Do Squirrels Get Under Homes?
While it is rare for squirrels to get under homes across most of the country, this problem is more prevalent in certain areas, such as Truckee and the Tahoe region. Homeowners in these areas often face issues with squirrels invading their crawlspaces. Understanding why this happens and what species are involved can help in taking the right steps to prevent and address this issue.
Squirrel Species Commonly Found Under Homes in Tahoe
Douglas Squirrels (Chickarees)
In the Tahoe region, the Douglas squirrel, also known as the chickaree, is the most common culprit when it comes to squirrels getting into crawl spaces. These small, energetic squirrels have distinct characteristics:
Appearance: Douglas squirrels are small, with a reddish-brown coat and a tail thinner than that of the larger western gray squirrels. They are known for their loud, chattering calls, oftentimes choosing to slap branches and shout at predators rather than hide. Perhaps their most common characteristic is the “tuft” pointed ears.
Habits: These squirrels are active year-round, it is not uncommon to see them out on nice winter days. They are known for their habit of storing food in larger caches. They are particularly fond of pine seeds, which are abundant in the Tahoe area.
California Ground Squirrels
Another species that can cause issues in Northern California, including the Tahoe area, is the California ground squirrel. Unlike tree-dwelling squirrels, these ground squirrels are known for their burrowing behavior:
Appearance: California ground squirrels have a mottled gray and brown coat with a somewhat less bushy tail compared to tree squirrels.
Habits: They create extensive burrow systems that can undermine foundations and landscaping.
How Do Squirrels Get Under Homes?
Douglas squirrels and California ground squirrels can find various ways to access crawlspaces and the area under homes. Here are some common entry points and how they exploit them:
Vents
Douglas Squirrels: These agile squirrels can pop open or chew through vents to gain access to crawl spaces.
Solution: Replacing and securing crawl space vents with durable materials can prevent entry.
French Drain Foundation Holes
Douglas Squirrels: They can exploit holes created for French drains in foundation walls, using these openings to get into crawl spaces.
Solution: Sealing these holes with concrete or other strong materials can block their entry.
Ruined Crawl Space Doors
Douglas Squirrels: Damaged or improperly sealed crawl space doors are easy targets for these squirrels.
Solution: Installing new, secure crawl space doors can prevent squirrels from getting under your home.
Burrowing Behavior
California Ground Squirrels: These squirrels are adept at burrowing under foundations, causing significant structural issues.
Solution: Filling burrows and reinforcing foundations with concrete can help prevent damage from ground squirrels.
Long-Term Solutions
To keep squirrels from getting under your home, it is crucial to implement long-term prevention strategies:
Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections of your home's foundation, vents, and crawl space doors to identify potential entry points.
Repairs and Upgrades: Replace old or damaged vents, install new crawl space doors, and fill gaps or holes in the foundation with concrete.
Professional Help: For severe infestations or persistent problems, consider hiring a professional wildlife control service to ensure effective and humane solutions.
Whatever is in your crawlspace. . .
While it is uncommon for squirrels to get under homes in many parts of the country, this issue is more frequent in the Truckee and Tahoe areas, primarily due to the presence of Douglas squirrels and California ground squirrels. By understanding the behavior of these species and taking proactive measures to secure your home, you can prevent these furry invaders from causing damage. For expert assistance in squirrel control and exclusion, contact Gold Country Wildlife Control. Our team is dedicated to providing effective solutions to protect your home from wildlife intrusions.
