Squirrels are cute, furry creatures that can be quite charming to watch. However, they can also cause a lot of damage when they get into your home. The most common way that squirrels enter a home is through an attic or roof. If you see squirrels in your attic, it’s essential to get them out as soon as possible before they do any more damage.
But what if you don’t see a squirrel but you still suspect a squirrel may be causing problems either indoors or outdoors?
This is when answering the question “what does squirrel poop look like” can come in handy. Along with knowing what does squirrel poop look like, there are many other signs of squirrels you can be aware of that will help you keep track of squirrels before they get out of control.
Keep reading to learn more.
Contents
Let’s Talk About Squirrels
There are several species of squirrels you could be dealing with.
Squirrels are small or medium-sized rodents. The family Sciuridae includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots (including woodchucks), flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Squirrels have an excellent sense of touch, which enables them to navigate effectively in their treetop homes. They also have a keen sense of smell and sight as well as a good memory for food locations to help them find seeds and nuts they may have buried.
If you’re asking what does squirrel poop look like, chances are you’re looking for help identifying the common tree squirrel. These squirrels are small to medium in size and are famous for their soft fur and long, bushy tails.
In North America, there are a few different species of tree squirrels, including:
The Eastern gray squirrel – The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common species of tree squirrel in North America. It is also known as the American gray squirrel or simply gray squirrel. It is native to eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
The Western Gray Squirrel – The Western Gray Squirrel is a species of tree squirrel native to western North America. It occurs from southern British Columbia through Washington state south through Oregon and northern California into central Mexico.
The Arizona Gray Squirrel – The Arizona gray squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus. It is endemic to the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. It is a moderately sized tree squirrel that lives in the canopies of pine-oak forests and oak woodlands. The species is fairly common in its range and has been rated of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Eastern Fox squirrel – The Eastern Fox squirrel is found in eastern Canada and the eastern United States. It’s a large squirrel that can grow up to 20 inches long, with a tail that is about 17 inches long. The Eastern Fox squirrel has a grayish-brown coat with white stripes on its face, ears, legs, and tail. It has black eyes, a pink nose, and reddish-brown fur on its belly.
The Red squirrel – The Red Squirrel is a rodent native to North America. Its natural range stretches from Canada to Mexico, but it is most common in the Eastern United States. The Red Squirrel is a popular game animal, and its fur has been used for clothing and other purposes for many years.
The Douglas Squirrel – The Douglas Squirrel is another tree squirrel found in North America. It is very similar in appearance to the Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger), with which it shares much of its range, but can be distinguished by its smaller size, dark underparts, and lack of a white spot over each eye.
Regardless of their species. squirrels can inhabit a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, deserts, and even cities. They prefer to live in trees and woodlands, however, they have adapted to living in areas where people live because we provide them with an adequate source of food, water, and shelter, even if we are doing so unknowingly.
This is because squirrels are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of food items. In fact, they have been known to eat just about anything they can get their paws on! Squirrels consume seeds, nuts, berries, and fruits when available but will also eat insects and bird eggs when necessary. Some species occasionally hunt small mammals such as mice or rabbits for their meat source but this type of hunting is not common for most species.
Squirrels In The Home Vs Squirrels Outdoors – When Do Squirrels Become An Issue?
Squirrels can be quite destructive.
If you’re noticing squirrel poop, chances are you have squirrels. Regardless of where you live in the United States, it’s likely you’ve encountered squirrels. And before we ask what do squirrels look like, it helps to understand when squirrels become a problem first.
The truth is that squirrels are a common sight in most neighborhoods. They are usually seen running around and playing in trees, but they can also become an issue if they begin living too close to your home or business.
But when do squirrels become an issue and when should you start asking yourself “what does squirrel poop look like”?
Good question.
Squirrels living outdoors can still cause problems for homeowners if their numbers get out of control. They can be a general nuisance when they steal bird seed from bird feeders or cause a mess in your yard or garden. They can also cause damage by chewing through trees and electric wires. Sometimes squirrels can even chew on wooden fences, porches, and sheds, which can be unsightly and even costly to repair.
Squirrels also like to build nests out of leaves, twigs, and other natural materials, which can be problematic for homeowners who want to keep their yards looking nice.
With that noted, most of the time squirrels outdoors are easy to manage and can control. Though it can help to know what does squirrel poop look like if you have a squirrel problem outside, it’s best to know what does squirrel poop look like if you believe you’re dealing with a squirrel problem inside.
This is because squirrels can become the most problematic for you indoors.
Squirrels are notorious for chewing on wires and causing short circuits that can start fires. This is especially true if there is no proper insulation around electric wires or if there is exposed wiring somewhere inside the walls. Squirrels will chew on these exposed wires because their teeth grow constantly throughout their lives and need constant chewing activity to keep them trimmed down. If a squirrel gets electrocuted while chewing on or near an electrical wire, it could die from the shock, which can lead to a dead rodent smell inside your walls.
Along with the potential for causing house fires, if a squirrel gets into your home it could leave behind a buildup of feces and urine that could lead to unsanitary living conditions and a foul odor.
Squirrels may also attempt nesting in your home and behind your walls. Squirrels can also cause damage to your attic, drywall, and your home’s structure. If you have squirrels in the attic, you may hear them scurrying around during the day or at night, or see them poking their heads out of holes in the ceiling.
So while it is a good idea to know the answer to what does squirrel poop look like, there are going to be many other obvious signs you are dealing with squirrels first.
What Does Squirrel Poop Look Like – Signs Of A Squirrel Problem
Squirrel poop looks like small pellets and contains a variety of things like seeds, leaves, and other items squirrels eat.
As we now know, squirrels can be a serious problem for homeowners. They can cause damage to your home and garden, and they are also a public health risk if their numbers get out of control. Along with knowing what does squirrel poop look like, there are many different signs of a squirrel problem that you need to watch out for.
Let’s talk now about some common signs of a squirrel problem.
Squirrel Poop
Since you’re here asking what does squirrel poop look like, we’ll go ahead and cover this top first. However, remember that there are many other common signs of a squirrel problem both indoors and outdoors that will give you a clue you are dealing with squirrels.
So, what does squirrel poop look like?
Squirrel poop is a mix of seeds, nuts, and leaves, which are consumed by squirrels. Squirrels are known to eat more than 20 different types of food which can make up the answer to what does squirrel poop look like.
Squirrel Poop consists of small round pellets that have an orange-brown color. The size of these pellets varies from one species to another.
When it comes to squirrel poop, the smell is an indicator you’re dealing with these pests. Squirrels are known not only for their loud sounds but also for their bad odor. Their fecal matter can be foul-smelling due to the presence of bacteria within it.
Nests in your attic or walls
Along with squirrel poop, nests are another sign of squirrels. Squirrels will nest in attics, wall voids, and other areas where they have access. If you see chewed wood, shredding paper, or droppings on the ground near an area where they have been spotted, then you have a squirrel problem. Nests are usually made from shredded paper or other soft materials such as leaves and twigs but may also include dried grasses, dog hair, or human hair. In some cases, squirrel nests will be found inside air conditioning units or vents on the roof of your house.
Holes in soffits, fascia boards, and porches
Squirrels chew on soffits, fascia boards, and porches to create access points for their homes above ground level. The holes are usually about one inch in diameter and are often found close together along eaves or overhang areas. You may also notice that these holes are surrounded by fur which indicates that there is an active nest nearby. If you notice any squirrel poop near these holes, you can be certain you have a squirrel problem.
Gnaw marks on wood siding, fences, or windowsills
Look for claw marks and chew marks on the sides of your house. Squirrels will often chew the siding on homes with wooden gutters, trimming away the paint and leaving behind a white strip. Squirrels may also gnaw at plants growing in pots placed around the house.
Chewed wires or electrical cords in walls or ceilings
Squirrels love to chew on electrical cords and wires to make nests for their young, to make other areas for runways or entry points, or to simply have something to gnaw on. If you find chewed wires or electrical cords it’s likely that there is a family of squirrels living somewhere in your home.
Squeaking sounds from behind your walls
Squeaking sounds from behind your walls can also be a sign of a squirrel problem along with knowing what squirrel poop look like. Squirrels make a lot of noise when they are trying to get in or out of places. If you hear squeaking sounds coming from behind your walls, it may be a sign that there is a squirrel living inside your home.
How To Get Rid Of Squirrels Indoors – Tips And Products
If a squirrel gets into your home, it can cause serious and even dangerous damage.
Although squirrels are cute and can be fun to watch outdoors, they can also be a big nuisance. You might have squirrels in your yard, or perhaps they’ve even taken up residence inside your attic or walls. if you’ve noticed squirrel poop and other signs of squirrels, here are a few tips for how to get rid of squirrels indoors:
Use Catch And Release Traps – This is one of the most effective ways to remove squirrels from your home, but it will take some patience on your part. The best traps are live cage traps that allow you to release the animal once they are caught. You can also use lethal traps if you prefer not to keep animals alive; however, this method may not be legal in some areas (check local laws before using lethal traps).
Use Repellents – Another effective way to remove squirrels from your home once you know the answer to what does squirrel poop look like is to use repellents. However, using repellents dos some patience on your part. Repellents don’t kill squirrels; instead, they make the area less attractive to them by making food less easily able to track by scent or by making the area less comfortable for them to live in. Some common repellent options include loud noise machines, ultrasonic sound devices, scent repellents, bright lights, and more.
Contact A Professional – An abundance of squirrel poop can mean a serious squirrel problem. If you have a serious squirrel problem indoors or you feel like squirrels could potentially be causing structural damage, you may need help with getting rid of squirrels. If this is the case, it’s best to contact an exterminator or wildlife removal specialist. You can find one online or through an exterminator referral service like the National Pest Management Association or Angie’s.
If you prefer to get rid of squirrels once you know the answer to what does squirrel poop look like on your own, we have a few products below you can try.
Havahart One-Door Animal Trap
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Are you ready to get rid of squirrels and squirrel poop? If you are looking for a humane way to get rid of squirrels from your home, you might want to try Havahart One-Door Animal Trap. This is one of the most popular traps in the market today. It is a live cage trap that can be used indoors or outdoors.
The trap has a single door that opens on top of it and comes with a spring-loaded door to keep the animal inside once it has been caught. It is designed to be used by both professional trappers and homeowners alike, so anyone can use it with ease. It is easy to set up, and you can capture the squirrels in your home and then easily relocate them away from your property without harming them.
RibRave Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent For Indoor Use
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RibRave Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent For Indoor Use is an electronic device that creates sonic waves that keep rodents away from your home. The device emits frequencies between 20 kHz and 100 kHz, which are inaudible to humans. However, these frequencies are very uncomfortable for squirrels and other pests, keeping them away from your home.
The product comes with a built-in battery so you don’t have to worry about installing it near an outlet or plugging it into one every time it needs power. You can place the device wherever you like within your home and set up a perimeter around it with bait traps or rodenticides if necessary. This is another way to get rid of squirrel poop and squirrels.
Mighty Mint Peppermint Squirrel Repellent
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Mighty Mint Peppermint Squirrel Repellent is a natural formula that repels squirrels and other pests from your home or yard. This product uses only natural ingredients to keep squirrels away including peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and clove extract. These ingredients have been shown to repel rodents, insects, and other pests.
We like that this spray is a non-toxic formula that keeps squirrels away from your home or yard without harming them or the environment. The product comes in an aerosol can that contains all-natural ingredients that are safe for humans, pets, and wildlife when used as directed on the label.
Natural Armor All Natural Rodent Shield
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Natural Armor All Natural Rodent Shield is a non-toxic, safe alternative to rodent control. It is an effective way to get rid of squirrels, mice, and rats indoors. Natural Armor All Natural Rodent Shield is a combination of all-natural ingredients that repel rodents from eating food in areas treated with the product.
The active ingredient in this formula is peppermint oil, which has been shown to be very effective in repelling rats, mice, and squirrels from areas treated with it.
How To Get Rid Of Squirrels Outdoors – Tips And Products
Squirrels can be fun to watch but they can also cause several problems for home owners.
If you’re wondering what does squirrel poop look like and you’ve managed to identify a squirrel problem outside of your home, you could be wondering how to best get rid of them now.
Squirrels can be a nuisance to homeowners even outdoors, especially those that feed on bird seed, destroy your garden, or are chewing fences or patio furniture. If you’re tired of the squirrels running a muck around your property, there are different methods you can use to safely get rid of them.
Invest in squirrel-proof bird feeders – If you really want to deter squirrels, it’s best to forgo buying bird seed in general. This can increase squirrels and squirrel poop in your yard. However, if you are going to purchase a bird feeder, make sure it’s squirrel-proof. Most feeders come with an open design that allows squirrels to easily reach in and grab the seeds. You can find some that have a squirrel-proof cage around them or even ones that have a spinning perch which makes it difficult for the squirrel to climb up and reach the seeds.
Invite the predators – One way to keep the critters like squirrels and even other rodents away from your yard is by inviting predators such as cats or dogs. Other predators include birds of prey or coyotes. The smell of their urine will be enough to scare off other animals including raccoons, skunks, opossums, rabbits, and squirrels. However, if you don’t want to invite animals into your backyard then try using predator decoys.
Use ultrasonic repellents for outdoor use – Ultrasonic repellents use high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to humans but will cause discomfort for squirrels and other animals who hear them. These repellents can be placed around the perimeter of your yard or along fences where squirrels like to enter. These are especially useful to use once you discover what squirrel poop looks like or notice other signs of squirrel activity early on.
Fandature 19th Inch Squirrel Proof Baffle For Bird Feeder
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Fandature 19th Inch Squirrel Proof Baffle For A Bird Feeder is an easy-to-use squirrel-proof bird feeder baffle that you can use to prevent squirrels from eating from your bird feeders. This baffle works as a shield that covers the entire feeding tube, making it impossible for squirrels to reach the food even if they try to jump on top of the baffle. The squirrels will then have no choice but to look for another source of food or just leave the area altogether.
The Fandature 19th Inch Squirrel Proof Baffle For A Bird Feeder is made from durable recycled plastic and comes with a 4-inch diameter ring that easily fits onto any standard-size bird feeder pole. You can use it on any type of bird feeder including tube style, hopper, or platform feeders. It also comes with two hangers so you can hang it right away when you receive it in the mail without having to buy any additional hanging accessories first.
Ultrasonic Animal Repeller For Outdoor Use
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Ultrasonic animal repellers are a popular method of keeping squirrels and other small animals away from your home or garden, especially once you know what does squirrel poop look like. These devices emit high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to people but scare away animals.
Ultrasonic animal repellers work best when used for smaller spaces outdoors like in small spaces such as yards and gardens where there is a good chance of the animals being able to get close enough to hear the high-frequency sounds emitted by the device enough for the sounds to repel them.
If you have a large yard and have found evidence of what does squirrel poop look like over a wide surface area, we suggest you consider investing in several of these devices.
What Does Squirrel Poop Look Like And What To Do If You Notice Signs Of Squirrel Activity
Squirrels can chew fences, wires, and more. It’s important to treat a squirrrel problem quickly if you discover you have one.
Squirrels can be a big nuisance, especially to homeowners looking to keep their property free of rodents and other pests.
If you notice signs of squirrel activity on your property or you discover the answer to what does squirrel poop look like, it’s important to know what steps you can take to eliminate the problem. Here are some tips for dealing with squirrels:
Squirrels are known to chew on electrical wires, causing fires or other damage that could put your home at risk. If you notice squirrels chewing on wires, contact a pest control expert immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend who else to contact such as electricians to help remedy the situation so your home is safe.
If squirrels are digging up plants in your yard, try planting marigolds or other rodent-repellent plants around your yard. Squirrels tend to avoid plants like marigolds because they don’t like their smell.
If you want to keep squirrels out of your attic, place metal flashing over any holes they may have made in the roofing material. Be sure you keep up with routine home maintenance and you seal any potential entry points to your home including vulnerabilities in your roof, siding, or windows.
So, now we want to hear from you. What do you think about signs of squirrels and what does squirrel poop look like? Do you believe you’re dealing with a squirrel problem? Tell us what you think in the comment section.
Thanks for reading!
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.