903-891-8818, or 866-562-8999.
