Perhaps the most common wildlife throughout Durham and Durham County is the gray squirrel, North Carolina’s state mammal. These animals are persistent and highly adaptable, making them frequent visitors in neighborhoods like Trinity Park, Hope Valley, and areas near Duke Forest. Whether you live near Duke University, off Hillsborough Road, or in communities along NC 147, 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 Durham, to the delight or frustration of homeowners in neighborhoods like Forest Hills, Watts-Hillandale, and Woodcroft. 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 Durham
Gray squirrels are diurnal animals, which means they are active during daylight hours. Homeowners and business owners throughout Durham 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 Duke Forest, around the Eno River, or backing up to green spaces along the American Tobacco 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 Durham, including Morehead Hill, Old West Durham, and areas near the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, often have mature trees that attract large squirrel populations. Properties throughout Trinity Park, Duke Park, and neighborhoods along Ninth Street experience frequent squirrel activity due to the abundant tree cover and older home construction.
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 Durham, from historic homes near Duke University to newer developments in Southpoint and Research Triangle Park areas, 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 Durham 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 Durham
Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control also handles flying squirrel issues throughout Durham and Durham 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 along the Eno River, Duke Forest, and other natural spaces. 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 Durham 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 Durham presents unique challenges. Whether you live in an older home in Trinity Park, a newer construction near NC 751, or a property near the Streets at Southpoint, 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 Durham 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 Durham, from neighborhoods near Northgate Mall to homes along Alston Avenue and around Brightleaf at the Park, benefit from our preventive approach. We help you protect your investment and maintain a squirrel-free home.
Why Choose Triangle Wildlife Removal for Durham, NC Squirrel Removal Services
With over 25 years of experience serving Durham and the Triangle area, we understand the specific wildlife challenges that homeowners face throughout Durham County. Our methods are based on animal behavior, building science, and proven exclusion techniques that work.
We serve all areas throughout Durham, including neighborhoods near Duke University, properties along I-40 and I-85, communities off NC 147 (Durham Freeway) and NC 55, and developments throughout North Durham and South Durham. Whether you need help with gray squirrels, flying squirrels, or other wildlife issues in areas like Treyburn, Hope Valley, or Chancellor’s Ridge, 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 Research Triangle Park, along Roxboro Road, and in communities throughout Durham benefit from our decades of local experience. We understand the unique challenges presented by Durham’s mix of historic homes, modern developments, and proximity to natural areas like the Eno River State Park and Duke Forest.
Call Triangle Wildlife Removal professionals today if you need help removing gray or flying squirrels from your business or home in Durham NC, Raleigh NC, Cary NC, Holly Springs NC, Garner NC, and Chapel Hill NC, as well as other nearby areas in the Triangle.
For professional squirrel removal services in Durham, contact Triangle Wildlife Removal & Pest Control, Inc. at (919) 661-0722.
