San Antonio Squirrel Removal

What Risks Do Squirrels Pose to San Antonio Homeowners?

Squirrels, while often perceived as harmless and even endearing creatures, can pose several risks to homeowners in San Antonio. One of the primary concerns is the damage squirrels can cause to property. These agile rodents are known for their ability to chew through various materials, including wood, plastic, and even some metals. This behavior can result in structural damage to roofs, eaves, ducts, and attic spaces when squirrels seek shelter in these areas. The relentless gnawing can lead to costly repairs for homeowners who may find themselves dealing with holes in their roofing materials or compromised attic insulation.

In addition to structural damage, squirrels can pose a significant fire risk. Squirrels have a tendency to chew on electrical wires, which can lead to short circuits or electrical fires. This behavior is particularly concerning in older homes where the wiring may already be outdated or vulnerable. The presence of squirrels in an attic can often go unnoticed until signs of damage appear or, worse, an electrical issue arises.

Squirrels can also be carriers of various diseases and parasites. While it's not common for diseases to be transmitted from squirrels to humans, their droppings and urine can create unsanitary conditions and may contribute to respiratory issues if left unaddressed. In addition, squirrels can introduce fleas, ticks, and mites into a home, posing a nuisance and potential health concern for pets and people.

Given these potential consequences, you shouldn’t wait to address a possible squirrel problem. Our team at Critter One is ready to inspect your home and get to work on relocating any squirrels we find. 

Signs You Have a Squirrel in Your Home

Squirrels tend to be elusive and active when you’re least likely to see them. These critters are small and can move stealthily above the heads of unsuspecting homeowners. Many people might not immediately realize they have a squirrel problem until visible signs appear or when their activities become more pronounced and intrusive. 

You may need our San Antonio squirrel removal services if you notice one or more of the following issues:

• Noises in your attic or walls. One of the most common signs of squirrels is hearing scratching or scurrying noises in your attic or walls, particularly during the early morning and late evening when they are most active. These sounds can vary from light pitter-pattering to more pronounced scratching, depending on the number of squirrels present.
• Droppings. Squirrel droppings resemble those of rats and can often be found in areas like attics, garages, or other storage spaces. Noticing small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings in these areas can be an indicator of an intruder.
• Chew marks. As natural gnawers, squirrels will chew on all kinds of materials present in your home. You might notice these on electrical wires, wooden beams, and even plastic or aluminum, which can expose insulation or create additional entry points.
• Nests or debris. Look for organized piles of leaves, twigs, or shredded insulation inside attics or similar spaces.
• Unusual smells. An unexplained smell could indicate the presence of squirrel urine or even a deceased squirrel trapped within your walls. Prolonged residue buildup can amplify odors and indicate an established presence of squirrels.
• Increased sightings in your yard. While less direct, seeing an unusually high number of squirrels in your yard or noticing them continuously entering a specific area can suggest they may have found a way into your home.

How We Humanely Remove Squirrels

Our professional crews employ a humane and systematic approach to locate, trap, and remove squirrels from your home. This process starts with a thorough assessment of your property to identify any entry points and determine the extent of the squirrel infestation. This comprehensive inspection allows us to understand the squirrels' movement patterns and plan a strategic removal process.

Once we know the scope of your squirrel problem, our team sets up humane traps at key locations where squirrels are likely to traverse. These traps are designed to capture the squirrels without causing injury. They are baited with safe, effective attractants that lure the squirrels into the traps, allowing for immediate and safe containment. We regularly monitor these traps to facilitate quick removal of the captured squirrels, minimizing their time in captivity and reducing stress for both the animals and you.

After successfully trapping the squirrels, we start the relocation process. We follow strict guidelines so that the relocated squirrels are released into suitable habitats far enough from urban areas to prevent their return to residential properties. The aim is to find an environment where the squirrels can thrive naturally without causing harm to humans.

What Are the Most Common Squirrels in South Texas?

Several squirrel species can be frequently found in Texas, each with distinct characteristics and preferred habitats. No matter the type of critter that’s found its way into your home, our San Antonio squirrel removal experts are ready to get the job done right. 

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is prevalent due to its adaptability to both urban and rural environments. This species is recognizable by its gray fur, bushy tail, and white underbelly. Known for its agile tree-climbing skills and a varied diet consisting of nuts, seeds, and fruits, the Eastern Gray Squirrel often inhabits areas with abundant trees and forested neighborhoods.

Another common species in South Texas is the Fox Squirrel, the largest native tree squirrel in North America. Fox Squirrels are identifiable by their reddish-brown fur, large size, and abundant bushy tails. While they tend to prefer open woods with sparse undergrowth – primarily oak and hickory trees – they have also adapted well to various other environments, including parks and suburban regions.

Additionally, the Southern Flying Squirrel is less visible but still a key part of the South Texas ecosystem. Despite being nocturnal and more challenging to spot, these squirrels are noted for their unique ability to glide through the air, thanks to a special membrane called the patagium, which stretches from wrist to ankle. These small, brown, and white-bellied creatures reside in wooded areas and form nests in tree cavities, but they can sometimes enter homes, especially in the fall when temperatures start to drop.

Let our team at Critter One humanely handle any squirrels that have entered your home! Contact us online or call (726) 200-1018 today.