Tips To Keep Squirrels Off Your Yakima County Property

When most people think of pests, squirrels aren't at the top of the list. They tend to blend into the background of urban environments, almost like pigeons. Even in relatively secluded neighborhood blocks, it's easy to forget that squirrels are abundant and can potentially pose problems in your yard and home. Yet, just because you don't notice them doesn't mean they aren't present.

If you're worried about squirrels taking over your yard and attic, pest control in Yakima County can guarantee a safer home. Keep reading to learn how.

The Types Of Squirrels That Hang Around Yards

Washington state has a beautiful variety of squirrels, including the endangered and protected western gray squirrel, the eastern gray squirrel, the eastern fox squirrel, the Douglas squirrel, the red squirrel, and the northern flying squirrel.

Most squirrels that frequently pop up in neighborhoods are your standard tree squirrel. You will recognize them when you see them. The flying squirrel is one exception to this, as they are easily half the size of a standard squirrel. Flying squirrels are also nocturnal and not often seen during the day. Even when squirrels aren't necessarily visible, they can still be doing damage to your property.

Squirrels are a type of rodent. As rodents, they are chewers whose teeth never stop growing, so they must continuously gnaw on things to keep their teeth trimmed. If you have squirrels hanging around your yard, this can mean damaged sprinkler heads and tree bark, stolen fruit and nuts, and maybe even holes in your home leading into your attic or chimney. If squirrels manage to infiltrate your home, you should also be aware of the health risks and safety hazards they bring.

The Diseases Squirrels Are Capable Of Spreading

Squirrels are host to any number of diseases that can spread to families living in close proximity, including tularemia, leptospirosis, and ringworm, among others. These illnesses spread through bites, contact with dead squirrels, and even the fleas that they carry. Even squirrel feces and urine can serve as vectors for some of these diseases.

Several of these diseases can become untreatable if left alone, so if you have had any up close and personal contact with a squirrel and start to feel unwell, you should seek medical attention. If a squirrel bites you, don't wait for symptoms to arise. Go to a doctor right away.

One uncommon way squirrels can spread diseases is by inhabiting your attics and littering your attic floor with their feces. Even exposure to the waste of a squirrel, as with many other rodents, can put you at risk of disease. If you have rodents in your attic, do not attempt to get rid of them or clean the place out on your own.

Effective Squirrel Prevention Tips

Squirrels are backyard rodents more than out-front rodents because your backyard creates a safe and beneficial environment for them to eat, breed, and hide. Making this environment less welcoming to them may cut down on the number of squirrels you see and could prevent them from breaking into your attic to wait out the winter.

To prevent squirrels from taking over your backyard or attic, try these prevention tips:

• Clean up fallen nuts and fruit. These foods are easy and attractive for omnivorous pests.
• Cut off access to your garden. Squirrels can and will steal and destroy your fresh foods, and who can blame them?
• Get anti-squirrel birdfeeders. Nuts and seeds are some squirrel favorites, and birdfeeders make it all too easy for them to get a meal.
• Install motion-activated noise-makers. These skittish rodents are not a fan of loud noises or motion.
• Get rid of extra water sources. Having birdbaths, leaks, or puddles around your yard is a magnet for squirrels as well as other pests.
• Seal cracks and holes around your attic and roofline with silicone-based caulk. Don't make it easy for them to get inside.

Rodents in Washington are diverse and sometimes protected wild animals. Whatever you do, don't try to deal with these rodents alone. Not only will you be putting yourself in danger, but you may be breaking laws or regulations meant to protect our state's wildlife.

The Safest Way To Keep Squirrels Away

The most effective and safest way to get rid of rodents like squirrels is with professional help from Prosite. At Prosite, we have a wildlife control program designed for the danger of dealing with these wild animals while abiding by the state's regulations.

If you've got squirrels in the attic, we'll do a thorough assessment, remove the squirrels, and perform exclusion services to make sure they never return. To protect you from harmful waste, we can also clean your attic for you. For pest protection that keeps your home safe and clean year-round, call Prosite today.