Native Indiana Squirrel Species You Might See in Your Backyard

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Tree squirrels are a normal part of nature in most areas of the country. These furry little critters are most known for their long, bushy tails, sensational appetite for nuts, and their amazing tree climbing abilities. Here in Indiana, our state happens to be home to four squirrel species, all of which have their own unique and interesting attributes. But be careful! Squirrels can also be a nuisance if your property is not well-protected against wildlife tampering.

Continue reading to learn more about our Indiana squirrels, including what you can do to ensure your home or building is not a target for nuisance animal damage.

Indianapolis Squirrel Removal and Control
Indianapolis Squirrel Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Types of Squirrels in Indiana

The four species of squirrel that are native to Indiana and the surrounding regions include the Gray squirrel, Southern Flying squirrel, Fox squirrel, and the Red squirrel. The most common types of squirrels, and the ones you likely spot on occasion in your own yard, are Fox squirrels. These critters are quite loud, and love to hide, bury, dig up, and eat their nuts. Gray squirrels are also quite common, but mostly found in the Central and Southern parts of the state. Red squirrels are also referred to as “Pineys” and tend to remain mostly in the Central and Northern parts of Indiana. As for the Southern Flying squirrel, they are the smallest of the four, and nocturnal at that, making them extra special.

All four squirrel species share the same diet, including nuts like acorns, walnuts, pecans, and bird seed. Yes, they love bird seed! See our blog, “How to Prevent Nuisance Squirrels From Stealing Bird Feed” to learn how to stop this problem on your property. They also eat berries, insects, and sometimes tree bark. When it comes to their homes, all squirrel species in Indiana love to choose tree cavities and old woodpecker holes, or build nests among high, mature tree branches. They also find shelter in residential attics, which is a big problem for homeowners. Squirrel infestations are messy and destructive, and can cost thousands of dollars to renovate.

Protecting Against Nuisance Squirrels

In order to protect your home and property from nuisance squirrel damage and infestation, you must take certain precautions. Through environmental modification, you can thwart squirrel activity and divert their attention away from your property. One way to do this is to remove all things that attract squirrels, such as bird feeders, pet food, nut and fruit trees, and anything else they like. Of course, this is not always entirely possible, as most property owners do not want to remove trees simply to stop squirrel activity. But you can trim trees on a routine basis to prevent squirrels from gaining access to your roofing and siding.

The only way you can have a squirrel infestation removed from your property, whether in the attic or an outdoor shed, is to hire a licensed wildlife removal and control company. They are the only ones who have the proper permits, licenses, and resources, and offer residential wild animal extraction and exclusion services. Most companies offer 24 hour emergency assistance in the case that you find a squirrel in the house.

Affordable Squirrel Removal and Control in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable squirrel removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, clean-up and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Budget Animal Removal

How to Identify a Bat Problem Around Your Property

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Bats are magnificent mammals that serve a vital role in our local ecosystems. But sometimes, their innate behaviors and survival instincts cause problems around our properties. Everything from bat urine and droppings, to structural damage, health risks, threats, and more, are possible issues that arise from having heavy bat activity in or around your house.

Continue reading to learn how to identify the signs of bat activity to confirm whether or not you have a bat problem on your hands.

Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control 317-875-3099
Indianapolis Bat Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Benefits of Local Bat Populations

A few bats flying around at dusk are not a bad thing. Bats are highly important to us for many reasons, which is why we should support the local bat populations and preserve them the best we can. However, when you have too many bats handing around your property, there is a very high risk of them gaining access inside, which is where the major destruction and health issues can occur. But even if bats are not inside, they can still cause a wide range of problems for you; problems that are both unsafe and costly to repair.

Here are the most common signs that bats are becoming too heavily populated around your property, or have gained access inside:

☑ Bats in the Attic

If you have bats in the attic, the signs are hard to miss. Mostly, bats in the attic are discovered as a result of hearing strange noises every night. Another common sign is urine stains on walls and ceilings as a result of too much waste accumulation. It can saturate the attic insulation and seep through floorboards, causing brownish and yellow stains on drywall. Along with waste stains comes odors, which is another common sign that you have bats around the house.

☑ Lingering Odors

As just mentioned, when bats inside or outside the house hang out for too long, their urine and droppings will begin to accumulate in mass quantities. As a result, you can smell the ammonia and other foul smells radiating from any areas where this accumulation exists. Common places include attics, wall voids, windowsills, door frames, roof edging, awnings, and archways. This brings us to our next sign.

☑ Guano

Bat droppings are also known as guano, which can be a tell-tale sign of bat activity around your house. Bats hang out in areas that have light, since light attracts insects, but also in areas that are safe, dark, and cozy. These areas are where you will find piles of guano, which looks much like rodent droppings. Along with guano, bat urine marks are often found on sides of buildings and homes. These streaks also smell, which is mentioned above.

How to Get Rid of Bats

So, you found some bats during spring cleaning? No problem. Just contact a local Indianapolis wildlife control company for emergency bat removal services you can trust. For further help, see our blog, “Where to Get Affordable Animal Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Indianapolis” if bats or other types of wildlife have damaged your property.

Safe Bat Removal and Control in Indianapolis

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable removal and control for bats in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Budget Animal Removal

Types of Wildlife That Will Destroy Your Roof This Spring

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Now that spring is officially here, it is time to start making a wildlife exclusion and preventative maintenance plan for the season. Right now, animals are being born all around you, which means your home will soon be a target to nuisance wildlife. One of the main areas of a home that is targeted by nuisance wild animals is the roof.  So, it is important to start by sealing up all the vulnerable and open areas of your home to ensure that wildlife will not get inside this spring.

Continue reading to learn which types of wildlife are most destructive, and what you can do to protect your roof from animal damage this year.

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal 317-875-3099
Indianapolis Wildlife Removal 317-875-3099

Common Animals That Cause Damage in the Spring

There are hundreds of species of wildlife that can become a nuisance to property owners. If you live near wooded or forested areas, or near a body of water, you home is even more susceptible to nuisance wildlife interference. Animals like raccoons, bats, squirrels, birds, moles, skunks, and opossums are common nuisance wildlife known in Indian, and they are capable of causing a wide range of damage and destruction to a house and its surrounding landscape.

Start your annual wildlife preventative maintenance plan by having your roof inspected and sealed by a professional wildlife exclusion company. They retain the proper licensed and permits to perform work in accordance with all local and federal laws that govern wildlife. Furthermore, they have the proper training, experience, tools, and resources to provide safe and effective work.

Here are some common nuisance animals that can access your roof, and a brief description of why you do not want them there!

Raccoons – Raccoons are very intelligent. Not only will they figure out how to climb your roof and pry off shingles with their dexterous paws and sharp claws, they will remember how to do it year after year until you stop them. They are also one of the most destructive animals due to their levels of intelligence and agility.

Bats – Bats are also very destructive, and pose several health risks. Because they are so tiny, they are common intruders in attics. They can squeeze through a gap as little as 3/8th of an inch, which means loose roof shingles are an open door to the attic area.

Squirrels – Squirrels are everywhere, and like raccoons and bats, they are smart and can fit through tiny openings. This makes them a very common nuisance. They can easily climb onto roofs and look for openings in soffits, flashings, chimneys, and loose shingles, making them a frequent attic dweller.

Birds – Birds are more messy than destructive, but their droppings and nesting debris can lead to structural damage on a roof. Also, birds travel in large flocks, which means they can be quite noisy in the spring if they are nesting on your roof. Species like woodpeckers might even put holes in your shingles.

Wild Animal Roof Damage

Not only will animals like raccoons and bats cause damage to your roofing system, they will get inside your attic and cause a whole other set of problems. They will cover every surface area with droppings, rotting food, and nesting materials, as well as, tear down attic insulation, electrical wiring, and more. This kind of destruction is very unsanitary and can lead to unsafe living conditions.

It is important to deal with an animal infestation as soon as you know you have one in order to prevent costlier renovations down the road. To prevent animal intrusions, start with a comprehensive full-property inspection, and have a licensed wildlife removal and control company seal up the vulnerable areas of your home.

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal and Control

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Budget Animal Removal

Frequently Asked Questions About Nuisance Skunks

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There are some incredible facts about skunks that you may have never known about. For example, the scientific name for skunks is mephitis mephitis, which is derived from the Roman goddess of poisonous vapors, and loosely translates to “bad odor bad odor.” Although skunks can surprise you with fun facts like this, they are highly destructive, as well as odorous, so it is important to protect your property from skunk wildlife damages and safety hazards.

Continue reading to review the most frequently asked questions about nuisance skunk prevention and protection.

Indianapolis Skunk Removal and Control 317-875-3099
Indianapolis Skunk Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Will Skunks Damage My Lawn?

Skunks are notorious for digging up lawns in search of juicy grubs and other underground larvae. Because their sense of smell is so heightened, they can sniff a lawn and instantly know where to start digging. The result is a lawn that looks more like a mud field. Getting rid of a lawn grub infestation is a good start to mitigating the damage they can do. Furthermore, skunks will also tear up and devour yields in gardens.

Will a Skunk Spray Me?

Skunks have anal scent glands that produce a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals, which have an aggressive odor. They use these spray glands as a weapon for defense, which means they will only spray if they feel threatened. They are more prone to spray if they are nursing and protecting their young. Although they have a great sense of smell and can hear quite well, they have poor vision, which also contributes to them feeling threatened when approached. 

How Do I Remove Skunk Smell?

Skunk smell can be removed in a number of ways. Although tomato juice is the old-timer remedy for skunk smell, the easiest way is to use some common, household items like vinegar, dishwashing liquid, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The first remedy is a solution containing water and apple cider vinegar.

Just rinse the affected area thoroughly, and then generously scrub in the solution. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and repeat until the smell is controlled. Another remedy includes mixing 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/4th cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dish-washing liquid. For dogs and cats, you can add in a cup of vanilla extract to mask any residual or lingering odors.

How Can I Repel Skunks?

The best way to stop skunks from trespassing onto your property is to take away the stuff they are looking for. This includes food, water, and shelter. Remove food sources like grubs, pet food, water fountains, koi ponds, and exposed garden yields. Things like log piles, openings under patios, and outdoor sheds are viable shelters that should be contained.

You can also make your own non-lethal, eco-friendly repellent from cayenne pepper, ground pepper, and water. Just spray around the perimeter of your garden beds, or directly on your fruits and vegetables, to keep them from coming back for more. If skunks are still a problem, you will require professional intervention. Contact a local and trusted wildlife removal and control company that is licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.

Indianapolis Skunk Removal and Control You Can Afford

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable assistance with nuisance skunks in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Budget Animal Removal

Where to Get Affordable Animal Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Indianapolis

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When you need your attic or other area of your property cleaned up, decontaminated, and restored after an animal infestation, Budget Animal Removal is the company to trust for exceptional service at a price you can afford!

Indianapolis Wildlife Control 317-875-3099
Indianapolis Wildlife Control 317-875-3099

Indianapolis Wildlife Cleanup and Repair

Budget Animal Removal in Indianapolis is one of Indiana’s most trusted wildlife management services for both residential and commercial properties. With nearly 20 years in business, you can trust that our DNR licensed wildlife exclusion teams are experienced and knowledgeable in humane capture and release strategies. We are highly qualified and insured and work with nearly any type of critter known to Indiana.

However, we are more than just wildlife removal experts; we also provide solutions for animal damages left behind from infestations and tampering! Our Indianapolis wildlife cleanup and restoration services are the right option to get your home or building back to its original condition. Best of all, we can provide homeowners insurance claim work for attic and structural restorations needed to resolve animal damage.  We combine our years of hands-on training and knowledge with the most advanced technologies and resources on the market, to effectively and efficiency rid your property of animal waste, damage, and contamination.

Our cleanup and restoration services are quite comprehensive, involving a “start to finish” standard that includes animal waste removal, disinfection, deodorization, louse fumigation, drywall and insulation replacement, and more. Our remediation process even includes a final sanitizing treatment that we apply with an innovative atomizing mist machine, which produces a fog of enzyme-based hazardous waste cleanser to ensure your property is 100% decontaminated.

How to Get Started

Call our office today at 317-875-3099 to learn more about our affordable wildlife removal and control services we offer in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Budget Animal Removal

Is Your Home Vulnerable to Raccoon Intrusion?

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Raccoons are known to find their way into our homes, garages, barns, and porch spaces; however, do we really know how vulnerable our house is to such intrusion?  How do you determine your home’s level of exposure? Continue reading to learn ways to inspect and animal proof your house from raccoon invasion this winter season.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control
Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Home Inspections

To begin assessing how open your home is to the wild animal community, particularly raccoons, it is crucial to inspect the inside and outside of your house. Look for weak spots and pay close attention to dark, warm areas. These are ideal shelter spots for raccoons.  Indoors, try starting in your basement. If you do not have a basement, turn to your utility room, crawl space, or garage as an option in its place. 

In the basement or other areas, look in dark corners, and keep your eyes peeled for any open or exposed areas. These could be areas of access. If you do not see anything here, move on to the attic area. Attics are very popular spots for raccoons. They love the dark, warm shelter it provides. This is an ideal breeding ground for them too. If you do not have an attic, check under stairs and in closets.

Exterior of Your Home

Outside, raccoon access points are easier to spot. Look to your roof and try to observe any loose shingles or pried open areas. These are indications that raccoons have been breaking in. Check under porches and patios as well. These are also common areas of access and even areas of living for wild raccoons.

Hire a Pro for Comprehensive Inspections

Doing an interior and exterior inspection of your home is a tedious and difficult task.  Typically, it is recommended to hire a professional wildlife removal and control company to provide an inspection. They are highly trained and experienced professionals that know all the signs to look for, and how to remedy the disturbance within a convenient time frame. If you are having trouble, call a professional for advice. They can offer the best solutions and service. 

Animal-Proof Your Home

Once an inspection has been completed, it is important to move onto animal proofing your home right away. The areas that were labeled weak, exposed, and open should be sealed immediately. By closing off the areas of access, you can stop further intrusion. It is very crucial to have all existing raccoons removed from your home with the help of a professional company before sealing off these access points.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control Service

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 to get rid of raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, and free estimates. Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Budget Animal Removal

10 Animals That Partner Up for Life

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Perhaps humans are not the only species in the Animal Kingdom that will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this weekend. That is because there are various types of wildlife that find a mate and stick with them forever, or at least until death do them part. That’s right; there are 10 known species on the planet that are monogamous mates.

Continue reading to learn which ones, and then pass these interesting and fun facts along to your special Valentine this year!

Happy Valentines Day!
Happy Valentines Day!

These Animals Team Up and Stick Together Forever:

French Angelfish

Not only do French Angelfish choose a mate and stay with them for life, together as a team they will fight to the death defending their territory against other Angelfish couples. This makes them a truly special species of fish.

Bald Eagles

Sure, Bald Eagles are known to be loners during winters and migration seasons, but they are actually a species that mates for life. Eagle will select their mate, and then together, they will build a permanent nest for roosting and raising their young; just like a husband and wife builds a home together for their family! In the case that a mate dies, a Bald Eagle will actually select a new mate before breeding season. Many monogamous species exhibit this same behavior.

Barn Owls

Barn owls are often spotted in twos because they commonly mate for life. Once an owl chooses their mate, the male will care for the female by supplying her with food so that she may lay her eggs. Now that is a new level of marital bliss!

Albatrosses

Albatrosses are unique birds in their own right, but adding on the fact that they are also a monogamous species puts them at the top of the interesting list. Just like Bald Eagles, Albatrosses will find a new mate if theirs dies, otherwise, they stay with the same partner, in the same nest, for life. Now since these birds can live as long as 50 years, they are truly a committed pair.

Penguins

Penguins are widely-known as being a monogamous species, however, not all penguins practice monogamy. For example, African and Magellanic, Gentoo, and Royal penguins are entirely monogamous for life. But the famous Emperor Penguin is somewhat monogamous, only keeping a mate for one single season, then choosing a new one the next season. This is referred to as serial monogamy.  

Mute Swans

Not all swan species mate for life, but Mute Swans do. And just like many other monogamous species, they will find a new mate if theirs dies. Interestingly though, if a male swan finds a younger female, they remain on his territory; but if he finds an older female, they stay on hers. Even more interesting is the fact that female widows will always go for a younger mate!

Beavers

Not only do beavers mate for life, both parents actively raise their young together. How sweet and inspiring is that! Furthermore, beaver families usually average around 6 or more individuals, so they love big families!

Gibbons

The nearest relative to us on this list are gibbons. They mate for life, unless one partner dies, in which case, they will find a new partner. Their family groups are small but very stable, and typically raise their young for up to 7 years, until their young reach sexual maturity. Just like French Angelfish, these couples are very territorial and will defend their pack by singing morning songs.

Wolves

Not only do wolves live in packs, they also mate for life! They stick together and raise their young until they reach sexual maturity, usually around 2 or 3 years old.

Shingleback Skinks

The Shingleback Skink is a lizard; a heavily armored lizard with a blue tongue to be exact. Perhaps these two elusive qualities help them attract their life mates! Native to western and southern Australia, these lizards are known to stay with the same mate for up to 20 years or more.

Experiencing Nuisance Wildlife Problems in Indianapolis?

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Budget Animal Removal

The Different Species of Marmot Found Around the World

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With Groundhog’s Day just around the corner, we thought it would be nice to give the little critters a bit of an honor. You may not know that groundhogs are marmots, but they are! In fact, there are several different species of marmots found all over the world, and groundhogs are just one of them. Continue below to learn some fun facts about Groundhog Day and groundhogs, as well as, the common species of marmot found all over the world!

Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control
Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is an annual tradition practiced in both Canada and the United States to predict when spring will arrive. Every year, on February 2nd, thousands of excited citizens gather around to see if the groundhog will emerge out of its burrow and cast a shadow of itself. If the groundhog has no shadow, it is said to signify 6 more weeks of winter. But if the groundhog casts a shadow, then spring is near! This tradition is derived from an old Pennsylvanian Dutch superstition that implies that if a groundhog comes out of its den and can see its own shadow, the skies are clear and the sun is shining, which indicates that spring is soon to come. Oppositely, if there is no groundhog shadow, it indicates a longer winter.

Groundhog Facts

Groundhogs are also known as woodchucks or whistlepigs. Scientifically, their species name is Marmota monax, and they are part of the Rodentia Order, Sciuridae family, and of course, Marmota genus. This makes them a species of marmot. The Sciuridae family also includes squirrels and chipmunks, while the Rodentia order retains rodents like mice and rats.

Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control
Indianapolis Groundhog Removal and Control

Marmots

Marmots are large-sized ground squirrels, and the heaviest rodent relative in the animal kingdom. There are 15 known species of marmot, including both old world and new world marmots. They are native to parts all over the globe, such as Asia, Europe and North America. In appearance, marmots have husky legs, large claws for digging, stoutly bodies, narrow heads, and sharp incisors that can quickly chew down all sorts of vegetation.

In the winter they hibernate in underground burrows and dens, so you do not see much of them. But once spring emerges, so do they, in search of food, water, and mates. They mainly eat mainly eat plants, as well as many types of grasses, berries, lichens, mosses, roots, and flowers. Most are very sociable, and even whistle to communicate with other marmots, especially when scared or in danger.

Old World Marmots – Eastern Hemisphere

🐾 Gray or Altai Marmot (Marmota baibacina)
🐾 Bobac or Steppe Marmot (Marmota bobac )
🐾 Black-Capped Marmot (Marmota camtschatica)
🐾 Long-Tailed Marmot (Marmota caudata)
🐾 Golden or Red Marmot (M. caudata aurea)
🐾 Himalayan Marmot (Marmota himalayana)
🐾 Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota)
🐾 Menzbier’s Marmot (Marmota menzbieri)
🐾 Tarvaga, Tarbagan or Mongolian Marmot (Marmota sibirica)

New World Marmots – Western Hemisphere

🐾 Marmota broweri — Alaska, Brower’s or Brooks Range marmot
🐾 Marmota caligata — hoary marmot
🐾 Marmota flaviventris — yellow-bellied marmot
🐾 Marmota monax — woodchuck or groundhog
🐾 Marmota olympus — Olympic marmot
🐾 Marmota vancouverensis — Vancouver Island marmot

Stop Nuisance Groundhog Activity in Spring

If you live near a lake, river, stream, or pond, your home could be at risk of nuisance groundhog activity. Although they do not mean to, groundhogs are capable of causing an enormous amount of damage to properties, including lawns, dams, patios, docks, and more. If you have spotted groundhogs on your property in the past, now is the time to implement the necessary strategies to prevent them from interfering with your lot. Contact a local wildlife control company for expert advice and service you can trust.

Central Indiana Groundhog Removal and Control

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable groundhog removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Budget Animal Removal

Today is National Squirrel Appreciation Day!

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Did you know that today, January 21st, is the annual National Squirrel Appreciation Day? It’s True!

Americans all across the country celebrate this day by giving back a little more to the local squirrel populations within our communities. You too can do your part to support the neighborhood squirrels, all without posing any risk of animal damage to your property. Continue below to learn some fun facts about squirrels, as well as, some tips for showing your appreciation for these furry little critters this season!

Indianapolis Squirrel Removal and Control
National Squirrel Appreciation Day – January 21st

Fun Facts About Squirrels

Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents that can fall under one or more of the three following categories: 1) Tree squirrel, 2) Ground squirrel, and 3) Flying squirrel. They belong to the Animalia family, Sciuridae, which also includes animals like chipmunks and prairie dogs, as well as, woodchucks, groundhogs, and other species of marmot.  

They are most known for their big bushy tails and tiny dexterous paws. They range in size, depending on species, gender, and basic genetics. For instance, the African pygmy squirrel can be as small as 7 to 10 centimeters and weigh less than half an ounce, whereas the Alpine marmot measures in at over 2 feet long and up to 18 pounds!

Squirrels live in wooded or forested areas where there is an abundance of trees, undergrowth, and plants, as well as a reliable water source. This is also due to their primary diet of nuts, seeds, flowers, mushrooms, and herbaceous plants.

Some squirrels prefer widely-spaced forests with oaks, pines, and mixed tree species, while others, like the Eastern grey, squirrel, prefers trees that are closer together in order to move from tree to tree between canopies. They either build their nests out of tree branches, leaves, and organic material, or they find a tree cavity for shelter.

Supporting Local Squirrel Colonies

To do your part and support your local neighborhood squirrels, you can hang squirrel houses and feeders on the perimeter of your property. You can also modify your outdoor environments to thwart squirrels from getting too close to your structures. Ultimately, such modifications will deliver protection to squirrels because it keeps them in their safe and natural habitat, rather than your chimney or attic.

Dealing With a Nuisance Squirrel Problem?

If you have a nuisance squirrel problem in or around your property, never poison, trap, or harm them under any circumstances. Instead, always use safe and humane methods to control nuisance squirrels, such as a natural repellent. See our blog, “Non-Toxic Repellent Recipe for Nuisance Wildlife” to learn how to make your very own at home. If your squirrel problem persists, please contact a licensed wildlife removal company that can provide non-lethal squirrel removal and control services.

Safe Squirrel Removal and Control for Indiana

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control services for squirrels in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our DNR licensed wildlife removal specialists offer wild animal abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and more! We work with all species of Indiana wildlife, except dogs, cats, and waterfowl. Request a free estimate, today.

Budget Animal Removal

How to Protect Your Car From Animal Damages in Winter

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Here in Indiana, not all species of wildlife migrate. Many animals, like skunks, raccoons, and squirrels like to stay right where they are for the winter. Unfortunately, this can cause problems with our own property since these species are looking for warm and reliable shelter that will protect them through the season and give them a space to breed their young come spring.

The most vulnerable assets targeted by animals in search of shelter are attics, barns, sheds, and play sets. However, they really love our cars too! That’s right; wild animals will use your vehicle during the winter as a place to stay until the climate is more forgiving. But you certainly won’t be forgiving once you discover that animals have damaged your ride.

Continue reading to learn how you can protect your vehicle from animal damages this winter, as well as, who to call for help if your property is already too far infested by nuisance wildlife.

Indianapolis Wildlife Control 317-875-3099
Indianapolis Wildlife Control 317-875-3099

A Car is a Home for an Animal

It may seem very unsuspecting, but the undercarriages of vehicles can make a cozy little shelter for wildlife. Raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and chipmunks are common nuisance wildlife found nesting underneath an abandoned, stationary, or junk vehicle. When it comes to raccoons, gaining access inside vehicles is a very high possibility because they have human-like paws that allow them to open doors and windows just like us! Just be sure to take extra precaution when checking your vehicle for nesting animals.

Homemade Animal Repellent

An effective and humane approach to keep wild animals away from your house is to make a homemade non-toxic animal repellent. The best ingredients to use for your animal repellent include cayenne pepper, hot peppers, onions, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. These spices and ingredients will irritate wild animal’s eyes and skin and thwart their interest in your property. But not to worry; it is safe and humane. Just be sure to keep your dog or cat away from any application areas.

To make your solution, start by mixing some of the mentioned ingredients together and transfer the liquid into a spray bottle. For raccoons, go heavy on the cayenne and cinnamon; they hate these smells, flavors, and sensations. For other wildlife, incorporate other pepper-based ingredients. Once you have concocted your solution, spray the perimeter of your property with this solution to prevent nuisance animal intrusions. These spices and ingredients will irritate wild animal’s eyes and skin and thwart their interest in your property. Raccoons have excellent memories, so they will certainly remember that your property is no fun. This solution works well against skunks, opossum, and squirrels too.

Additional Options:

☑ Install Automatic Sprinkler Systems
☑ Set Up Motion-Sensing Lighting
☑ Play a Radio Station Outside
☑ Call a Wildlife Abatement Professional

✨ The best approach to protecting your property from animal damage is professional wildlife abatement.

Indiana Animal Removal and Control

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable wildlife removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, cleanup and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.

Budget Animal Removal