Question 1

What types of squirrels are common in Louisville and Southern Indiana?

Accepted Answer

The two most common species we deal with are the Eastern Gray Squirrel, which is very common in suburban and urban areas, and the slightly larger Fox Squirrel, often found in more open, park-like settings. Both are highly adaptable and frequently invade homes in our region.

Question 2

What do squirrels in a Louisville attic sound like?

Accepted Answer

You'll typically hear quick scampering, scratching, or rolling sounds, like nuts being buried or moved. Squirrels are most active during the day (diurnal), so you'll hear them most in the early morning and late afternoon. Noises at night usually indicate a different animal, like a raccoon or opossum.

Question 3

Why are squirrels getting into my house?

Accepted Answer

Squirrels seek shelter that is safe from predators, warm, dry, and provides a stable place to build nests and raise their young. Your attic, crawl space, or wall voids provide the perfect, predator-free environment for them, especially during baby season or cold winters.

Question 4

Why do squirrels chew on wires, wood, and pipes?

Accepted Answer

A squirrel's incisor teeth never stop growing, much like human fingernails. They must constantly gnaw on hard surfaces to keep them filed down and sharp. Unfortunately, in a home, this includes electrical wires, support beams, plumbing, and siding.

Question 5

How big of a hole can a squirrel fit through?

Accepted Answer

An adult squirrel can squeeze through a hole the size of a US quarter (about 1 inch in diameter). They are also expert chewers and can easily enlarge a smaller crack or gap to gain entry.

Question 6

When is squirrel baby season in Kentucky and Indiana?

Accepted Answer

Squirrels typically have two litters per year. The first is in late winter/early spring (February-April) and the second is in late summer (August-September). It is crucial to use humane methods during these times to avoid trapping babies inside an attic away from their mother.

Question 7

Do squirrels hibernate in the winter?

Accepted Answer

No, squirrels do not hibernate. They build up food caches in the fall and will stay in their nests for days at a time during very cold or severe weather, but they remain active throughout the winter. This is why many homeowners notice squirrel problems when it gets cold, as the animals are seeking warm shelter.

About Squirrels