Ticks on Squirrels: Understanding the Risks, Preventative Measures, and Professional Help

Squirrels are a common sight in many neighborhoods, often seen darting across lawns, climbing trees, or scurrying across rooftops. While these furry creatures may seem harmless, they can carry hidden dangers—ticks. 

Ticks on squirrels can present significant health risks to humans and pets as they are known carriers of diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis. These parasites latch onto squirrels and are easily transported into yards, gardens, and homes, creating an ever-present threat to health and safety.

In this article, we’ll explore the dangers of ticks on squirrels, preventative measures to protect your home, and how Critter Stop, a professional humane wildlife removal company, can help keep your property safe from squirrels and the risks they bring.

The Dangers of Ticks on Squirrels

Ticks are blood-feeding parasites that attach themselves to mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. When they feed on infected animals, they can transmit a range of diseases to humans and pets. While squirrels are not the primary hosts for all ticks, they contribute to the spread of tick-borne illnesses. Lyme disease, for example, is primarily spread by black-legged ticks (deer ticks), which are often found on squirrels.

Squirrels are ideal hosts because they frequent wooded areas, urban environments, and, unfortunately, our backyards. Ticks can cling to a squirrel’s fur for days, and as squirrels move around, they drop these parasites into lawns, gardens, and homes, leading to an increased risk of exposure.

Tick-Borne Diseases and Their Impact on Humans and Pets

One of the most serious diseases spread by ticks on squirrels is Lyme disease, which can have debilitating effects on both humans and pets. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, headaches, and muscle pain, often accompanied by the tell-tale bullseye rash. If untreated, Lyme disease can cause long-term complications such as joint pain, neurological issues, and even heart problems.

Other tick-borne illnesses include:

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Causes fever, rash, and muscle pain. If untreated, it can be life-threatening.
• Anaplasmosis: Similar to Lyme disease, causing fever, chills, and body aches.
• Babesiosis: A parasitic infection that attacks red blood cells, leading to anemia, fatigue, and sometimes serious complications.

The presence of ticks on squirrels in your yard dramatically increases the likelihood of ticks finding their way onto humans and pets, making prevention crucial.

Signs of Ticks on Squirrels in Your Yard

While spotting ticks directly on squirrels is difficult, there are signs to watch for:

• Visible ticks on squirrels, especially around their ears, neck, and underbelly.
• Unusual behavior: Squirrels heavily infested with ticks may scratch or bite at their fur frequently.
• Increased tick sightings: Finding ticks on pets, people, or around the yard may indicate squirrels are bringing them into your area.

How to Protect Your Yard from Ticks and Squirrels

There are several key strategies to help protect your yard from ticks carried by squirrels:

1. Yard Maintenance

Ticks thrive in overgrown areas with tall grass, leaf litter, and dense shrubbery. Keeping your yard clean and well-maintained can reduce tick habitats:

• Mow the lawn regularly to keep grass short.
• Rake and remove leaf litter, especially from wooded or shaded areas.
• Trim back trees and bushes to increase sunlight, which discourages ticks.
• Create a 3-foot wide barrier of gravel or wood chips between your yard and any wooded areas.

2. Wildlife Control and Exclusion

Preventing squirrels from frequenting your property is key to controlling tick populations:

• Install squirrel-proof bird feeders and remove fallen seeds that attract squirrels.
• Set up barriers or fences around gardens to keep squirrels out.
• Remove any potential food sources like fallen nuts, acorns, and fruit that may entice squirrels into your yard.

3. Tick Control Treatments

Applying tick control treatments to your yard can help prevent infestations. These treatments come in various forms, including sprays, granules, and natural options, and are often best applied by a professional pest control service.

How to Protect Pets and Yourself from Ticks

Ticks on squirrels pose a serious risk to pets, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. To keep your pets safe:

1. Tick Preventatives

Veterinarians recommend tick preventatives such as topical treatments, oral medications, or tick collars. These help protect pets from tick bites and the diseases they carry.

2. Regular Tick Checks

After outdoor activities, inspect your pets for ticks, especially around the ears, neck, and underbelly. If you find a tick, carefully remove it with tweezers and clean the area with soap and water or alcohol.

3. Limit Exposure

Reduce the chances of tick exposure by keeping pets away from high-risk areas like tall grass, wooded areas, or places where squirrels are active.

Another recurring question is, Can squirrels have fleas?

Yes, squirrels can have fleas. These small parasites are commonly found on wild squirrels, especially those living in wooded or urban areas. Fleas on squirrels can jump to pets or even humans, leading to potential infestations. If you notice an increase in fleas around your property, it's important to address both the flea problem and the presence of squirrels to prevent further spread.

Professional Help: Why Choose Critter Stop for Squirrel and Tick Control

While there are many DIY steps you can take to protect your yard from ticks, squirrels can still find their way onto your property. This is where professional help becomes essential. Critter Stop is a professional, humane wildlife removal company that specializes in squirrel removal and exclusion.

Why Call Critter Stop?

• Humane Removal: At Critter Stop, we prioritize humane removal practices that ensure the safe capture and relocation of squirrels without harm.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Beyond just removing squirrels, Critter Stop offers a full range of services, including tick control, attic sanitation, and exclusion measures to keep squirrels and other wildlife out for good.
• High-Quality Work and Customer Service: With a fantastic reputation and glowing online reviews, Critter Stop is trusted by homeowners across the region for our top-notch service and excellent customer care. Our customers frequently praise us for our thorough work, friendly approach, and long-lasting results.
• Free Inspections: Unsure if you have a squirrel or tick problem? Critter Stop provides free inspections to assess your home’s needs and recommend the best course of action.

If you want to protect your home and family from the dangers posed by ticks on squirrels, look no further than Critter Stop. With our expert services, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected.

What to Do If You Find a Tick on Yourself or Your Pet

If you discover a tick on yourself or a pet, prompt removal is essential to prevent the transmission of diseases. Here’s how to safely remove a tick:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this may cause the tick to break apart.
3. Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
4. Dispose of the tick in a sealed container or flush it down the toilet.

If symptoms such as rash, fever, or fatigue occur after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Home and Health

Ticks on squirrels present a significant health risk to both humans and pets, but with the right prevention methods and professional assistance, you can keep your home safe. Regular yard maintenance, effective wildlife exclusion, and professional pest control services are key to minimizing tick infestations.

For comprehensive squirrel and tick management, Critter Stop is your trusted partner, providing humane, reliable, and high-quality services.

Contacting Critter Stop at (214) 234-2616 for a free inspection can save time and effort. 

Their knowledge of wildlife behaviors helps in crafting tailored solutions. Working with experts can lead to a more permanent resolution of squirrel issues.