Animal droppings can be a common sight, whether outdoors or, at times, within human structures. Identifying these droppings provides clues about the animals present in an environment. Understanding the appearance of squirrel droppings is particularly useful for homeowners and those observing local wildlife, as it helps determine if squirrels are actively visiting or residing in an area. This information can be a first step in managing interactions with these common rodents.
Key Characteristics of Squirrel Droppings
Squirrel droppings typically appear as small, cylindrical pellets. They usually measure between 5 to 8 millimeters (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch) in length and about 3 millimeters (1/8 inch) in diameter. These pellets often have rounded ends and may show a slight bulge in the middle, sometimes tapering. Their shape can be somewhat inconsistent, unlike the more uniform droppings of some other rodents.
When fresh, squirrel droppings are dark brown to black. Their color can change as they age, becoming lighter, often fading to shades of light brown, reddish, greenish, gray, or even off-white. The specific color may also reflect the squirrel’s diet, which primarily consists of nuts, seeds, and vegetation. The texture of these droppings is usually smooth and firm, not crumbly or powdery when fresh.
Squirrels tend to scatter their droppings as they move, so they are often found individually rather than in large, concentrated piles. However, in areas where squirrels frequently visit or nest, such as attics or under bird feeders, clusters or “latrines” may be observed. Common locations for finding squirrel droppings include beneath trees, near feeding sites, or within enclosed spaces they inhabit.
Distinguishing Squirrel Droppings from Other Common Pests
Differentiating squirrel droppings from those of other common animals involves observing subtle distinctions in size, shape, color, and location. Mouse droppings are significantly smaller than squirrel droppings, typically resembling tiny black grains of rice, often with pointed ends. In contrast, rat droppings are generally larger than those of mice but can be confused with squirrel droppings; rat feces are usually more oblong and uniform with blunter or pointed ends. Squirrel droppings are often rounder with a slight bulge.
Bat guano can also be mistaken for rodent droppings, but it is crumbly and appears glittery due to undigested insect parts, which is not characteristic of squirrel droppings. Bat guano is frequently found in piles directly beneath roosting sites. Cockroach droppings are much smaller, often resembling black pepper flakes, coffee grounds, or small dark specks or smears. They might also appear barrel-shaped with striations.
Bird droppings are distinct because they typically contain a white, pasty component, which is uric acid, a feature absent in squirrel droppings. Understanding these differences helps in accurately identifying the source of droppings, guiding appropriate next steps for managing animal presence.
What to Do After Identifying Squirrel Droppings
Upon identifying squirrel droppings, it is important to handle them with care due to potential health concerns. Wear protective gear, including gloves, a mask, and goggles, to avoid direct contact and inhalation of harmful particles. Do not sweep or vacuum dry droppings, as this can spread contaminants into the air. Instead, moisten the droppings with a disinfectant solution, such as a bleach and water mixture, before removal.
Use disposable cloths or paper towels to pick up the moistened droppings, placing them into a sealed plastic bag for disposal in an outdoor trash can. After removal, thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected surfaces with soap and water followed by another application of disinfectant. If contaminated, insulation may need to be removed and replaced.
The presence of squirrel droppings indicates squirrel activity, which could mean nesting, feeding, or travel within or around a property. These droppings can pose health risks, as they may carry diseases like salmonellosis, leptospirosis, or roundworm, transmissible through direct contact or inhalation. They can also attract other pests, such as fleas and ticks, and contribute to odor problems. If droppings are found indoors, it suggests squirrels have gained entry, and further observation for signs of their presence or potential damage may be necessary. If concerns persist, consulting with a professional for wildlife removal and sanitization is a practical next step.