Squirrels, the Cute Monsters

What are Pests?

Pests are insects or animals that attack crops, foods, livestock and even humans. Among the most common pests are:

• Cockroaches• Rats• Ants • Spiders • Mosquitoes• Termites• Squirrels

How Can Squirrels Be Pests?

This compact-sized, fluffy-tailed animal usually passes off as cute! Watching them is enjoyable too.

Beware: They can create havoc if they gain access to your office or home.

There are a number of different types of squirrels.

Red Squirrels

As the name suggests, red squirrels are red in color and are very common across North America.

• The body of an adult red squirrel ranges from 45-70cm and tail 20-35cm

• Omnivorous in nature• Prefer nuts and seeds, but also eat eggs of

nesting birds and lizards• Prefer to live in notches and holes in trees

Grey Squirrels

Grey squirrels have a greyish-brown coat on their backs and white fur on the belly.

• Length of just 23-30 cm from head to tail, with tail as long as 25 cm

• Only eat nuts and seeds • Are very good at hiding food, and retrieving later• Always live in packs• Carriers of squirrel pox disease

(same virus that causes chicken pox)

Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels can glide up to 90 meters between trees, with the help of a parachute-like membrane that supports them in the air.

• In the US, they have caused the epidemic typus or jail fever• Mostly affect campers or hikers• Should be handled carefully if found

dead, as they might transmit diseases

California Ground Squirrels

California Ground Squirrels are very colorful, with bushy tails. The fur on the head and back is a mix of brown, yellow and greyish hair, with white fur around the eyes and black hair on ears.

• Prefer nuts, seeds and young plants• Don't damage ceilings and roofs, but

their burrows can cause beams and piers to collapse

• Gardeners and landscapers usually have to replace plants because of their repeated predation

• Carry infectious virus, transmitted easily to humans

Western Grey Squirrels and Chickarees

Western Grey Squirrels are found in forested areas across the US. Chickarees live closer to the coast.

• Both squirrels are a menace for professional tree growers• Chickarees or Douglas Squirrels carry the squirrel pox virus• Western Grey Squirrels carry ticks that

can infect people with Lyme disease

Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels

Native to the American Midwest, Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels can easily be recognized by the presence of 13 stripes on their backs.

• Spend half the year collecting nuts and seeds and the other half hibernating

• Can destroy gardens • Dig burrows up to 1m below the ground,

with multiple entrances

Spotted Squirrels at Home or Office?

Like many wild animals, squirrels can bite if they feel in danger. Also, they can transmit many diseases to humans.

Therefore, it’s best to get rid of them and take the help of professionals to do so. At Heritage Pest Control, we use humane animal control practices to rid your home / office of the menace without harming the squirrels. We also sanitize the area to restore a healthy environment.

Get Help Today

Visit: http://www.heritagepestcontrolnj.com/OR

Call: 866-666-3120