Common Types of Squirrels Found in South Carolina

As a resident of the Palmetto State, you are no stranger to seeing wildlife. Some of these animals stick to nature and keep out of sight from the larger public. However, there are some who are common visitors to a backyard. Or, though uninvited, an attic or crawl space.

Specifically, the squirrels of South Carolina like to make themselves known. Whether leaping from tree to tree or feasting away on walnuts, squirrels are no strangers to the land. And of all the wildlife in South Carolina, they are among the most populous.

There is even a squirrel season in South Carolina, which runs from October to March. However, the squirrel season tends to focus on the most common types of squirrels, such as the eastern gray squirrel. The southern fox squirrel, for instance, is too rare to be considered game on and many private hunting lands.

And this brings up an interesting question. Just how many types of squirrels are there in South Carolina? The answer is that there are many. Yet some are more common than others, and can be readily spotted.

Let’s break down a few of the most common squirrels found in South Carolina.

Gray Squirrels in South Carolina

Gray squirrels are far and away the most commonly spotted squirrel in South Carolina. And while they are usually seen nesting in hardwood trees, they also are the most invasive to homes. This is because they prefer cover and shelter.

Gray squirrels live in cavities of hardwood trees, though wooden attics or crawl spaces can be just as appealing. They feast on seeds, nuts, and buds, but will also resort to twigs if in a residential area.

These creatures grow to be 16 to 20 inches in length, typically weighing 1 to 1 ½ pounds. Overall, a decently sized squirrel when compared to the smaller, less common species. Additionally, eastern gray squirrels are so populous that reproduction occurs rapidly and often. Because of this, they are not at risk of losing a detrimental population during squirrel season.

While their life expectancy is relatively short (1 to 2 years on average), they are incredibly resilient animals. Despite hunters, as well as natural predators such as hawks and snakes, gray squirrels continue to thrive. 

Flying Squirrels in South Carolina

Less common than the gray squirrel, southern flying squirrels can often be spotted in action. Though it is important to note that the flying squirrel doesn’t actually fly. They do, however, have loose skin beneath their legs which allows them to glide on air.

Sometimes a flying squirrel can glide 30 to 50 feet, often moving from tree trunk to tree trunk. If you happen to catch them doing some sort of acrobatic lift while in the air, it is a magical sight. This ability to glide has to do with their size as much as their loose skin. Growing to reach about six inches and weighing only a few ounces, they’re an ideal size for riding the air.

Rare Species of Squirrels in South Carolina

Gray squirrels are the most common, and flying squirrels might be more interesting, but rare squirrels also occupy South Carolina. And some of these rare creatures are truly beautiful. One example is the black squirrel in South Carolina.

Black squirrels range in length from 20 to 26 inches, and weigh between 2 to 2 1/2 pounds. These creatures are often seen in mature pine and hardwood forests. This doesn’t mean they are strangers to parks or golf courses.

And perhaps the most rare is the white squirrel of South Carolina. If you’ve been fortunate to see a white squirrel in South Carolina, you likely stopped what you were doing. Their presence is like something out of a fairy tale, so you would have paused to take in the sight.

Typically, squirrels born without a chemical known as melanin are likely to have their fur turn white. On the flipside, squirrels that produce too much melanin have black fur. In some incredibly rare instances, the white squirrel is actually an albino squirrel.

Beautiful from a Distance

Squirrels are merely one of the many species that South Carolina residents appreciate. However, this appreciation remains intact only when these creatures keep their distance.

Squirrels can wreak havoc if they are able to get into your home. And though they might be beautiful, they can cause costly damage if they are not removed. But we too appreciate their beauty, and that’s one reason our removal process is humane.
We believe that wildlife in South Carolina should flourish. We also understand that there is not a place for it in your home. Keep your home in order. And learn more about our squirrel removal services in Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina and surrounding areas today!

Wildlife Removal Cost Breakdown: What You Need to Know

When it comes to removing wildlife from your home or business, there is a great deal to consider. And these considerations come with a great many questions. From what type of animal you are dealing with to how much damage is at stake, and everything in between.

There is no doubt that one of the biggest questions on homeowners’ minds relates to cost.

After all, how much does it cost for wildlife removal? Is there an average cost of wildlife removal? Does insurance cover the damage? These are valid questions, and we’ve got your answers!

The short answer is that wildlife removal prices vary, the longer answer is, of course, depending on the situation. Let’s dive in!

COST FOR WILDLIFE REMOVAL

Wildlife removal prices are fully reflective of the type of wildlife situation. For example, a single squirrel removal cost would be different from preventative measures affiliated with a colony of bats.

When you inquire about wildlife removal services, we will send a professional to your home to assess the situation. Part of this assessment will include an estimated cost for the wildlife removal. This assessment will also bring the scope of the problem to light.

It goes without saying that the more significant the problem, the costlier the wildlife removal process might be. But it doesn’t come down to just the animal species alone, the situation itself matters. Let’s break this down a bit further.

REMOVING AND PREVENTING ANIMALS

First and foremost, every wildlife removal process is unique to the situation.

Some invasive wildlife might have caused great damage. For starters, this damage can occur in multiple ways. For instance, rodents chew through wiring and wood. They can create many holes and open entry points for additional rodents to get in.

Part of our processes include covering these holes and preventing future wildlife from getting in. Therefore, if the problem is significant, then the fix will also be significant.

Additionally, if an uninvited guest has been occupying your space long enough, they have likely left feces around the place. Feces are more than a mess, they’re also a health hazard. Therefore, sanitizing the space is a crucial step and a necessary part of the process.

Another indicator that will impact the cost of your wildlife removal is the entry point. A number of animals gaining entrance through your roof? This is different from rats and mice getting in at the base of your home.

Crawl space infestation removals are as doable as attic removal, but they come with different techniques. And therefore, slightly different affiliated wildlife removal costs.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, FULLY-INSURED!

There are many signs that wildlife has made a home of your space. The longer they are there, the more damage can be done, and the costlier a wildlife removal princess might be. If you experience signs of uninvited wildlife, don’t hesitate.

From sounds in your attic to claw marks in your woodwork, contact the professionals at Alpha Wildlife. We have the experience and the knowledge to assess and take care of your situation. We give you your living space back, and we take pride in doing so humanely.

Learn more about our fully-insured wildlife control and removal services.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY!

4 Most Common Types of Squirrels Found in Tennessee

It is no secret that Tennessee is known for its wildlife. Visitors from all over the country come to Tennessee to bask in its nature. From its streams to its woods to its sky, Tennessee is teeming with wildlife.

Some of these creatures are large and impressive, like catching a glimpse of a black bear. Though it’s more common to see a casual sighting of a deer or a gray fox. But one of the most populous animals in Tennessee are squirrels. And whether you were aware of it or not, there are all types of squirrels in Tennessee.

In fact, squirrels are so popular that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency opens an annual spring squirrel season in Tennessee. The special hunting season lasts for a little over a month and has a 10 bag limit. This started because of the significant squirrel population. After all, they are quite prolific little creatures.

Overall, some squirrels are more commonly seen than others. And many of them can be a beautiful sight to see. But they can be a nuisance if they get into your home, which is why familiarity is important.

Here are the most common types of squirrels in Tennessee. And a bit of info pertaining to each.

1. Eastern Gray Squirrel

Every resident of Tennessee has seen an Eastern Gray Squirrel. They are the most commonly seen squirrel in the state and live in parks and yards. And they are recognizable thanks to their short grizzled gray hair. The hair on their tales, on the other hand, is bushy and long.

These squirrels prefer dense hardwood forests, and they reside in both rural and urban areas. And in addition to fruits and fungus, they eat nuts and bulbs of oak, hickory, elm, and walnut.

2. Flying Squirrel

Flying Squirrels in Tennessee are less common than Eastern Gray Squirrels. Mostly, these creatures limit their activity to the mountains of eastern Tennessee. Additionally, they are nocturnal and among the smallest of the state’s tree squirrels. Therefore, though common, they are not frequently seen.

More commonly referred to as a Northern Flying Squirrel, these creatures have soft brownish-gray fur and white belly hairs. They have distinctive large black eyes and a flat tail. They eat nuts, insects, fungi, and occasionally bird eggs.

3. White Squirrel

White squirrels aren’t overly common in the state as a whole, but they are a big deal in Kenton. The town itself is not a main attraction for most visitors to the state. Unless these tourists are coming specifically for the white squirrels, that is. Kenton boasts the largest concentration of white squirrels in Tennessee.

White squirrels are agile and often are seen leaping from tree to tree. They maintain a diet of nuts, fruits, and seeds in the warmer months, and turn to acorns during the winter.

4. Black Squirrel

While there are black squirrels in Tennessee, you might not realize they are not their own species. Rather, Tennessee black squirrels are called so because of a pigmentation phenomenon that occurs within their fur. Easter Gray Squirrels, for instance, are the most common squirrel to experience this pigment change.

Squirrel Removal

While these creatures are abundant and beautiful, they can be a nuisance if they get in your home. From nesting in your attic to chewing your wood or ducts, uninvited squirrels can create problems.

Fortunately, the experts at Alpha Wildlife know the ins and outs of removing squirrels from your property. What’s more, we do so humanely.
Learn more about our Nashville squirrel removal services.

Wildlife Removal in Tennessee: Challenges and Solutions

There are many advantages to living in or visiting the state of Tennessee. From its warm climate to its southern hospitality, there is much to be proud of. Least of all, the beautiful nature and wildlife that the state has to offer.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a prime example of the beauty that Tennessee has on display. And with this beautiful land comes an abundance of wildlife animals in Tennessee. While running into a black bear is not on everyone’s list, spotting a white-tailed deer might be.

But there is a flipside to Tennessee wildlife in that it can be a nuisance if it gets into your home or property. If you are a resident of Tennessee, then you might have spotted a critter in your attic or crawl space before. It’s not uncommon. However, it is important that nuisance wildlife is removed, and removed properly.

Removing wildlife from your home is not a cut-and-dry process. Every situation is unique and requires different considerations.

An Abundance of Tennessee Wildlife

Wildlife animals in Tennessee are not in short supply and some, more than others, tend to be uninvited guests in or on your property. This doesn’t mean they have broken into your home. An uninvited guest might be eating your crops or ruining your yard.

There are kinds of reasons why you might be in need of wildlife removal in Tennessee. And it is not the case that only dangerous Tennessee wildlife calls for removal. Plenty of animals might seem harmless to your home, such as a squirrel, but they can still cause damage.

And if this damage goes unchecked, it can lead to more damage. Or larger problems altogether.

Considerations of Tennessee Wildlife Removal

One example of a common wildlife animal in Tennessee is the raccoon. In fact, the raccoon is the official wild animal of Tennessee. With so much wildlife in the state, that is really saying something.

If a raccoon gets into your home, it can cause significant damage. For example, raccoons chew through wiring, damage timber with teeth or claws, or mess up air vents. And if one raccoon was able to get in, it is likely that others can as well.

Part of the Tennessee wildlife removal process isn’t just removing the animal, but taking preventive steps. This includes sanitizing the area, repairing damage, and making sure it doesn’t happen again.

However, the process of wildlife removal in Tennessee is not the same across the board. Different animals require different removal tactics.

For instance, bat removal is a particular process that requires special handling. The process of removing a bat from your home is different from removing another rodent. This is partially because each species has its own habits, and also because of the legal status of such creatures.

Bats are a federally protected species and therefore must be removed within strict guidelines. It is not uncommon for bats to find their way to your attic in Tennessee. And this removal process should be done correctly by professionals.

Don’t Hesitate

From mice to squirrels to bats to skunks to snakes, there is no reason to hesitate. If you have a critter or rodent making a home on your property, call the professionals. Our experience has demonstrated that each job is unique, and this is true of both the animal and the home.

Alpha Wildlife is a veteran-owned and operated wildlife removal and prevention company. All Alpha Wildlife Technicians are nationally certified and trained in all things wildlife exclusion and removal service! We have the highest standards in the industry and look forward to serving the residents in the area.
Call us today for a free assessment, and learn more about our wildlife control and removal services.

Exploring South Carolina Wildlife: 5 Common Species

With a vast and beautiful wildlife habitat here in South Carolina, there are countless species that call the Palmetto State home.

While many animals prefer to keep their company purely in the solitude and relative safety of a natural environment, development and shifting populations mean more and more of our state’s wildlife is likely to be seen where you least expect it: your neighborhood, roadways, or even your own backyard.

Here, we’ll outline five common species of wildlife you are likely to run into throughout South Carolina. It is important to note that not every species mentioned here are categorized as dangerous wildlife in South Carolina. But all should be left alone (for various reasons).

White-tailed Deer

Well-known and well-loved as South Carolina’s state animal, the white-tailed deer is a gentle giant known to flit in packs throughout the dense wildlife areas in South Carolina. You have likely seen these beauties in a wooded backyard, alongside a hiking trail, or possibly even through the trees on the roadside in the dark of night.

Deer are famously skittish of humans, but as their space to roam becomes less and less available, we tend to see more and more of them.

This increased interaction with deer isn’t all good news, though. While auto accidents are the most obvious downside of human interactions with deer, they also come with some cons. Decimated fruit trees are on the low stakes side of the spectrum, with an increase in the local tick population being on the high stakes side.

Raccoons

Racoons get a bad rap for being dumpster divers. But raccoons have a shockingly diverse diet. They eat everything from crustaceans to birds’ eggs. That’s probably why we see so many of them here in South Carolina. Between the, yes, plentiful garbage cans throughout our residential neighborhoods to the diverse animal ecosystem that calls South Carolina home, they are well served for scavenging their next meal.

While many of the other animals on this list are commonly seen in certain locations or contexts, raccoons are the likeliest to be found everywhere from wooded areas to your own backyard. Because of this, they deserve the top spot on our list of the most common South Carolina wildlife.

American Alligator

​If you’ve ever run across an American Alligator, it was likely hard to ignore due to its sheer size. Well-known as one of the most dangerous wildlife species in South Carolina, they are usually found in and round the ACE Basin region of South Carolina as well as in Florida.

The good news about alligators is that they generally don’t like to interact with humans. However,during mating season that lasts from May through June they have been known to become aggressive, so it’s best to keep pets and small children at bay when near known alligator inhabited areas.

Bald Eagles

With over 59 species of eagle species worldwide, South Carolina is home to the only sea eagle species found in the North American continent. Smaller than their northern counterparts or those found in the midwest, bald eagles in South Carolina have an average wingspan of 6 feet and weigh about 7 lbs.

This well-known bird species nests along major river ways alongside the Lower Coastal Plain with over 40% nesting within South Carolina’s state lines. If you’re fortunate to spot one of these more famous examples of wildlife in South Carolina, retain a respectful distance, but have your camera ready to capture their majestic beauty.

Bats

South Carolina has an extensive population of native bats, with numerous species represented. This includes:

• Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus)
• Brazilian/Mexican Free-tailed Bats (Tadarida brasiliensis)
• Evening Bats (Nycticeius humeralis)
• Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii)
• Eastern Small-footed Bats (Myotis leibii)
• Little Brown Bats (Myotis lucifugus)
• Northern Long-eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)
• Southeastern Bat (Myotis austroriparius)

Such an extensive community thankfully helps keep the local bug population in check, but it also comes with a drawback.

While bats don’t pose a direct risk to humans (they are generally fearful of us and are usually active at night while we sleep), there are numerous reasons why you may not want to come into direct contact with a bat (chiefly: disease).

While a bat is unlikely to directly engage with a human, any of a bat’s numerous diseases can be transmitted from a bat to a human through urine and fecal droppings.
In Charleston and the surrounding area, bats often set up their home in attics and rooflines. This means that, unlike some of the other creatures on this list, humans have a greater chance of encountering a bat in their day-to-day life.

When Wildlife Calls Your Property Home

There are countless other creatures that call South Carolina home, including rats, mice, other rodents, squirrels, skunks, bats, and more. If you have a run-in with a member of South Carolina wildlife, Alpha Wildlife is here to help. We are a veteran-owned wildlife species removal company. And we have experience removing nuisance wildlife, including venomous pests, and more, throughout South Carolina.

Call us today for a free assessment or learn more about our South Carolina wildlife removal services in Charleston, Columbia, and surrounds today!

The Most Common Bats in South Carolina

We are commonly asked: are there bats in South Carolina? Without question, we can definitively say yes. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 14 of the 47 bat species in the U.S. live in the Palmetto State.

But where do bats live in South Carolina? Bats can be found everywhere from wildlife areas to your own backyard. Really, anywhere they can eat insects. It’s easy to spot them, but how do you know how to identify a bat species, to know which species you’re looking at?

While we don’t have the space to mention all types of bats in South Carolina, this article will cover the most common bats in South Carolina.

Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

The round-eared, broad-snouted Big Brown Bat is widely considered the most common bat species in its range. It can be found in nearly every American habitat, according to the National Park Service. These brown-colored bats are the third largest bats in the United States. Though they are not the largest South Carolina Bat, they have an average wingspan of 13 to 15 inches.

Evening Bat (Nycticeius humeralis)

The Evening Bat may be easily confused for the Big Brown Bat we covered above. But these night fliers are considerably smaller than their bigger siblings, with a wingspan around 10 inches. They also have lighter fur on their undersides.

Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis)

Unlike the other bats on this list, the Brazilian Free-tailed Bat has a long, mouse-like tail. These bats are fairly small, with an average wingspan of 11 to 14 inches in total.

Brazilian Free-tails, which are commonly dark brown to dark gray, have one other unique identifier. Their upper lips are often wrinkled, which creates a distinctive-looking bat for sure.

Little Brown Bat (Myotis lucifugus)

These tiny bats are very common in the northern United States and parts of Canada. However, the southern edge of their range extends into the northwestern corner of South Carolina. Unlike the Big Brown Bat, Little Brown Bats’ bodies feature pointy ears and large hind feet.

Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus)

This bat is distinctive on this list for numerous reasons. Chief among them is the bat’s plumage, which features a wavy pattern of yellows, grays, browns, and oranges. It is also one of the fastest bats in North America. If you’ve ever seen a multicolored bat zip past in the evening, it was likely a hoary.

In Case of a Bat Intrusion

If any bat species in South Carolina make their way into your house, it’s best to call the professionals. Alpha Wildlife has extensive experience removing many species of nuisance creatures. 

Learn more about our bat removal services in both Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina.

Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs of a Rodent Infestation!

There’s a fear that keeps many homeowners up at night: a rodent infestation taking hold in their home. Rodent infestation health risks are serious and getting rid of pests yourself is not easy.

Rats and mice are sneaky critters and are famously fearful of humans, so they don’t always make their presence known. But some signs of rodent infestation include things that are simply impossible to ignore.

If you have a sneaking suspicion that your home has been infested with rodents, you might be right. Here is a rundown of the most common signs of a rodent infestation.

1. Droppings

Rats  tend to leave their waste or droppings everywhere they’ve been. This is both good news and bad news for homeowners working to identify a rodent infestation. The good news is that if you see rat or mouse droppings in your house, you can comfortably say you have one or more.. The bad news is where there is one, there may soon follow a rodent infestation.

Mouse droppings can be identified by their small, dark, cylindrical shape. They are not as dry and crumbly as bat droppings but are often confused as such. Look for droppings behind appliances, in food storage areas, and in other hard-to-reach places.

2. Scratching Sounds Behind the Wall

After your family has gone to sleep, listen around your house. If you have a dog or a cat, use them as a second set of ears. Is there anywhere in your home where you hear a consistent scratching noise behind walls or under floorboards? If so, it is likely a mouse (or mice) nesting.

3. Chewed Through Food Containers

Do you regularly find bags of bread or rice chewed through or spilled out onto a countertop or floor? There is clearly something small and hungry causing that damage. Consider where your food containers are placed. If you think they are hard to reach and they’re still getting damaged, you likely have nimble, hungry mice.

4. Dead Mice

A dead mouse on the floor or in one of your mouse traps speaks for itself. This is a dead giveaway that you have a mouse problem.

As stated above, rats and mice love to stay out of sight. So place traps around your house strategically. Consider placements in your basement, along floorboards, or in dark closets. 

5. Scattered Nesting Materials

Rats and mice love making nests out of soft, warm materials. Have you noticed torn newspaper bits or stuffing from your upholstered furniture scattered here and there on your floor? Does your carpeting look chewed on?

Consider all of the materials a mouse might like. If you feel like little borrowers are claiming them, it’s possible you have a rodent infestation.
There is nothing worse than a rodent infestation. And some signs of rodent infestation include hard-to-notice details. But Alpha Wildlife is here to help with our professional rodent infestation removal services. Learn more about our rodent removal services.

5 Signs of Bats in the House

Homeowners know: eventually nature is going to find its way inside the house. And one of the most common home intruders are bats who crave the dark, quiet safety that can be found in most homes.

And since there’s really no stopping a small pest from getting inside, unless you have proper pest exclusion services from certified professionals with the experience and know-how to do the job the right way, even if you do get rid of them once, they’ll keep returning!

If you have an inkling that there is something inside your house, how do you determine which animal it is? To be sure, it’s better to know what you’re dealing with before you come face-to-snout with it.

No need to go batty. In this article, we’ll cover the five most common signs of bats in the house.

1. Droppings Here, There, But Not Everywhere

If you’ve had bats in your house or on your property, you know they love to leave their droppings, called guano, everywhere they go. Sure, you might find concentrated piles close to where they’re nesting.

Bats, on the other hand, don’t tend to cover as much ground in your home as a mouse would. After all, they’re not climbing between walls or casing your house from top to bottom.

Instead, bats roost in specific areas of your house. Check out your attic or unused (or underused) rooms upstairs. If you find consistent droppings in the same room but not in others, chances are they’re bat droppings.

Here’s a helpful source for identifying bat droppings.

2. Ammonia Smells

This one needs no introduction. If you have a bat using an upstairs room as its toilet, eventually your nose will get wise to it. If you’re wondering, “Do I have a bat in my house,” just follow your nose.

3. Screeching Sounds

Bats employ sonar so they can spot prey and avoid solid obstacles while they fly. But this chattering is not entirely too high-pitched to hear for human ears. If you regularly hear a nails-on-a-chalkboard sound in your house, it is likely coming from a bat.

4. On-Edge Pets

If a bat’s chattering is only partly distinguishable by human ears, imagine what it sounds like to our fur babies! Any household that has a pest problem wreaks havoc on a pet’s mental state. So if you have noticed your pet fixating on a particular part of your house, it’s probably time to investigate.

5. Bat Sightings

The most tried and true way to verify that you have a bat problem is to spot bats flying yourself. Bats are naturally elusive, but if you know where (and when) to look, they can be easy to see. Watch your eaves, attic vents, and even upstairs window frames at dusk in the summer. This is the time of day when bats emerge from their entry point to begin their nightly feasting.

Address Your Bat Removal Needs

At Alpha Wildlife, we work with homeowners on tested solutions for how to get rid of a bat in the house. If you think you have a bat infestation, our expert bat removal services can’t be beat.
Call us today for a free quote about bat removal and exclusions: Call (833) 767-1776 today.

The Top Signs of Squirrels in the Attic

Are you hearing funny noises coming from your attic? No, you are not crazy. There’s definitely something up there. Anyone who lives in a home with an attic knows that something’s amiss when fuzzy, uninvited guests have moved in.
What are the definite signs that you have a squirrel problem? Once we outline the top five things to look for, you know what to do next. Put your mind at ease, call a professional pest control service, and get on with your life.

Paw Prints in Unorthodox Places

Sure, you’ve grown accustomed to seeing squirrels fight fruitlessly to reach the bounty waiting in your bird feeder. Squirrels are cute. However, they’re also a nuisance that won’t think twice about trespassing and causing damage to your property if given the chance.

If you’ve noticed dirty paw prints on places outside your house, chances are you have squirrels climbing your house. Look for their tracks in places like:

• Door frames
• Downspouts
• Screened windows
• PVC roofing

Regular Coming and Going

Have you noticed more squirrels in your yard lately? Can you set your watch to the time of day when you see a squirrel climb up your downspout? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, consider keeping sentry.

Chances are, you’ll notice squirrels don’t tend to dash from tree to rooftop just for fun. They often have a plan, and the plan is “get inside and get safe.”

Bent Roof Vents and Attic Ventilation

Take a look at your attic’s exhaust ventilators. They might be on your siding or on your roof itself. If you notice any holes or broken pieces, there is likely something that caused it and is benefitting from that damage. Attic damage caused by squirrels is hard to miss.

Odd Smells

Plain talk: nesting squirrels don’t travel far to use the facilities. Where you have one squirrel you likely have a family, including baby squirrels. And a family of squirrels means a lot of bathroom breaks right above your living space.

If you think you’re noticing a foul droppings and urine smell that simply won’t go away, check your attic. It’s likely coming from squirrel droppings.

Scratching Noises Just Above the Ceiling

This is the big giveaway. The thing that’s putting your dog or cat on edge. The thing that’s making it impossible to relax before bed. If you hear scratching in the same spot every early morning or evening, you have a critter problem.

Unlike mice or chipmunks, squirrels are generally too big to climb between your walls. And unlike raccoons, which are big and hardly subtle, squirrels don’t tend to stomp or make a lot of noise. A squirrel in the attic sound is hard to miss. And they are quite destructive nonetheless, so if you hear that distinct scratch, it’s time to call the pros.
Alpha Wildlife has vast experience removing all kinds of damaging pests, including squirrels, from attics, basements, garages, and more. Learn more about our squirrel removal services.

15 Different Species of Bats Living in Tennessee

As a resident of Tennessee, you are familiar with the presence of bats. These flying mammals thrive in our state because of the climate and environment. Predominantly, they are magnificent creatures, helping us out more than we might comprehend. With a diet consisting of mosquitoes and moths, there are advantages to having bats around.

However, it’s no secret that bats can be pests, or even dangerous depending on the circumstances. They can enter your home and be problematic, both in terms of structural damage as well as health concerns. But all bats aren’t identical, and some are more detrimental than others.

To better understand what type of bat you are dealing with, it helps to familiarize yourself with the various species. In fact, there are about 15 common species of bats that frequent the Tennessee area. And while they contain too many attributes to individually identify all of them, here is a high-level breakdown.

Bat Species in Tennessee

Before we get into the particulars, here is a list of the common bat species in Tennessee:

• Little Brown Bat
• Southeastern Bat
• Gray Bat
• Northern Long-Eared Bat
• Indiana Bat
• Eastern Small Footed Bat
• Silver Haired Bat
• Tri-colored Bat
• Big Brown Bat
• Eastern Red Bat
• Seminole Bat
• Hoary Bat
• Evening Bat
• Rafinesque’s Big-Eared Bat
• Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat

It’s likely that some of these species are on your radar, and maybe have been for some time. The Little Brown Bat, for example, is the most common bat in the state. This species can be found just about everywhere since it isn’t regionally confined.

You can recognize the Little Brown Bat by its mouse-like ears. It is typically over three inches in length, and its wings consist entirely of naked skin. These creatures eat just about any small winged insect, which can be beneficial for local homeowners. 

However, the males tend to live in solitary or in small groups. And while they prefer caves or crevices, they will be satisfied to occupy the shingles of a home or business roof. Because they don’t spend time in large groups, they can remain in unwanted places for a significant length of time. 

The Little Brown Bat is often confused with the Southeastern Bat. This is mostly due to their mouse-like ears. However, don’t be misled by the name, as the Southeastern Bat more commonly populates West Tennessee. 

Primarily, this species tends to appreciate its time west of the Tennessee River. And overall, water plays a deciding factor in their location. While they are no strangers to hollow trees or manmade structures, they prefer a water source to be nearby.

On a more recognizable note, the Eastern Small Footed Bat has small feet that make it distinguishable. Unlike the Southeastern Bat, this species is true to its name. And not only are these the smallest bats in Middle Tennessee, but in the entire Eastern U.S.

This species primarily resides in East or Middle Tennessee. They hibernate in caves or mines, and unlike most bats, they keep their forearms extended while hanging. This feature is the most reliable way to identify them from other comparable species.

Unique Bats Present Unique Dangers

Just as bats differ by region and size, the damage they can do to your home differs as well. Each scenario is unique, which is why it’s crucial to exclude bats from your home in a professional manner. And this not only means quickly, but also efficiently.

Some indicators of bats being in your house could be chirping noises or feces. If these are occurrences you experience, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals. 

It’s important to note that bats are protected by the federal government. Therefore, they must be handled in a very specific way. Call Alpha Wildlife to handle removing bats effectively and permanently. We are a veteran-owned and operated business, and the name in the game when it comes to wildlife removal.
Let the certified professionals at Alpha Wildlife remove the bats from your home or place of business.

Contact us today!