Effective Strategies For Squirrel Control: Expert Advice For Houston Property Owners

When it comes to owning property in Houston, dealing with wildlife can often be part of the experience. Particularly, squirrels can sometimes pose challenges that require effective strategies for control. If you've been dealing with the issue of squirrel pest control in Houston, you're likely searching for practical, efficient methods to keep these agile critters in check. This comprehensive guide will provide you with expert advice on the types of squirrels you might encounter, the health risks they pose, and prevention tips to help keep your property squirrel-free.

The Types Of Squirrels That Hang Around Yards

Have you ever wondered about the types of squirrels darting around your backyard? The squirrels that make your backyard their playground come in a few different varieties, each with their own quirks. Gaining some knowledge about these critters is the first step to effective squirrel management. So let's meet the usual suspects you're likely to encounter in your Houston backyard.

Eastern Gray Squirrel:

First is the eastern gray squirrel. These medium-sized creatures are easy to spot with their sleek gray fur and snowy-white underbelly. They boast fluffy tails that balance their nimble bodies as they perform acrobatic feats on tree branches. Being daytime squirrels, or 'diurnal' in science speak, they're busy during the daylight hours. So while you're doing your day-to-day tasks, they're likely to be frolicking around in plain sight.

Fox Squirrel:

Next up, we have the fox squirrel, which is quite a large character. In fact, they are the largest squirrel species in North America. What makes them stand out, apart from their size, is their unusual fur color – a handsome mix of reddish-brown and gray. This unique color combo earned them their 'fox' moniker. These creatures are fans of the early morning and late afternoon, making those times your best bet to spot them.

Southern Flying Squirrel:

The southern flying squirrel might be the most interesting of the bunch. Smaller than their fellow yard dwellers, these critters have a unique trick up their sleeve – they can glide between trees. They pull this off thanks to a skin flap stretching between their legs. With their soft gray-brown fur and large, round eyes, they're quite the charmers. However, being nocturnal, they prefer to come out when the sun is down, making nighttime your best chance to catch a glimpse of their aerial acrobatics.

Eastern Fox Squirrel:

Eastern fox squirrels are bigger cousins of the gray squirrel, sharing a similar mix of gray and reddish fur. They're another daytime species who adore the open air, gravitating towards areas with a spattering of trees. Their preference for more open spaces is a good thing to remember when planning any squirrel control measures.

American Red Squirrel:

Another character in our squirrel ensemble is the American red squirrel. This little critter is on the smaller side, making its home both in trees and on the ground. One look, and you'll see how they got their name – they flaunt a reddish, rust-colored coat that shines brilliantly in the sunlight. They're also known for their vocal nature, often chattering away, asserting their presence to anyone in earshot. Like some of their squirrel cousins, they're active during the day. So, when you're out and about, you might just hear or see this little red dynamo making the most of the daylight hours.

Mexican Ground Squirrel:

Last but certainly not least is the Mexican ground squirrel. These petite creatures, adorned with a speckled gray-brown coat, are ground dwellers, preferring to scamper around down low rather than high up in the trees. You'll most likely spot them during the day as they share our human preference for daylight activity!

Being able to identify these types of squirrels and having an understanding of their routines and habits can really help in keeping your yard squirrel-free.

The Diseases Squirrels Are Capable Of Spreading

Squirrels are often seen as cute and harmless critters, but it's important to remember that they're wild animals. This means that they're capable of carrying and transmitting certain diseases, some of which can have serious implications for human health. Let's explore this aspect further.

Squirrels And Public Health: Potential Risks You Should Be Aware Of

First, it's crucial to note that not all squirrels carry diseases, and not all interactions with squirrels result in disease transmission. However, it's always better to err on the side of caution. From rabies and salmonellosis to tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, squirrels can host a range of pathogens and parasites that pose potential risks to humans.

Notable Diseases Transmitted By Squirrels

As a homeowner, it's crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with squirrels. Despite their small size and seemingly harmless demeanor, squirrels are capable of transmitting a variety of diseases to humans. A few of these stand out due to their severity and potential implications on human health.

Leptospirosis, for example, is one such disease that can be contracted through contact with squirrel urine or feces. This bacterial disease can cause a range of symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, and vomiting. If left untreated, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage and liver failure.

Another notable disease transmitted by squirrels is tularemia. This is a bacterial infection that can be spread through squirrel bites or scratches. It can also be contracted by handling the carcass of an infected squirrel. Tularemia may initially cause flu-like symptoms such as fever and fatigue but can escalate into more severe conditions like pneumonia and meningitis.

While the risk of contracting these diseases is generally low, it's still important to take precautions when dealing with squirrels or cleaning areas where they have been present. Always wear gloves, wash your hands thoroughly, and seek medical attention if you're bitten or scratched.

Why You Shouldn't Handle Squirrels Without Protection

Owing to these health risks, it's best to avoid handling squirrels without proper protection. This goes for both living and deceased squirrels, as certain diseases can be contracted from handling dead animals. Besides, squirrels can bite or scratch when threatened, which increases the risk of disease transmission. Controlling squirrels should be done in a safe, humane way that minimizes direct contact.

Squirrels And Ticks: A Health Concern You Might Not Expect

Squirrels, as part of a larger ecosystem, play a more complex role than meets the eye. Beyond their potential to transmit diseases directly, they can host parasites like ticks, which carry their own health risks.

Ticks can acquire diseases such as Lyme disease or anaplasmosis from infected hosts and subsequently pass these on to humans. Lyme disease can cause severe health complications, including nerve pain and memory problems. Anaplasmosis, though less well-known, can lead to conditions as serious as organ failure.

The warm and humid climate of Houston provides ideal conditions for both squirrels and ticks to thrive, increasing the chance of human contact with these creatures. This makes it crucial for local homeowners to consider both elements in their pest management strategies.

Seeing squirrels in a new light, as potential hosts of disease-carrying ticks, underscores the importance of professional pest control services. A comprehensive approach that addresses both squirrel and tick populations can significantly decrease the likelihood of disease transmission on your property.

Effective Squirrel Prevention Tips

Understanding squirrels and their behaviors is half the battle. Now, let's dive into some practical tips for managing squirrels on your property and keeping them at bay. Below are some methods that experts in squirrel pest control recommend.

Home And Yard Assessment

Before anything else, let's take a closer look at your property:

Look for signs of squirrel presence. This can include chewed plants, small holes in your lawn, or squirrel droppings.
Identify common areas in your home where squirrels might hide or nest. These can include your attic, your basement, or any area with lots of clutter.
Recognize potential food sources that might be attracting squirrels. Bird feeders or unsecured trash cans can be big draws for squirrels.

By becoming familiar with your property, you'll be better equipped to identify and manage any squirrel-related issues.

Squirrel-Proofing Your Garden

Making your garden less appealing to squirrels is one of the best preventative measures you can take:

Opt for squirrel-resistant bird feeders or add baffles to existing ones to prevent squirrels from reaching the seeds.
Plant flowers and shrubs that squirrels aren't typically fond of, like daffodils or marigolds.
Secure your garden beds with a wire mesh or a cloche to prevent squirrels from digging.
Install a motion-activated sprinkler system. The unexpected movement and water can deter squirrels from coming into your garden.
Trim back trees or shrubs near your home. This reduces the 'bridges' squirrels use to jump onto your house and into your attic or chimney.
Install a metal collar around the base of trees or poles to make it more difficult for squirrels to climb.
Remove potential nesting sites like unused outdoor equipment or piles of wood.

With these simple adjustments, your garden will be much less inviting to squirrels. By effectively managing the accessibility and attractiveness of your garden, you are significantly reducing the potential for squirrel issues.

Securing Your Home

Your home can become a squirrel's dream spot if you're not careful. Use the following tips to help protect your home from squirrels.

Install chimney caps or screens to prevent squirrels from entering your home through the chimney.
Repair or replace damaged vents or soffits that could provide squirrels an easy entry point.
Keep your attic and basement tidy and free of clutter where squirrels could hide.
Inspect your property for holes and cracks regularly, paying special attention to your roof and foundations, and seal any potential entrances.
Consider installing gutter guards to prevent squirrels from nesting in your gutters.
Make sure all windows and doors, including garage doors, are well-sealed and do not leave gaps for squirrels to sneak inside.

These precautions can help keep your home squirrel-free.

Natural Squirrel Deterrents

There are several natural methods you can use to deter squirrels, including:

Sprinkle cayenne pepper or hot pepper flakes around your property. Squirrels dislike the smell and taste, making it an effective deterrent.
Plant mint around your garden. The strong smell of mint can deter squirrels.
Make a homemade repellent spray by mixing water with a few drops of essential oils like peppermint, cinnamon, or rosemary. Spray this mixture around your property.
Use an ultrasonic squirrel-repellent device. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that squirrels find unpleasant but are safe for other pets and humans.
Install owl or hawk decoys in your yard. The presence of these predator look-alikes can scare off squirrels.
Try using a squirrel-specific deterrent spray available in most garden stores.

Using natural deterrents can help keep squirrels away from your property without causing them harm. While some squirrels may eventually get used to these deterrents, alternating between different methods can help maintain their effectiveness.

Making a few changes to your home and garden allows you to create an environment that's less inviting to squirrels. Just remember, when it comes to wildlife, a respectful and humane approach is always best!

Contact The Wildlife Experts For The Best Squirrel Control

Despite our best efforts, sometimes the squirrel problem persists. In such cases, seeking professional help is the best course of action. Applying professional squirrel control methods can be a game-changer, ensuring a safer and more effective approach to managing squirrels on your property.

Why Professional Squirrel Control Is The Safer Option

Managing squirrel infestations can be a tricky business. There's always the risk of being bitten or scratched or accidentally hurting the squirrels. Professional pest control companies, like Modern Pest Control, are trained to handle wildlife in a safe, humane manner. We know the correct methods and equipment to use, reducing risks for both humans and animals.

Unveiling Techniques Employed By Professional Wildlife Control Services

Professional pest control services utilize a range of techniques, depending on the situation. These may include live trapping, exclusion techniques, and habitat modification. Additionally, we can identify and seal potential entry points, ensuring squirrels can't return.

Choose Modern Pest Control For Reliable Wildlife Control In Houston

When it comes to reliable Houston squirrel removal, Modern Pest Control is a top choice. We have extensive experience dealing with squirrels and other wildlife, ensuring they are removed from your property in a safe, efficient manner. Our team works diligently to provide the best solutions for your specific situation. Don't let squirrels take over your property, contact us today for expert assistance.