Identifying Ground and Tree Squirrels

Property owners trying to identify whether they have ground squirrels or tree squirrels by sight alone may have a difficult time. The easiest way to distinguish them is to observe where the pests run when frightened. Tree squirrels will scurry up a tree or a tall structure, whereas ground squirrels dart across the ground to a nearby burrow. Without an opportunity to see the pests in motion, it may be necessary to rely on appearance.

Visually, ground squirrels and tree squirrels are quite similar, except for a few distinct features. Some common species of ground squirrels have a white ring around their eyes and stripes down their backs, but not across their heads like chipmunks. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, typically have no marks on their bodies or lighter-colored undersides.

Another unique aspect of tree squirrels is their large, bushy tails, which help them stay balanced when climbing trees. Tree squirrels are also the larger of the two types, measuring between 12 and 20 inches long, while ground squirrels average about 8 to 12 inches in length.

Ground Squirrel vs. Tree Squirrel Behavior

Ground squirrels are burrowing rodents that use their tunnels for sleeping, storing food, raising young, and hiding from danger. Burrows can stretch anywhere from five to thirty feet in length and two to four feet deep. They can also become colonies, linking several dozen squirrels through interconnected pathways. Ground squirrels rarely venture more than fifty feet from their burrow openings.

On the other hand, tree squirrels move farther from their nests because they can travel in trees, safe from most predators. They live in tree cavities or nests made of twigs, leaves, and bark.

Damage and Control

Ground squirrels eat mostly green grasses, but have no trouble destroying food-bearing and ornamental plants. They also kill trees by stripping their bark during the winter. Tree squirrels cause their worst damage in the fall when they enter attics to hide their food caches. This can attract other unwelcome guests like rats, mice, and birds.

Both squirrel types can also carry a host of diseases, including leptospirosis, plague, and rabies. Getting rid of ground squirrels vs. tree squirrels requires a different approach, so contact the professionals at Critter Control for identification and removal if squirrels become pests in your yard or home.

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Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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