Squirrel Identification
Squirrels are clever, inquisitive, furry little critters that can jump as high as 20 feet and run as fast as 20 miles per hour. They constantly gnaw on things because their teeth never stop growing, and chewing manages that ongoing growth.
- Family: Squirrels belong to the Sciuridae family, which includes more than 200 different species worldwide. The most common species of squirrels in the Northeast are Grey Squirrels, Southern Flying Squirrels, and Red Squirrels
- Size: Squirrel size varies, depending on the species. On average, they grow to about 15 to 20 inches long and have a fluffy tail that is anywhere from 5 to 9 inches long.
- Color: Coloring can vary from species to species. You will commonly see squirrels with fur in shades of gray, reddish brown, and brown.
- Legs: Squirrels have four legs, although they spend a great deal of time standing upright on only their two back legs.
Types of Squirrels
Signs of Squirrels
Seeing a lot of squirrel activity in your yard and around your property does not necessarily mean that you have a squirrel problem indoors. However, it does increase the possibility that one (or more) of these clever critters could try to make its way inside. It’s important watch for the following signs of squirrels.
Droppings
Squirrels are what are known as latrining animals, which means they tend to use specific areas to deposit their waste materials. If you find droppings in areas like attics, crawl spaces, or garages, it’s likely that you have an uninvited house guest.
Weird Odors
Waste materials and dead squirrels can fill your home with a pungent, unpleasant odor. Tip: If you attempt DIY squirrel removal, the danger is that squirrels may get trapped, and you could end up with deceased squirrels decomposing and creating a terrible smell in those trapped spaces.
Noises
During mating season, squirrels will chase each other around in your attic or walls, so you might hear a chucking noise. You might also hear sounds of chewing, scampering, and scratching.
Damage in and Around the Building
Look for gnaw marks, as these energetic rodents will chew holes in your vents, eaves, and roofline as well as scratch up siding. They may also tear apart insulation to make nests and make a mess in the garden while foraging for food.
How Do I Get Rid Of Squirrels?
Squirrels can wreak havoc on your home and property by eating crops in the garden and making a mess indoors. They can enter your home using overhanging branches and utility lines as well as by simply climbing up the side of the house. So, how can you get rid of them?
- Seal Off Entry Points: Add screening to chimneys and vents, caulk small cracks and openings, and install exclusion systems to protect vulnerable areas.
- Perform Regular Outdoor Maintenance: Keep shrubbery and tree limbs trimmed at least 10 feet from the exterior of the building, including the roofline.
- Deter Them from the Garden: Discourage squirrels from visiting your property by placing mulch and gravel in landscape beds, planting companion plants like marigolds and nasturtiums, and installing fencing or row covers.
Squirrel Facts
Lifespan
In captivity, squirrels can live up to 24 years. In the wild, many young squirrels don’t survive for a full year. If they do, their average lifespan is up to 10 years, on average.
Food Sources
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders that eat anything they can find. They often choose to eat seeds and nuts that they collect throughout late summer and fall and hide away to store them for winter. During the spring and summer months, these critters will munch on fruits and vegetables, including apples, corn, tomatoes, and avocados. They also enjoy eating insects, bird eggs, and plants, particularly succulents.
Reproduction
Many squirrels, including the gray squirrel, use gnawed sticks, nuts, discarded shells, and nipped twigs to form their nests. These animals typically have two mating seasons per year, and they give birth to two to four babies in each litter, on average, although the numbers can vary based on the species. Mother squirrels care for their young throughout the first stages of their lives.
Risk of Disease
Although the health risk associated with squirrels is unclear, you should seek medical attention if you get bitten or scratched by a squirrel. The more prevalent danger comes from squirrels’ habit of gnawing on everything from siding to electrical wires. They can damage insulation, cause heating and air conditioning system malfunctions, and even gnaw holes into siding.
Where Are Squirrels Found?
Squirrels are adaptable, inquisitive creatures that make their homes in various locations. From parks and forests to urban and suburban locations, many environments make suitable habitats for these rodents.
When Are Squirrels Active?
Most species are active during the daytime, with peak activity levels usually in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some squirrels, such as the nocturnal flying squirrel, are only active at night. A few species, including the Eastern gray squirrel, change their activity patterns based on the season. They come out only during the middle of the day during winter and are more active at dusk and dawn during the warmer months. Others, like the red squirrel, are typically active throughout the daytime and have a tendency to take a midday nap.
More Information About Squirrels
How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic
How to Keep Squirrels Away from Your House
5 Ways To Save Your Home From Squirrels
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do squirrels live in the winter?
During the cold weather months, squirrels may nest in tree cavities. However, this is when they are also known for moving inside manmade structures to keep warm until the weather warms up again.
Do squirrels live in groups?
Red squirrels are known for being very territorial, and they prefer to live by themselves. Other squirrels live in groups, possibly even with other animals in your attic. Flying squirrels are very social, living in groups of 15 or more. In some instances (like extreme cold), even solitary squirrels may live together in groups known as “drays” or “scurries.”
How do you deter squirrels?
Install motion-activated sprinklers as a deterrent and employ other squirrel prevention measures like fencing around gardens. Additionally, keep tree limbs trimmed away from your home and seal up holes, gaps, and cracks to prevent them from coming inside.
What do squirrel droppings look like?
Squirrel droppings vary in size, depending on the species, but most are very similar and look a lot like rat droppings. The biggest difference is that squirrel feces are more rounded on the ends, while rat droppings are tapered. They are dark-brown if fresh and light brown if dried up. For flying squirrels, look for dark staining and clusters of droppings stuck together or in concentrated piles.
How do I get rid of squirrels from my home?
We know you don’t want squirrels sharing your home. Taking preventative action can make all the difference. For example, even though they are cute, do not feed these animals. Bird feeders also attract squirrels so if you have one, make sure it’s installed far away from your house.
