Category Archives: Squirrels

News, Pest News, Squirrel Control, Squirrels

When do Squirrels Have Babies in New Jersey?

When do Squirrels Have Babies?
When do Squirrels Have Babies?

Grey squirrels are cute and their babies are even cuter. That doesn’t mean you want them as house guests. Here are some helpful facts about the breeding habits and behavior of grey squirrels, a frequent target of NJ pest control.

When Do Squirrels Breed?

You may sometimes hear grey squirrels referred to as cat or migratory squirrels. This species, commonly found in New Jersey and the eastern United States, usually lives in forests and other natural outdoor areas. Since grey squirrels have little fear of humans, it’s not unusual to see them in urban areas as well.

Grey squirrels breed from December to February and again from May to June. While female squirrels can’t breed until they’re at least a year old, males are extremely active during these periods. Breeding squirrels may even engage in mating dances.

Birth and Lifespan

During the 44-day gestation period, pregnant squirrels may become more aggressive.  Litters generally produce two to six squirrels, although there can be as many as eight babies. According to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, grey squirrels have an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years, but wild grey squirrels can live up to 10 years.

NJ Pest Control for All Creatures Great and Small

Are bed bugs, mice, squirrels or other creatures making themselves welcome at your home? Contact Stern Environmental for information about our comprehensive and cost-effective NJ pest control services.

Animal Control, News, Squirrel Control, Squirrels

What to Know About NJ Squirrels

NJ Squirrel Removal Experts
NJ Squirrel Removal Experts

Squirrels may be an entertaining sight when they scamper around in a park, but not when they’re wreaking havoc in your home. Our NJ pest control experts share these helpful facts about squirrels.

Types of NJ Squirrels

The most common species of squirrel found in New Jersey is the gray squirrel. “Gray” is something of a misnomer, as it’s actually a combination of white, black and brown fur that creates the illusion of gray.

New Jersey is also home to both northern flying squirrels and southern flying squirrels. Instead of wings, these squirrels have membranes from arms to chest and between the legs that allow them to glide, giving the appearance of flying.

The northern flying squirrel prefers to live in wooded areas, high up in the trees. So, if you find flying squirrels in your home they’re likely to be the southern variety.

Why Squirrels Love Your Home

Squirrels breed twice a year, once in winter and once in summer. With its warmth, safety and access to food and water, your attic makes an attractive home for a pregnant squirrel

In order to control their constantly growing teeth, squirrels need to gnaw, which causes significant damage to wood, wires and even pipes. Squirrels also spread disease directly through biting and indirectly through their droppings.

NJ Pest Control for Wildlife and Insects

Surprised by uninvited visitors? Contact Stern Environmental for safe and effective removal.

News, Residential Services, Squirrel Control, Squirrels

What to Know About Squirrel Breeding Season in New Jersey

What to Know About Squirrel Breeding Season in New Jersey
What to Know About Squirrel Breeding Season in New Jersey

A lot of New Jersey homeowners have trouble with squirrels in their attics this time of year. But it’s not just the cold weather that drives them inside; although that is one reason they seek shelter. The early winter months are actually the time of year when squirrels are breeding.

Although we know they’re fascinating, your NJ squirrel control professionals also know that they’re a nuisance. We think you do too.

Squirrel Breeding Season

Squirrels generally have two litters of pups a year. They have one in the middle of summer and another in the late winter months. As many as 8 pups are possible per litter, but most squirrels have between 2 and 4.

Squirrel mating behaviors are very interesting as well. They actually mate more like gorillas, which means both males and females have more than one partner.

Do You Need NJ Squirrel Control Experts to Inspect Your Attic?

Most people really like squirrels. They’re fun to watch as they run around your backyard and climb up trees. As long as they stay outside, there are no problems. But all too often, they venture inside for warmth and shelter.

Your NJ squirrel control experts can come and inspect your attic to determine the scope of your squirrel problem. Not only can we get rid of them, but we can help to make sure they can’t make it back inside again. Contact us today for help.

Animal Control, Green Pest Control, News, Pest Eradication, Pest Management, Pest News, Squirrel Control, Squirrels

Squirrel Facts You Did Not Know

Squirrel Facts You Did Not Know
Squirrel Facts You Did Not Know

The eastern gray squirrel is a common sight in NJ when you’re outdoors. However, these animals could end up inside your attic or other indoor areas to escape the cold, which means it’s time for NJ pest animal control. While you might be familiar with squirrels, here are some facts that you might not know.

Invasive Squirrels

Eastern gray squirrels are considered an invasive species in the US. In fact, they’ve displaced the native red squirrel in some parts of the region. They’re native to the eastern US and the midwestern US, although they’ve spread to the western regions.

Color Variations

Most gray squirrels are gray, although they can be brown. In urban areas, some of these squirrels end up with white or black fur coloring due to the low risk of predators.

Spatial Memory

Eastern gray squirrels hoard food in numerous locations. They have excellent spatial memory that helps them remember where all of their food caches are.

Nutrition

Squirrels usually feed on seeds, berries, nuts and similar items. However, they’re also known to prey on frogs, birds and other animals. They also gnaw on antlers and bones for minerals.

Communication

Eastern gray squirrels use tail movements, facial expressions and vocalizations to communicate. They even make a purring noise when interacting with their young.

If you have a squirrel problem, contact Stern Environmental for NJ pest animal control.

News, Nuisance Wildlife Control, Pest Animal Removal, Pest News, Residential Services, Squirrel Control, Squirrels

What to Know About the New Jersey Gray Squirrel

What to Know About the New Jersey Gray Squirrel
What to Know About the New Jersey Gray Squirrel

More than just amazing acrobats when it comes to infiltrating your bird feeder, the NJ gray squirrel can also become a household pest. What makes them turn to invading your home when they seem to be plenty busy raiding your bird feeder, pilfering bulbs from your garden, and unwittingly growing a forest of walnut trees in your yard? The NJ gray squirrel control experts at Stern have the 4-1-1 on squirrel shenanigans.

High Metabolism = High Likelihood for Theft

Squirrels require a robust and diverse diet in order to maintain their high metabolism for growth and reproduction. 

Rapid Reproduction = Looking for Family Friendly Real Estate

NJ gray squirrels can reproduce just months after birth. Breeding season is typically in January, then again in the late spring/early summer. If you see squirrels chasing each other, juvenile rodents are likely on their way. Learn how to protect your home from a squirrel invasion. 

Growing Teeth = Structural Dangers

Because these rodent’s teeth constantly grow, they must chew to wear them down, gnawing on your home’s structure, wiring, and more. 

Predators = Squirrels Snacks

If your yard or home hosts NJ gray squirrels, you may see an influx of squirrel predators and pests such as snakes, weasels, raccoons, skunks, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes.

Lower the likelihood of rodent and varmint rendezvous in and around your home. Contact the NJ gray squirrel control at Stern Environmental today.