If you’ve ever wondered how to identify squirrel poop, then you’ve come to the right place. The size of the turd can help you determine whether it’s from a male or female, or a pregnant female. In addition to size, you can identify the species by the color and shape of the poop. This article will teach you the steps you need to take to clean up the mess left by the squirrels.
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Identifying squirrel feces
If you have discovered the presence of squirrels in your home, the first step is to identify the kind of feces you’re seeing. Squirrel poop is typically a brown color with rounded ends. It will change from brown to tan or green over time. The poop from this species of rodent is often mixed with chewed nuts and other debris. In addition, squirrel droppings often build up in the same area as rat droppings.
In order to differentiate between squirrel poop and rat poop, you need to look for small brown pellets with round ends. Squirrel poop will typically be found in a nest or at the base of trees, or beneath bird feeders. These pellets are often thick and stacked together. You can easily remove the feces using a vacuum cleaner and remove the affected insulation, or you can use a microbial fogger to kill the bacteria in the squirrel poop.
Squirrel poop can contain a variety of diseases, including salmonellosis and leptospirosis. If ingested, leptospirosis can cause flu-like symptoms, severe respiratory problems, and even death. Another easy-to-catch disease is salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Both are not fatal, but should not be ignored.
Comparing squirrel poop to rat poop
The first step in distinguishing rat from squirrel feces is to know the differences between the two species. Rat feces are strewn about while squirrel pellets are smaller and brownish. They also have reddish tones. Rat feces are dark and can have the appearance of wood and nut pulp. Generally, squirrel pellets are more similar to the color of rat feces.
If you look at a squirrel’s droppings and compare them to the feces of a rat, you’ll notice that the former is slightly larger and more circular than the latter. Rat feces are rounded and pointy while squirrel poop has smoother edges and is much thinner. Squirrel droppings may be spotted, so it’s important to pay attention to any such occurrences to protect your home from infestation.
Besides their differences in appearance, rats and squirrels also differ in their habits. Rats generally eliminate where they’re most convenient, while squirrels tend to pick a specific location and stick to it. Rat droppings can also be found on walkways. In contrast, squirrels prefer a quieter location. A squirrel may choose a nearby tree for a latrine, but a rat may use an open space on a sidewalk.
Steps to cleaning up squirrel poop
Cleaning up squirrel poop is important because it’s a sign of good hygiene and the removal of potentially harmful germs. First, you should use protective gear to protect your skin and clothing and wear gloves to pick up each dropping one by one. Squirrel poop doesn’t crumble so you can’t use your bare hands to scoop it up. To clean up poop, use a filter vacuum to remove most of the feces.
You may also use a filter vacuum to collect the droppings. This method works better than a broom because the droppings aren’t broken down like bat guano, and it sanitizes the area. Afterward, make sure to sanitize the area as thoroughly as possible. If there is still a lot of squirrel droppings, you can use a sanitizing solution to get rid of the smell.
To make it safe for you and your family, wear protective gear like gloves and goggles. Next, spray the droppings with disinfectant or bleach solution. Apply the solution to the affected area and wait for at least 20 minutes. After this, collect the droppings with a paper towel and dispose them safely. If you find eggs or larvae, torch them. Toxins from squirrel droppings are dangerous. Wear protective gear and follow proper hygiene tips to keep your family and pets healthy.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
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