Summer Wildlife Control in Grass Valley and Nevada City
Summer Wildlife Control in Grass Valley and Nevada City, California: Tackling the Squirrel Invasion
As summer approaches in Grass Valley and Nevada City, California, residents brace for an annual challenge: dealing with an influx of squirrels. This time of year, the number one wildlife issue homeowners face involves squirrels, particularly ground squirrels and western gray tree squirrels. These critters can cause significant damage to homes, property and agriculture making it essential to understand their behavior and effective control measures.
Western Gray Tree Squirrels: Attic Invaders
Western gray tree squirrels are a common sight in the treetops of Grass Valley and Nevada City. Their agility and climbing prowess, however, often lead them into attics, where they can cause substantial damage.
Why They Invade:
Shelter: Attics provide a safe, dry, and warm environment for nesting.
Breeding Grounds: Squirrels seek out quiet and undisturbed areas to raise their young. Squirrels have litters in August and December, so they may be using your attic as a place to give birth
Damage Caused:
Insulation Damage: Squirrels chew through insulation to create nests, which can reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Just by having a squirrel in the attic is causing insulation damage
Wiring Damage: Their gnawing can extend to electrical wiring, posing a fire hazard.
Health Concerns: It doesnt matter what kind of rodent or squirrel is in the attic, you do not want urine and feces in the insulation.
Control Measures: Squirrels in the house
Seal Entry Points: The most important part to the squirrel removal process is to seal the entry points. In Grass Valley and Nevada city the most common ways squirrels get into the attic is through roof returns and chewing through gable vents. Victorian style homes always present unique structural challenges!
One way doors: When possible we use “one way doors” instead of trapping to allow squirrels out. In California the Gray squirrel can be relocated with a permit approval. If you would like to see if we can provide squirrel relocation services around Grass Valley, Auburn, or Penn Valley, giver us a call and we can help walk you through the process.
Ground Squirrels: Crawlspace Culprits
Ground squirrels present a different set of challenges, particularly when they infiltrate crawlspaces. Over the last ten years ground squirrel populations have only expanded. We see them all over from Penn Valley to Nevada City and obviously down to Auburn and the Sacramento valley. These burrowing rodents can compromise the structural integrity of homes and create unsanitary conditions.
Why They Invade:
Shelter: Crawlspaces offer a protected environment from predators and harsh weather.
Food Storage: Ground squirrels often store food in crawlspaces, creating additional mess and attracting other pests.
Insulation: It is common for squirrels, rats, and chipmunks to steal insulation for their exterior burrow systems.
Damage Caused:
Foundation Erosion: Their burrowing can lead to soil erosion around the foundation, potentially causing structural damage.
Pest Attraction: Food storage and waste in crawlspaces can attract insects and other rodents, compounding the problem.
Unpleasant Odors: Accumulation of droppings and urine can create foul odors that permeate the home.
Control Measures:
Secure Entry Points: Our number one goal is always to keep animals out from under your home. We conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s foundation and crawlspace vents. We install squirrel proof vents on the crawlspace, seal around your AC chase, and install Dig proof barriers around decks and porches to protect your home against digging rodents.
Remove Food Sources: Ensure there are no food sources accessible to squirrels near your home, including pet food and bird seed.
Habitat Modification: Reduce the attractiveness of your yard by removing brush piles, rock heaps, and other potential nesting sites.
Trapping and Fumigation: With such large and quickly expanding populations, ground squirrel trapping in Grass Valley is often a necessary tool.
Conclusion
Managing squirrel infestations in Grass Valley and Nevada City requires vigilance and proactive measures. By understanding the behavior and potential damage caused by both western gray tree squirrels and ground squirrels, homeowners can take effective steps to protect their property. Regular inspections, sealing entry points, and seeking professional help when needed are key strategies in keeping these persistent pests at bay during the summer months.
