In Georgia, gray squirrels typically have two breeding seasons each year. The first breeding season occurs in late winter, usually from December to February, and the second breeding season happens in late summer, from June to August. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on local climate conditions and food availability.
Gray squirrels usually have two litters per year, with each litter consisting of 2 to 4 juveniles on average. However, the number can range from 1 up to 8! The young are born blind and hairless and are dependent on their mother for the first few weeks of life until they are mobile.
Can gray squirrels cause damage?
2. Garden and Crop Damage: They may eat fruits, vegetables, and nuts from gardens and orchards causing costly damage to homeowners and farmers.
3. Tree Damage: Squirrels strip bark from trees to access the underlying cambium layer for food or to build nests, which can harm or kill the trees.
4. Bird Feeders: They often raid bird feeders to steal seed, consuming large amounts of birdseed and sometimes damaging the feeders themselves by chewing and gnawing holes in them.
These destructive behaviors make grey squirrels a common nuisance for homeowners and gardeners.
How do I get rid of grey squirrels from my Atlanta attic?
Smart Solutions Pest and Wildlife Removal offers a variety of trapping and control techniques that are catered to the specific orientation of the squirrel entry point. After the activity has ceased through a vigorous trapping program, Smart Solutions Wildlife Removal seals the entry point and potential entry points with a custom fabricated heavy gauge metal or the proper material offering a lifetime warranty on exclusion repairs. Leaving potential entry points open can leave your home vulnerable for future squirrel problems.
Trapping and excluding gray squirrels from properties involves a combination of humane trapping, exclusion techniques, and preventive measures. Here are some steps to effectively trap and exclude gray squirrels:
Trapping Gray Squirrels
2. Bait the Trap: Bait the cage trap with foods that squirrels are attracted to, such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or nuts.
3. Place the Trap: Position the trap in areas where squirrel activity is high, such as near their entry points, nests, travel zones or feeding areas.
4. Check the Trap Regularly: Monitor the trap frequently to ensure the captured squirrel is not left in the trap for extended periods of time.
5. Relocate the Squirrel: Once caught, relocate the squirrel 1 mile away from your property, following local wildlife regulations. Wildlife removal companies are licensed to relocate to the nearest state park as per Georgia law.
Excluding Gray Squirrels
1. Seal Entry Points: Identify and seal all potential entry points, such as gaps, holes, and vents, using materials like heavy gauge metal, hardware cloth, or a quality caulk and backer.
2. Install Squirrel-Proof Barriers: Use squirrel-proof barriers, such as chimney caps, vent covers, and roof vent guards to prevent access.
3. Tree Management: Trim tree branches that are close to your home 6 feet away to reduce access routes for squirrels.
4. Protect Bird Feeders: Use squirrel-proof bird feeders or place feeders on poles with baffles to prevent squirrels from reaching them and place feeders away for the house in the yard.
5.Repellents: repellents are a temporary solution and can be applied on areas of the home and yard where squirrels are active. They have to be applied on a regular basis to be effective.
Preventive Measures
1. Remove Food Sources: Keep food sources like birdseed, pet food, and garbage securely stored in squirrel proof metal containers.
2. Yard Maintenance: Regularly clean up fallen nuts, fruits, and seeds from your yard to reduce attractants.
3. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home and property to ensure new entry points have not been created.
By combining these methods, you can effectively manage gray squirrel populations and prevent them from causing damage to your property.