Gray Squirrels

Identification

• Gray Squirrels are predominantly gray in color with white markings

• Short, thick fur and bushy tail

• Weighs 1 to 1.5 pounds

Environment

• Gray squirrels spend the majority of their time in trees foraging for food

• Active year round, but most active in the morning and evenings on dry days

• Often make nests in attics or garages for warmth, shelter, and food

• Often invade bird feeders, garbage cans, and attics

• Can cause considerable damage outdoors to electrical and telephone cables

• Can cause damage to contents of attic including wood, insulation, wires, and storage boxes

• Urine and dropping can contaminate insulation and other areas of the attic

Threats

• Gray squirrels often invade bird feeders, garbage cans, and attics

• Can cause considerable damage outdoors to electrical and telephone cables

• Can cause damage to contents of attic including wood, insulation, wires, and storage boxes

• Urine and droppings can contaminate insulation and other areas of the attic

Treatment

• Locate and seal off any entry points 1/4″ or larger to prevent squirrels and other rodents from entering the home

• Caulk any openings or crevices that can be used as entry points

• Provide an exclusive barrier on roofline

• Set traps out

• To keep squirrels from using utility wires as a way to your attic, slit a 2-foot section of 2-inch PVC pipe lengthwise and slip it over the wire. This makes squirrels unable to maintain their footing when the pipe rotates.

• Cut back tree limbs that are close to your structure