Identifying the source of small, dark pellets is the first step toward addressing a potential wildlife problem. This guide provides specific details on what squirrel droppings look like and how to differentiate them from those of other animals.
Size, Shape, and Color
Squirrel droppings are typically cylindrical or barrel-shaped with ends that are often rounded or slightly tapered. They are relatively small, usually measuring between \(3/8\) to \(1/2\) inch in length and about \(1/8\) inch in diameter. This size is comparable to a raisin or a large grain of rice. The consistency of the droppings is generally dry and hard once they are aged.
Fresh droppings are typically dark brown to black, but as they dry out, they tend to lighten. They sometimes fade to a tan, reddish-brown, or even a greenish hue. Because of their plant-heavy diet, the pellets may sometimes contain visible, undigested bits of seeds or plant matter.
Typical Locations for Finding Droppings
Squirrel droppings are often found scattered randomly rather than collected in a single, dedicated waste pile. This dispersed pattern is a key indicator, as squirrels tend to defecate as they move throughout an area.
Inside a structure, the droppings are most commonly found in attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids. They are often near nesting sites or along the paths they regularly travel.
You may also find them concentrated near entry points, such as roof edges, soffits, or gaps in siding where the animal enters the home. Outdoors, look for squirrel droppings near trees, on high ledges, and under bird feeders.
Differentiating Squirrel Droppings from Common Pests
Distinguishing squirrel droppings from other common household pests often relies on comparative size and location. Squirrel droppings are significantly larger than those left by a mouse, which are slender, pointed at both ends, and only about \(1/4\) inch long. The size difference alone is generally sufficient to rule out a mouse infestation.
When compared to rat droppings, the difference is less distinct, but squirrel droppings are generally shorter, fatter, and have more rounded ends. Norway rat droppings are typically longer, up to \(3/4\) inch, and more uniformly cylindrical with blunter ends.
Moreover, rat droppings are often concentrated in specific areas, unlike the more scattered nature of squirrel waste.
Raccoon droppings are much larger than squirrel pellets, often measuring \(3/4\) inch in diameter and being tubular in shape, similar to dog feces. Raccoons also tend to deposit their waste in centralized piles called “latrines,” a behavior squirrels do not consistently exhibit.
Bat droppings, or guano, can be confused with squirrel pellets due to similar size. However, bat guano is brittle and easily crumbles into a fine dust when touched, often revealing shiny, undigested insect fragments.
Health and Safety Considerations
Coming into contact with or cleaning up squirrel droppings presents health risks due to the potential presence of bacteria and parasites. The waste can carry pathogens that cause illnesses such as Salmonella and leptospirosis. Inhaling dust from dried droppings may also pose a risk, as airborne particles can transmit diseases like tularemia.
Proper safety precautions are necessary during any cleanup effort. Always wear protective gear, including disposable gloves and a respirator mask, to avoid direct contact or inhalation of contaminated dust. The area should also be well-ventilated, and droppings should be removed with a scoop, then disinfected with a solution before disposal in sealed bags.