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Squirrels are one of the most common creatures on Earth. Although there are more than 200 species of squirrels worldwide, only five live in North America. The five species are known as:
- Ground
- Fox
- Flying
- Red fox
It wouldn’t be too far a leap to say that where there are trees, there are squirrels. And, where there are squirrels, there are squirrel droppings.
What Do Squirrel Droppings Look Like?
If you suspect a squirrel infestation, droppings are a common sign. These look like brown or black oblong pellets about one-half inch long, becoming lighter and turning whitish yellow or gray as they dry.
Squirrel Droppings vs. Rat Droppings
Squirrel and rat droppings can look very similar, but there are notable differences. Squirrel droppings are a bit fatter and rounder than rat droppings and also have blunter ends. In your home, squirrel droppings will appear in small groups while rat droppings will appear one at a time along the paths they travel.
Squirrel Droppings vs. Mouse Droppings
Mouse droppings are much smaller and thinner than those of squirrels or rats. Mice continually leave 50 to 75 pellets per day along their routes.
How Do Squirrels Get Inside My House?
Squirrels have most likely entered your home through the roof. They hop onto the roof from overhanging branches or by walking along the utility lines that come to the house. They can easily use their sharp teeth and claws to gnaw and claw through vulnerable parts of your roof:
- Old soffits and fascia boards
- Uncovered vents
- Torn roof shingles
- Uncapped chimneys
Health Concerns of Squirrel Droppings
Squirrels can carry a range of different diseases and parasites, many of which are transmitted through their droppings and urine. If you have squirrels on your property, you might find droppings around bird feeders or at the base of the tree in which they have their nest. In your attic, squirrels will designate a spot not far from their nest to use as their pooping place. While squirrels can carry rabies, it is quite rare and far less than other animals, such as raccoons or bats.
- Hantavirus is a serious pulmonary disease that can spread from disturbing rodent urine, feces, and nests.
- Salmonella can be transmitted to humans by inhalation or eating food that has been contaminated with squirrel droppings. Salmonella causes fever, abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium found in squirrel poop and urine, and is spread to humans through contaminated food or water. Symptoms vary from mild flu to severe respiratory issues.
- Roundworm is an internal parasite that can be ingested by humans if food is contaminated with squirrel droppings. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, cough, restlessness, and sleep disturbance.
- Sylvatic typhus is associated with close contact with squirrels, and it can cause rash, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and confusion.
- Tularemia is an infectious disease of the skin, eyes, lymph nodes, and lungs.
- Fleas, ticks, and mites are parasites that squirrels can bring into your home if you have an infestation, and they are transmissible to both people and pets.
How to Clean Up Squirrel Droppings
Squirrel droppings located on an outdoor deck or patio can be washed away with your hose.
If you’re attempting to clean up indoor squirrel poop, wearing rubber gloves and a face mask is imperative to lessen the risk of disease and parasites. Once the feces are removed, use an antibacterial, disinfecting cleaning product in warm water, along with scrubbing tools. However, cleaning up squirrel poop from an attic will not be effective until the squirrels themselves are eradicated. And Critter Control does not recommend risking illness.
Humane Squirrel Removal and Droppings Clean Up
After a thorough inspection, Trutech Wildlife Service will trap and remove squirrels from your attic or walls. We then seal all potential entry points squirrels can use to re-enter. Once we are confident that squirrels cannot return, we will clean and sanitize the infested area to ensure your family is free of potential health risks.