Squirrels
Gray Squirrels
In New Jersey, Eastern Gray Squirrels are a common sight in both wooded and residential areas. Their mating seasons occur twice a year, from December to February and again from May to June, resulting in litters born in early spring and midsummer. These cycles mean that young squirrels are often venturing out and exploring new territories, including man-made structures, from early spring through mid-autumn.
Gray squirrels are remarkably agile and resourceful when it comes to gaining access to attics and homes. They can leap impressive distances—often up to ten feet horizontally—and can climb almost any textured vertical surface, including brick, wood, and siding. Squirrels typically enter homes through small gaps or holes along the roofline, soffits, or where utility lines meet the house. They may also exploit vents, uncapped chimneys, or weak, rotting eaves. Once inside, squirrels use their strong teeth to enlarge entry points or chew through wood and even softer metals to gain access to shelter and nesting sites. Homeowners in New Jersey often discover their presence by the scampering sounds in attics, especially during the early morning or at dusk when squirrels are most active.
Beyond being a mere nuisance, gray squirrels can cause significant damage to insulation, wiring, and wooden beams, increasing the risk of fire or structural issues. Their nesting materials often consist of shredded insulation, leaves, and debris, which can block vents and reduce a home’s energy efficiency. In addition to physical damage, their presence may introduce parasites or diseases from droppings, further complicating matters for homeowners.
Proactive prevention is key. Regular exterior inspections, trimming branches that overhang the roof, and installing sturdy vent covers can help deter squirrels from making entry. In cases where squirrels have already established a nest, it’s important to ensure all young have vacated before sealing up entrances, and consulting wildlife professionals may be necessary for safe and humane removal.
Ultimately, while gray squirrels are an integral part of New Jersey’s urban and suburban wildlife, coexisting with them requires vigilance and practical measures to prevent them from turning a comfortable attic into their winter haven.
AAA Pest Wildlife Removal will be removed by humanely trapping squirrels, then make state of the art repairs, by our skilled craftsman.
Flying Squirrels
While Eastern Gray Squirrels are the primary culprits behind attic invasions, New Jersey is also home to the elusive and enchanting Southern Flying Squirrel. Smaller and more nocturnal than their gray counterparts, flying squirrels are seldom seen during daylight hours. Their large, dark eyes, adapted for night vision, and their unique gliding membrane—known as a patagium—allow them to soar effortlessly from tree to tree, covering distances of up to 150 feet in a single glide.
Flying squirrels are social creatures, often nesting in small colonies that share warmth throughout the colder months. Like gray squirrels, they seek out safe, insulated spaces to establish their nests, which makes attics, wall voids, and barns especially attractive during autumn and winter. Their nesting habits are similar, utilizing soft materials like shredded insulation, moss, and feathers to create cozy dens.
Unlike the more vocal gray squirrel, flying squirrels are quiet and discreet, making their presence more difficult to detect. Homeowners may notice faint scurrying, or the discovery of small, pellet-like droppings clustered in hidden corners. Flying squirrels can also cause property damage, gnawing on wires and insulation, but are less likely to chew through structural materials compared to gray squirrels.
Prevention methods are much the same: meticulous inspection of your home’s exterior, maintaining well-fitted screens over vents, and sealing even the smallest entry points, as flying squirrels can squeeze through gaps less than an inch wide. Professional assistance is recommended when dealing with colonies, as humane techniques are required to relocate these protected animals without harm.
In summary, while both gray and flying squirrels contribute to New Jersey’s vibrant ecosystem, their adaptability can pose significant challenges for homeowners. Awareness, timely action, and ethical wildlife management are the keys to peaceful coexistence with these clever and acrobatic neighbors.
Whether contending with darting gray squirrels or the near-silent presence of their flying kin, education and preparation empower homeowners to protect both their properties and the animals themselves. Simple vigilance can transform a home from a tempting refuge into an inhospitable fortress, reducing the likelihood of repeated incursions. Remember, humane solutions not only address immediate concerns but also preserve the balance between people and the thriving wildlife that makes New Jersey a diverse state of wildlife
Our experienced team understands the habits and preferences of both gray and flying squirrels, and we’re equipped to tailor solutions specific to the species involved. We prioritize not only the immediate removal of unwelcome guests but also long-term prevention to safeguard your home season after season. By utilizing advanced exclusion methods and environmentally responsible practices, AAA Pest Wildlife Removal ensures the safety of both your family and the wildlife that shares New Jersey’s landscape.
If you suspect signs of squirrel activity or want to fortify your property before the colder months set in, reach out for a customized assessment. With the right guidance, homeowners can enjoy the beauty of local wildlife without the worry of unexpected houseguests.
