With their bushy tails and their tendency to run zigzags in front of cars, squirrels are both cute and annoying. If they take up residence in your home, they may cross the line between annoying and downright threatening. Squirrels are a common pest across the United States and in Texas, invading new and old homes alike. Therefore, as a homeowner, you should know a few key facts about squirrels.

There Are Several Types of Squirrels

Most of the squirrels in Texas are gray squirrels, so this is probably the type you're most familiar with. However, several other species of squirrels exist too. Red squirrels look similar to gray squirrels but with reddish-orange fur. Fox squirrels are larger than red and gray squirrels, measuring up to 27 inches long with black heads and white ears and feet.

All types of squirrels can invade homes, but gray squirrels are the most common indoor pest.

Squirrels Remember Where They Hide Food

For years, scientists assumed that squirrels used their sense of scent to find food they had hidden. However, recent studies have revealed that squirrels actually remember where they bury food. They also remember what food is hidden in each spot. If you see squirrels burying food on your land, you can bet that they will return to dig it up later.

Squirrels' Teeth Grow Continuously

Unlike your teeth, which have a defined length, squirrels' teeth continually grow and erupt from their jaw. To keep their teeth a serviceable length, squirrels need to chew on hard items almost daily. When squirrels invade your attic, they can do a lot of damage by chewing on your wood structures and other items. They're not eating the wood or building a nest out of it — they're just filing down their teeth.

Squirrels Don't Often Transmit Disease

Squirrels can carry bacteria like Salmonella, but such diseases are rarely transmitted to humans unless you handle dead squirrels without taking proper hygiene precautions. Unlike larger animals like raccoons and skunks, squirrels rarely carry rabies.

This information can put your mind at ease if you do find squirrels in your attic. As much structural damage as they might do, they're not a big threat to your health.

Squirrels Can Cause Fires

In addition to structural wood damage, one risk of finding squirrels in your attic is that of fire. Squirrels can chew through electrical wires, leading to sparks.

This incident sometimes happens when a homeowner seals an attic, thinking that they will keep the squirrels outside, but one or two squirrels are still trapped in the attic. The desperate squirrels try to chew their way out and cause a lot of damage, sometimes including fires, while doing so.

Squirrels Reproduce Quickly

If you suspect you have squirrels in your attic, crawlspace, or elsewhere in your home, you need to act quickly. Gray squirrels breed twice a year, giving birth to litters as large as nine after only 44 days of pregnancy.

Squirrels often look for nests when they are about to give birth, so when they move into your attic, you can count on having a whole family up there before long. Your pest control company will have an easier time getting rid of two squirrels than a whole family.

Squirrels may be more attractive than other rodents, and they may not put your family at risk for disease. However, because they can cause extensive structural damage, they are a pest you need to take seriously. If you hear rustling sounds in your attic or see squirrels sneaking inside, contact Pioneer Exterminating Company right away. We offer dependable rodent control services throughout the Houston area.