Squirrels
Squirrel Identification
Squirrels are smart critters with a keen sense of smell that can locate their food, even when it’s buried under a one-foot layer of snow. They often play tricks on competing wildlife by burying fake stashes, making it seem like they have buried food to fool would-be thieves.
Types of Squirrels
Gray Squirrel
Red Squirrel
Flying Squirrel
Signs of Squirrels
If you notice an uptick in squirrel activity around your property, you may want to pay attention. Squirrel antics are not a sure sign of an indoor problem, but squirrels could potentially do some damage outside, so it’s important to be vigilant. Having squirrels outside also increases the odds that one or more may slip inside in search of a warm, safe spot to call home.
What are some squirrel signs to watch for?
Piles of Droppings
Like other rodents, squirrels don’t really discriminate about where they do their business. However, they are known as a “latrining” animal because they typically designate specific spots to use for waste disposal. If you see droppings in your garage, crawl space, or attic, a squirrel or several squirrels may have moved in without permission.
Strange Sounds
Squirrels aren’t quiet. You are likely to hear scampering, scratching, or chewing noises once they invade. Also, during squirrels’ mating season, they usually chase each other and make chucking noises that you can hear in the walls, from above, or from below.
Unexplained Interior or Exterior Damage
These fluffy rodents have teeth that continually grow, which inspires them to gnaw on items of all types to help control that growth. Squirrels have been known to chew through siding, soffits, roofing material, wires, and more. They also often tear up insulation to use for nesting materials.
Unpleasant Odors
When wildlife of any kind moves inside human spaces, unpleasant or strange odors inevitably follow. Smells from their excrement and urine can be distinctive. Additionally, dead and decomposing squirrels leave behind awful smells.
How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels?
Squirrels can be so much fun to watch as they scamper about, but they can also make a mess of your landscaping or garden. They may gnaw on siding, wires, and generally wreak havoc. You can eliminate squirrels with a combination of professional removal and routine preventative steps such as the following:
- Keep Up with Outdoor Maintenance: Trimming trees and shrub limbs 10 feet or more from the roofline and exterior of your home or building can reduce easy access.
- Perform Regular Inspections: Inspecting the property inside and out can help you catch potential problems. It’s also a great opportunity to seal any small gaps or cracks you find and add or repair screening on vents and chimneys. You may also opt to install exclusion systems to create a permanent barrier.
- Implement Deterrent Strategies: Keeping them out of your yard can reduce the odds of problematic behavior. Consider planting natural repellents like nasturtiums and marigolds, adding mulch to landscape beds, and installing motion-activated sprinklers to startle them away.
Squirrel Facts
Lifespan
In the wild, squirrels rarely make it beyond their first year. If they do survive into adulthood, they typically live between six and 10 years. In captivity, squirrels have been known to live as long as 24 years.
Food Sources
Although many people associate squirrels strictly with nuts and seeds, they actually eat a more diverse diet than you may realize. Some species stick with plants like nuts, fruits, and vegetables like tomatoes, berries, avocadoes, and apples. Other species, like flying squirrels, may also eat insects and bird eggs.
Reproduction
Mating and reproductive habits may vary according to the species. For example, grey squirrels usually mate twice yearly in the months spanning May through June and again in December through February. A single male may mate with multiple females, who usually have litters with two to six young. Red squirrels typically mate once in late winter and have litters of two to five young in early spring. Flying squirrels, on the other hand, usually mate during the period of March through May, and have litters of two to four young.
Risk of Disease
Squirrels can carry secondary pests, including black-legged ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease. Additionally, squirrels themselves may carry pathogens that cause conditions like leptospirosis, which could result in kidney damage and other complications. Other possible disease risks include:
- Rabies
- Giardia
- Salmonella
Where are squirrels found?
Squirrels can be found on nearly every continent, including the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia. In the wild, they often nest in tree branches or tree cavities. They also seek shelter in manmade structures, including homes.
These fluffy-tailed creatures are adaptable and capable of thriving in various locations, including rural, suburban, and urban areas.
When are squirrels active?
Most species are active during the day. Some species, like the grey squirrel, may alter their activities depending on the season. For example, during warmer weather months, grey squirrels are most active at dawn and dusk. However, in winter, these curious rodents emerge only in the middle of the day. Red squirrels, on the other hand, typically remain active throughout the day but often take a siesta in the middle of the day. Flying squirrels are the only species active at night.
More Information About Squirrels
How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Attic
Why Do Squirrels Dig Up Lawns and Gardens?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do squirrels live in the winter?
During cold weather months, squirrels can live inside trees. It’s important to note that as the weather starts cooling off, squirrels often start looking for human structures where they can stay warm and cozy for the winter.
Do squirrels live in groups?
Some species, like red squirrels, prefer living alone. Others, such as flying squirrels, are very social and live together in groups known as a dray or scurry.
How to deter squirrels?
Using barriers to protect gardens and crops, implementing motion-activated sprinklers, and incorporating squirrel-repelling scents like mint, marigold, and deer repellents can help.
What do squirrel droppings look like?
Squirrels typically use the same areas over and over again, so you may find droppings in piles. The size will vary based on the squirrel species. They are typically dark brown when fresh and lighter in color with rounded ends once they dry.
How do I get rid of squirrels from my home?
No one wants to share their living spaces with squirrels. They can be messy, noisy, and problematic. Preventative action is one of the best ways to protect your home. For example, consider locating bird feeders far from your home, trimming tree limbs away from the roofline, and avoiding feeding squirrels.