Squirrels, like all living organisms, excrete feces as a natural part of their digestive process. Understanding their droppings can be important for homeowners.
Identifying Squirrel Droppings
Squirrel droppings typically appear as small, dark pellets, often resembling jellybeans or raisins. They are usually cylindrical or oblong in shape, with rounded ends, and can measure between 5 to 8 millimeters (approximately 0.2 to 0.3 inches) in length. Fresh droppings are generally dark brown to black, smooth, and may have a slightly shiny texture. As they age, the droppings tend to dry out, becoming lighter in color, sometimes turning reddish, greenish, or even chalky.
Squirrel droppings can sometimes be confused with those of other rodents, such as rats or mice. Squirrel feces are often larger than mouse droppings and typically have more rounded ends compared to the pointed ends sometimes found on rat droppings. Unlike rats, which may designate specific areas for defecation, squirrels often scatter their droppings as they move, although they can also create concentrated piles, known as latrines, near nesting or feeding areas. Their diet, primarily consisting of nuts, seeds, and fruits, can influence the color and may sometimes leave undigested bits of food visible in the droppings.
Managing Squirrel Waste
Squirrel droppings can pose several health risks due to the potential presence of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Common pathogens found in squirrel feces include Salmonella and Leptospira, which can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal issues and fever to more severe conditions like kidney damage. Exposure can occur through direct contact, inhalation of airborne particles from dried droppings, or contaminated food and water.
When cleaning squirrel droppings, it is important to take precautions to minimize exposure. Wearing protective gear, including disposable gloves, a face mask, and goggles, helps prevent direct contact and inhalation of harmful particles. To prevent dust from becoming airborne, moisten the droppings with a disinfectant solution before carefully collecting them with a damp paper towel or scoop. All cleaning materials and droppings should be placed in sealed plastic bags and disposed of in an outdoor trash can.
Thoroughly clean the affected area with soap and water, followed by a disinfectant, and wash hands thoroughly after the process. Deterring squirrels from areas where their droppings are a nuisance often involves sealing entry points into buildings and maintaining a clean environment to reduce attractants.