Squirrels & Raccoons

 Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What time of year do Raccoons and Squirrels bear young?
Answer: Raccoons bear young in the Northeast in April & May and Squirrels bear young between February & March and June- August

Question: What are the signs of a Raccoon intrusion? How do I know if I have a problem?
Answer: Raccoons are nocturnal meaning active at night. You may hear noises (loud noises) in the attic, walls, roof, garage, fireplace etc., during this time. You may also hear squealing or crying during mating season. Vents, attic fans, and roofing can easily be damaged by a Raccoon attempting to enter or exit your premises. If they have been nesting in your place for a while, you may experience a bad odor due to fecal matter and urine. (Fecal matter and urine carry bacteria and should not be inhaled or touched.) Arrow can safely remove and clean all of this debris as well as replace all damaged insulation. Many times this is covered by insurance. 

Question: How do I discourage squirrels and other critters from getting into the bird feeder? 

Answer: Hot pepper repellants are available in stores like Home Depot and Lows. Also pet supply stores have a variety of squirrel proof bird feeders.

Question: Do Raccoons do damage inside attics?
Answer: Yes. They can soil areas with urine and fecal material. They can completely ruin insulation this way.

Question: Do Squirrels and Raccoons chew wires?
Answer: Squirrels chew wires and lots of other things. Raccoons, on the other hand, do not. They do their damage with urine and fecal material.

 Question: I think Raccoons are living under my deck. What do I do?
Answer: The Raccoons should be removed. If they are destroying property or threatening your family they can be trapped. After they are removed, you should consider rodent prevention or screening the deck. Arrow can do this. Just contact us for a free estimate.

 Question: I am hearing noises. How can I tell what they are from?
Answer: First, remember that Raccoons are nocturnal (awake at night) and Squirrels are not (they sleep at night). So if your hearing scuffing and shuffling in walls or the attic, chances are they are Squirrels. Loud noises at night generally indicate Raccoons. Please don't forget that the intruder could be a mouse or rat.  

Question: I have no pets but I have fleas. Where did they come from?
Answer: Fleas have to be brought in by something. Squirrels and Raccoons carry fleas. Chances are if you have fleas and no pets, a Squirrel, Raccoon or Rat brought them in.

 Question: I found a dead animal in my house. What concerns should I have?
Answer: When an animal dies you will find many ectoparasites including: fleas, carpet beetles and lice. When the animal is removed it is a good idea to treat the nesting area to eliminate the possibility of a different infestation.

Question: Can Squirrels and Raccoons fit into my chimney?
Answer: Yes. In fact it is very common. A simple solution is to get a chimney cap installed. Contact Arrow for pricing.  

Question: How many squirrels can there be nesting in my attic?
Answer: Since squirrels are very social, you can expect their whole family to nest there. Typically 2-12 squirrels will be nesting in your attic.

Copyright © 2001 [Alan Luke]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 10/15/11. Home