Squirrel Life Cycle

The average lifespan of a squirrel is about five to six years. However, just like other critters, that life cycle can vary drastically based on several factors. Between their vulnerability to predators and high mortality rates for squirrels around a year old or younger, many factors can shorten their lifespan. While they can live up to 15 years in the wild, the squirrel’s life cycle is rarely that lengthy.

Squirrels are prolific breeders, with females potentially giving birth to up to six pups per litter twice a year. Unfortunately, this can quickly cause a minor squirrel infestation to spiral into a much larger one. If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation, it’s important to act fast. Contact the experts at Critter Control to safely and humanely remove the nuisance squirrels and repair any damage to your property.

The methods we’ll use to address the issue can vary, but we always use humane approaches designed to safely remove the squirrels while protecting your family.

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What Is the Squirrel Population in the U.S.?

There’s no shortage of squirrels in the United States. You can find millions of these little creatures in forests, urban parks, and even in suburban backyards in all 50 states. Of course, each region is home to different squirrel species.

The most common types of squirrels in the U.S. include:

• Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are found in deciduous forests and urban areas of the eastern and midwestern U.S. These squirrels, featuring gray fur and a white underbelly, are incredibly adaptable, thriving in settings ranging from urban gardens to remote forests.
• American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) live predominantly in coniferous forests throughout the northern U.S. and Canada. They’re known for their reddish fur, white underparts, noisy chatter, and territorial nature.
• Fox Squirrels (Sciurus niger) are common in the southern and central U.S., especially in oak and pine forests. They’re larger than many other species and have a rusty orange coat and a bushy tail. They’re not quite as social as other species but are incredibly adaptive to various habitats.
• Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus spp.) live mostly in the open grasslands and meadows across the U.S. Unlike tree squirrels, this species burrows and lives underground. They’re brown or tan, allowing them to blend in with the open prairie grasses, and are known for their digging behaviors.

When Do Squirrels Give Birth?

A female squirrel can have two litters each year, usually in the late winter and midsummer. They have a short gestation period of about two months. Each litter usually contains between two and four pups. A litter can contain up to eight pups, but smaller litters are more common.

Each tiny pup is born completely hairless, weighing in at just 0.5 to 0.65 ounces. The mother squirrel weans the pups at the two-month mark, and seven months later, at the nine-month mark in the squirrel life cycle, her babies become mature adults.

How Long Do Squirrels Typically Live?

A squirrel usually lives for five to six years. Sometimes, they can live up to 15 years or more, but it depends entirely on factors specific to the critter, including their species.

The life span of a squirrel can vary dramatically based on the species:

• Eastern Gray Squirrel: 44-day gestation period, life expectancy of 6–12 years in the wild or up to 20 years in captivity
• American Red Squirrel: 38-day gestation period, life expectancy of 5–10 years in the wild
• Fox Squirrel: 44-day gestation period, life expectancy of 8–18 years, although anything past 12 years is uncommon in the wild
• Ground Squirrel: 30-day gestation period, life expectancy of 3–6 years in the wild

How Long Can Squirrels Survive on Your Property?

Squirrels can live for years on your property, especially if they find a safe, sheltered place to build their homes. These furry little critters thrive in areas where their nests are protected from Mother Nature’s fury, like attics or walls. While wild squirrels often have shorter lifespans than their captive counterparts, they can live longer than usual when they have access to your home (thanks to the protection from natural dangers).

Squirrels in Attics

Your attic is more than the perfect storage place—in a squirrel’s eyes, it’s a premium listing on the real estate market. The insulation, warmth, and safety from predators make these spots a coveted place for squirrels to breed and nest. Unfortunately, having squirrels in your attic isn’t ideal. They can chew through wires, creating fire hazards and damaging the structural integrity of your home.

Squirrels in Walls

Wall cavities are another prime spot. Squirrels in wall cavities get to enjoy a cozy, dry, and safe nesting place, so they’ll happily gnaw through wood, drywall, electrical wires, and anything else standing in their way. That process is usually noisy and results in significant damage, which can require extensive (and expensive) repairs.

Squirrels in Yards or Gardens

Most squirrels prefer trees and other lofty hiding places for their nests, so yards and gardens aren’t high in the rodent real estate market. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t visit your yard or garden to hunt for food. Squirrels in yards are known for digging up plants and flower bulbs, wreaking havoc on your carefully tended garden in search of food.

Squirrels in Chimneys

While a soot-filled chimney might not sound particularly cozy to you or me, it’s an appealing, warm, and (presumably) safe spot for squirrels hunting for a home. Unfortunately, a squirrel’s nesting materials aren’t conducive to a chimney setting. The flammable collection of twigs, leaves, moss, and similar materials can block proper ventilation through your chimney. It can become a fire hazard, which is a danger to you and your family, especially if you regularly use your fireplace and chimney during the cooler months.

Squirrels in Gutters

Squirrels in the gutter are another common problem. Gutters aren’t known for being dry, but they do offer some shelter, so squirrels will happily build their nests here. Unfortunately for you, that translates to drainage issues and, therefore, water damage. Given that squirrels have a penchant for gnawing on fascia boards and shingles, the damage resulting from their stay can be extensive.

How to Deal With a Squirrel Infestation

These cute, fluffy rodents might seem harmless. Regrettably, they’re not—they can wreak all sorts of havoc on your property if left unchecked. So, if you suspect you might have a squirrel infestation, it’s important to chat with a pest control pro. DIY methods can be ineffective and dangerous depending on the location of the infestation, so it’s best to go the professional route.

Pest control pros use safe, humane squirrel removal methods, such as live traps, exclusion techniques, and sealing entry points, to rid your home of the problem. When you go this route, you don’t have to stress over the safety of the squirrels or their return.

Contact Critter Control for Squirrel Removal

If you’re dealing with a squirrel problem, contact our experts at Critter Control. We’re equipped with years of expertise and tools to help you evict your unwanted houseguests safely and effectively. Don’t wait—contact us today or find the office closest to you!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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11 September 2026
 
 
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Dustin did a great job. I just could not longer afford it on a retirement income. They were the only oneddds I could find that controlled rabbits.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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11 September 2026
 
 
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We had such a great experience with Critter Control at every interaction. Many months ago, my friend and I called to get some advice on how to handle a bat in our home. The lady we spoke with took the time to give us free, down to earth, real advice. I remembered the experience so when it came time to batproof our attic, they are who we called. The gentleman that came out to do the quote was thorough and patient in explaining everything. The gentlemen that did the bat proofing were quick, efficient and friendly. A few months later we had them back to clean out and insulate our attic. Very friendly crew, extra helpful, and were respectful to our home and good with our German Shepherd. Just a stellar experience all around. Recommended them to my friend, and I'll recommend them to you!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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10 September 2026
 
 
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Critter Control was prompt in scheduling the initial visit to assess the problem and detailed in explaining their service. Drew has been prompt in all communications and careful while on the property. It has been reassuring in working with them to resolve the issue.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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10 September 2026
 
 
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Cody just came back for his one year checkup as he promised when performing the job in 2025 - consistently outstanding service from him, great communication, always trying to go above/beyond!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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10 September 2026
 
 
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Critter control-Taylor, the owner, is quite knowledgeable about critters. He was friendly and thorough.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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10 September 2026
 
 
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They were a pleasure to work with I would highly recommend them. Roman is very knowledgeable and made the process smooth. The crew came out and went over and above. They were professional and timely. Everything about the experience was a pleasure and smooth, Thank you!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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10 September 2026
 
 
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I have used this company many times for all different things. They always respond as fast as possible. Wasp problem?  Bug problem? Call them! The honesty that was shown when things aren’t truly needed shows that if you need pest services, call Critter Control first. You will get honest and thorough services. And you will call them again if you need it. 5 stars.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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10 September 2026
 
 
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I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Critter Control and, especially, with Taylor and his partner. Taylor called the evening before my appointment to confirm and took the time to explain what they would be looking for and what the inspection would involve. He also let me know that I would receive a written estimate when they were finished, which I really appreciated. The next morning, Taylor called before arriving and showed up right within the scheduled window. He introduced himself and his partner, and they were both extremely professional and courteous. They took their time inspecting the yard and ultimately determined that I was dealing with both moles and gophers. Taylor walked me through the treatment options, answered every question I had, and made sure I understood what they were recommending. There was absolutely no pressure, and I really appreciated how straightforward and transparent the entire process was. I had a written estimate in hand within about 10 minutes of them completing the inspection. From the initial phone call to the completion of the inspection, everything was handled professionally and exactly as promised. It’s refreshing to deal with people who communicate well, show up when they say they will, and genuinely take the time to answer your questions. Thank you, Taylor, for making the process so easy. I’m very happy with the experience and would definitely recommend Taylor and Critter Control!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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10 September 2026
 
 
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I had a appointment with Moises today to investigate noises that I had been hearing in my wall. I explained what I had been hearing and for how long, and he said that he was going to look for any potential entry points. He found two areas that were compromised and showed me pictures of the areas, and told me what he thought was the culprit and also explained the plan to make sure that there weren't any other rodents in the wall by putting in a one way door and then after 5 days, they would sanitize the area in the wall and seal up the two areas, so that nothing else could get inside. He was very professional and friendly and explained everything to me that they were going to do to alleviate the situation. I would definitely recommend Moises and Critter Control for any wildlife removal services in the future.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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10 September 2026
 
 
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Evan the owner was very helpful! He was very responsive and knowledgeable for our bat issue. Couldn’t be happier!