Squirrels

With a diet mostly comprised of nuts, seeds, flowers, herbaceous plants, and fungi, pest squirrels prefer to inhabit forested areas throughout the contiguous United States, Northeastern Mexico, and Southcentral Canada. Some species of Nearctic squirrels have also been introduced to European countries like Italy, Scotland, England, and Ireland, where they are considered invasive pests.

More information about what squirrels eat.

Though most squirrels orient themselves around the presence of trees, their chosen nesting sites vary from species to species. Fox squirrels, for example, prefer oak, pine, and mixed forests where the trees are widely spaced. Conversely, eastern gray squirrels live in forests where the trees allow for travel among the upper layer of leaves and branches, as they rarely move along the ground. Most species of squirrels build nests out of leaves and branches or use tree cavities as shelter.

Are squirrels known to enter homes or yards?
Squirrels are very common in residential areas and are often found in the yards and homes of humans. As overwintering pests, squirrels sometimes find their way into the attics of homes where they build nests and enjoy protection from cold weather. Yards with plenty of foliage are attractive to squirrels, who view trees as both a source of food and shelter.

Signs

• What sounds / noises do they make?
• What does squirrel poop look like?

Do squirrels harm people or property?
As non-aggressive creatures, squirrels are capable of relatively peaceful cohabitation with humans. However, they also have the capacity for destruction. In yards, squirrels will dig up buried nuts and seeds, which leaves holes and disrupts the overall presentation, and chew the bark of ornamental trees and shrubbery. They also trample on and eat from gardens, feed on the contents of birdfeeders, and chew on birdhouses.

Inside homes, squirrels nest in attics and can chew and gnaw on wooden support beams and walls. They also endanger themselves and humans in the immediate area by chewing on electrical wires. Additionally, squirrels often travel on powerlines, which can lead to electrical shorts.

More information on squirrel damage.

Proper exclusion is still vital after technicians remove problem squirrels. To keep new pests from taking their place, making some changes in the yard can help. Using metal collars or plastic pipes to prevent squirrels from climbing trees and buildings is one popular example. A professional wildlife control team can determine the most effective option.

Modifying homes and yards to make them less favorable to squirrels is the best form of squirrel control. Homeowners should ensure any broken window screens and cracks leading into attics are repaired. Check chimneys as a possible point of entry, and seal them with mesh coverings. Keep trees trimmed so that branches don't hang over roofs and so squirrels cannot reasonably hide within the vegetation, and protect gardens with fences.

As squirrels are considered game in many states, trapping the pests may require the procurement of a special permit. Furthermore, though squirrels are not known to be particularly aggressive, it is always safer to contact a trained professional rather than attempt to handle wild animals without the proper knowledge or assistance. The wildlife specialists at Critter Control are skilled at identifying the different species of squirrels and handling squirrel removal properly and humanely. Our job is to protect people, property and wildlife and in doing so, we don’t exterminate squirrels, but instead we humanely exclude or remove them from your property