Ask The News
Jan. 27—If city Animal Control won't deal with squirrels in your house or outbuilding, who will?
Darren Vaughn, communications director with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish in Santa Fe, in an email, outlined options in dealing with squirrels in the house.
"New Mexico is home to four tree-dwelling squirrel species, with three of those species documented in the vicinity of Clovis," Vaughn wrote.
Vaughn noted having these species native to the state add to New Mexico's natural diversity.
"Squirrels can become a nuisance for homeowners when they move into a dwelling. Squirrels are particularly fond of attics and the rafters of outbuildings. Squirrels are active during the day," Vaughn wrote.
He added many times homeowners find out they are living "alongside" a squirrel when they hear scratching and thudding from above mid-day.
"Signs you may have a squirrel are gnawing damage to the upper portions of a home where a squirrel has gained attic entry, a cache of nuts, droppings or nesting materials in your dwelling," Vaughn wrote.
Vaughn wrote the first step to excluding the squirrel from your home is blocking its entrance into your residence or building.
"Once you locate the hole or gap a squirrel is using to enter, wait until the daytime when it is active and out of your home then patch up the hole using something as simple as hardware cloth or by replacing damaged siding materials," Vaughn wrote.
Vaughn urged avoiding patching holes early in the morning or late in the evening when the squirrel is inside, "or you could have an entirely different problem on your hands."
"Once you have excluded the squirrel, it is best to remove any artificial food or water sources from your yard to avoid attracting other squirrels that may be looking for lodging," Vaughn wrote.
Vaughn noted tree-dwelling squirrels are game species in New Mexico, which means they can only be killed with a proper license annually from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31. Vaughn also cautioned local ordinances regulating hunting may also apply to the lethal removal of squirrels.
Vaughn wrote, "If you have a squirrel problem that you cannot solve, please feel free to reach out to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish by calling 505-476-8000. One of our officers can provide additional guidance and options to assist you."
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