Wild mammal – Moderate risk
Squirrel
25-30 cm – Grey-brown, black
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
The gray squirrel measures 25 to 30 cm in body length, with a bushy tail of 20 to 25 cm. Its coat is gray-brown on top and creamy white on the belly. Ears are small and round, with no tufts. Very agile, it easily climbs walls, trees and roofs.
§2Habitat
Behavior and territory
Active by day, the grey squirrel is present all year round: it does not hibernate. It builds food caches in many parts of its territory (1 to 5 hectares). In urban environments, it adapts easily to parks, gardens and residential areas.
§3Reproduction
Reproduction
A gray squirrel in your attic can go unnoticed for weeks. Here are the clues to look out for.
§4What to look out for
Signs of presence
- Scratches on gutters or siding
- Soffites ou bardages endommagés ou décollés
- Copeaux de bois ou isolant déplacé dans les combles
- Provisions de noix ou de glands stockées dans des recoins
- Traces de griffes sur les gouttières ou le bardage
§5Why act fast
Risks and dangers
- Introduction of parasites (fleas, mites) into the home
- Isolant compressé ou souillé par les déjections
- Infiltration d’eau via les entrées créées dans le toit
- Introduction de parasites (puces, acariens) dans le logement
§6Prevention
Prevention
- Install deflectors on downspouts
- Poser un grillage à mailles fines sur les soffites et évents
- Colmater toutes les fissures et ouvertures extérieures
- Installer des protège-câbles sur les lignes électriques
- Ne pas laisser de nourriture accessible à l’extérieur
- Poser des déflecteurs sur les descentes de gouttières
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Home location and assessment.
Preparation
Customized plan – pre-intervention measurements.
Treatment
Locate main and satellite nests, treat with non-repellent baits.
Follow-up
Inspection visit – written guarantee.
§8We answer you
Frequently asked questions
Is the gray squirrel dangerous?
Grey squirrels don’t attack humans, but they can bite if they feel cornered. Its real danger is structural: gnawed cables, soiled insulation and the risk of fire make it a serious nuisance not to be overlooked.
How do I know if he's inside my house?
The most common clues are running noises in the attic in the morning, loose soffits or wood shavings in the attic. An inspection of the perimeter of the roof can usually locate the point of entry.
Can I dislodge it myself?
It is possible to install capture traps yourself without injury, but recapture is not recommended without experience. A professional exterminator will be able to identify all entrances, install traps in the right places and seal access once the animal has been removed.
React quickly, sleep well.
The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.