Perhaps the most common wildlife throughout Chapel Hill and Orange County is the gray squirrel, North Carolina’s state mammal. These animals are persistent and highly adaptable, making them frequent visitors in neighborhoods like Southern Village, Meadowmont, and areas near the University of North Carolina campus. Whether you live near Franklin Street, off US 15-501, or in communities along NC 54, gray squirrels are likely active on your property.
Gray squirrels are found throughout North Carolina and thrive in both rural and suburban settings. They typically have two litters per year, one in early spring and another in late summer. Females can have anywhere from one to eight young, with the average litter containing four babies. Baby squirrels open their eyes in about four to six weeks and become mobile by eight weeks. We use humane wildlife control methods to remove squirrels from homes, allowing us to safely trap and relocate these animals according to North Carolina regulations.
Gray squirrels feed on acorns, hickory nuts, tree buds, and other vegetation. They are frequent visitors at bird feeders throughout Chapel Hill, to the delight or frustration of homeowners in neighborhoods like The Oaks, Coker Hills, and North Forest Hills. These animals play an important role in our ecosystem but can create serious problems when they move into your attic or walls.
Removal Service Areas
Understanding Gray Squirrel Behavior in Chapel Hill
Gray squirrels are diurnal animals, which means they are active during daylight hours. Homeowners and business owners throughout Chapel Hill will notice squirrel activity is highest in early morning and late afternoon. These times coincide with their feeding schedules as they search for food in yards, gardens, and wooded areas near homes.
You can normally find these animals in attics where they enter through breaches in the roofline, gable vents, attic fans, ridge vents, and damaged soffits. Properties near wooded areas off Fordham Boulevard, around Bolin Creek, or backing up to natural spaces along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail are particularly vulnerable to squirrel activity. Once they identify a weakness in your home’s exterior, gray squirrels will chew through fascia, soffits, and even aluminum gutters if persistent enough.
Historic neighborhoods near downtown Chapel Hill, including areas around Rosemary Street and Cameron Avenue, often have mature trees that attract large squirrel populations. Properties throughout Briar Chapel, Governors Club, and neighborhoods along Weaver Dairy Road experience frequent squirrel activity due to the abundant tree cover and proximity to natural areas.
Property Damage Caused by Squirrels
Once inside your attic, squirrels continue to gnaw on rafters, joists, electrical wiring, and pipe insulation. Gray squirrels belong to the rodent family and have four front teeth that never stop growing. This means they must constantly chew to keep their teeth worn down. This natural behavior becomes a serious problem when it occurs inside your home, leading to costly damage that requires professional repair.
The animals will sometimes gnaw on aluminum skylight frames, lead pipes on soil stacks, and other building materials. Damaged electrical wiring creates a serious fire hazard that puts your entire property at risk. Properties throughout Chapel Hill, from historic homes near the University of North Carolina to newer developments in areas like Meadowmont and Southern Village, can experience these issues when squirrels gain access to attic spaces.
How Many Squirrels Can Be in Your Attic?
Gray squirrels are very territorial animals. Typically, an attic will house a female with her latest litter. Sometimes, young males form what wildlife experts call bachelor groups. The average number of squirrels removed from a Chapel Hill attic ranges from one to about four animals total. Our technicians will remove all squirrels from your attic and then seal all entry points to prevent future problems.
Flying Squirrel Problems in Chapel Hill
Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control also handles flying squirrel issues throughout Chapel Hill and Orange County. Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals that are smaller than gray squirrels but can create similar problems in attics. These animals are often found in properties near wooded areas and natural spaces throughout Chapel Hill. If you hear scratching, scurrying, or other noises in your attic at night, you may have flying squirrels rather than gray squirrels.
Our Squirrel Removal Process
Our comprehensive squirrel removal process for Chapel Hill properties includes:
- Thorough inspection to identify all entry points and assess damage
- Humane trapping and removal of all squirrels
- Sealing all entry points to prevent future access
- Damage repair to affected areas
- Attic cleanup and sanitization when needed
- Installation of exclusion barriers where appropriate
We understand that each property in Chapel Hill presents unique challenges. Whether you live in an older home near the UNC campus, a newer construction in Briar Chapel, or a property along the Estes Drive corridor, we customize our approach to your specific situation.
Health and Safety Concerns with Squirrels
While squirrels are not typically aggressive toward humans, they can carry diseases and parasites. Squirrel droppings and urine in attics can create health concerns for your family. Rodent droppings can spread diseases and should be handled by professionals using proper protective equipment.
Fleas and ticks from squirrels can spread throughout your home, affecting both people and pets. Dead squirrels in attics or walls create terrible odors and attract other pests. Professional removal and cleanup are essential to protect your family’s health and prevent additional problems.
Prevention and Exclusion Services
After removing squirrels from your Chapel Hill property, prevention is key to avoiding future issues. Our team provides complete exclusion services that include:
- Sealing all entry points larger than one inch
- Installing chimney caps and vent covers
- Trimming tree branches that provide access to your roof
- Repairing damaged soffits, fascia, and other vulnerable areas
- Installing barriers on potential entry points
Properties throughout Chapel Hill, from neighborhoods near Franklin Street to homes along Raleigh Road and around Culbreth Road, benefit from our preventive approach. We help you protect your investment and maintain a squirrel-free home.
Why Choose Triangle Wildlife Removal for Chapel Hill, NC Squirrel Removal Services
With over 25 years of experience serving Chapel Hill and the Triangle area, we understand the specific wildlife challenges that homeowners face throughout Orange County. Our methods are based on animal behavior, building science, and proven exclusion techniques that work.
We serve all areas throughout Chapel Hill, including neighborhoods near the University of North Carolina campus, properties along US 15-501 and NC 54, communities around the Carolina North development, and areas throughout Carrboro. Whether you need help with gray squirrels, flying squirrels, or other wildlife issues in areas like Winmore, Lake Forest, or Glen Lennox, our experienced technicians provide reliable, humane solutions.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regulates wildlife control activities throughout the state. We follow all state guidelines and use approved methods for squirrel removal and relocation. Our licensed wildlife control agents understand local regulations and ensure all work complies with North Carolina law.
Properties near Homestead Park, along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and in communities throughout Chapel Hill and Carrboro benefit from our decades of local experience. We understand the unique challenges presented by Chapel Hill’s mix of historic homes, modern developments, and proximity to natural areas and the University of North Carolina.
Call Triangle Wildlife Removal professionals today if you need help removing gray or flying squirrels from your business or home in Chapel Hill NC, Raleigh NC, Cary NC, Durham NC, Holly Springs NC, and Garner NC, as well as other nearby areas in the Triangle.
For professional squirrel removal services in Chapel Hill, contact Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. at (919) 661-0722.
