How to Identify Different Types of Squirrels

Squirrels are a familiar sight in urban and rural landscapes alike, often seen scurrying around parks, yards, and forests. So, how many types of squirrels are there? Worldwide, there are over 200 species of squirrels, with about 65 of them calling North America home. You might see multiple types of squirrels going about their business, including tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. Each type has distinct characteristics, including where they live and how they behave.

While undoubtedly adorable with their fluffy little frames, squirrels can wreak havoc on your property, causing significant damage to your home or yard. So, if you’re seeing an increase in squirrel activity and suspect you might have an infestation, it’s important to call a professional wildlife removal service like Critter Control to safely and humanely address the problem before they cause costly damage to your property.

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How to Identify Different Squirrel Species

While many squirrels look alike at first glance, a closer look at where they spend their time and how they move will usually tell you which kind is hanging out in your area.

Most share a few familiar features: compact bodies, strong back legs, and long tails that help them balance. Their habits help set them apart.

Around your home, a few patterns tend to stand out:

• Squirrels high in trees or on fences during the day are likely tree squirrels.
• If they stay near the ground and vanish into yard holes, they’re probably ground squirrels.
• And if the activity seems to happen at night, especially with sounds coming from your attic or walls, flying squirrels may be the cause.

These day-to-day behaviors are often more helpful than color or size for identifying squirrel types.

Most Common Squirrel Species

Species of squirrels in the United States fall into one of three categories: tree, ground, or flying squirrels.

Despite differences in nesting habits and behaviors, most of these pests share the same basic characteristics of bushy tails, short arms and legs, sharp claws for climbing and foraging, and pointed ears. Flying squirrels are unique in that they have membranous webbing between their limbs, enabling them to glide through the air.

Tree Squirrels: The Most Common Visitors

Tree squirrels are active during the day and tend to stay in trees, moving easily from branches to rooftops and back again.

Common species include gray, fox, and red squirrels. Color varies, but their behavior is usually consistent: comfortable aloft, rarely on the ground except when foraging.

In many cases, tree squirrels are simply part of the landscape. If they’re staying outdoors and nesting in trees, they usually don’t cause any issues.

Problems start when they find a way inside.

You might notice chewing along rooflines or vents, or hear movement in your attic during the day. Once inside, they can tear into insulation or wiring as they build nests and move around.

Ground Squirrels: Yard and Garden Burrowers

Ground squirrels are less likely to climb and more likely to stay close to the ground, where they dig out burrows and tunnel systems.

If you’re noticing small holes in your yard, loose dirt, or plants that seem to be disturbed overnight, ground squirrels may be nearby. It’s also common to see them dart quickly between openings and low cover.

They don’t usually enter homes, but they can create frustration outdoors. Burrowing can weaken soil, damage gardens, and leave uneven ground that’s easy to overlook until someone trips.

Flying Squirrels: Hidden Indoor Activity

Flying squirrels are rarely seen, but they’re often heard.

These smaller squirrels are active at night and use a thin membrane between their limbs to glide from tree to tree. That ability makes it easy for them to reach rooftops and small openings along your home.

Because these squirrels are nocturnal, most homeowners don’t spot them directly. Instead, the first sign is usually sound, often a light scratching or scurrying in the attic after dark.

Once inside, they tend to stay hidden. Over time, they can nest in insulation, leave droppings, and continue using the same entry points night after night.

Tree Squirrels vs. Ground Squirrels vs. Flying Squirrels

All three types of squirrels share similar diets and general behavior, but where they live makes a big difference in how they affect your home.

• Tree squirrels are usually harmless outdoors, but can cause damage if they get inside.
• Ground squirrels stay outside but can disrupt yards and landscaping.
• Flying squirrels are the most likely to go unnoticed while living inside your home.

Understanding these differences makes it easier to decide when to leave things alone and when to take the next step.

Squirrels vs. Other Rodents

Squirrels do share characteristics with other rodents. The most obvious difference is the squirrel’s big bushy tail. Chipmunks, a member of the squirrel family, are smaller and have distinct stripes. Rats have long, hairless tails and move with a lower, more cautious motion. Squirrels tend to be larger, with fuller tails and a more bounding, energetic movement.

When to Call for Help

Not every squirrel needs to be removed. If it’s staying outdoors and not causing damage, it’s often best left alone as part of the natural environment.

It’s worth taking a closer look when the behavior shifts closer to your home. Activity inside walls or the attic, repeated noises during the day or night, or visible damage along the roofline are all signs that squirrels may have found a way inside.

You may also notice ongoing yard damage from burrowing, chewed entry points, or droppings in areas where they’re nesting. These issues tend to get worse over time, especially if squirrels keep returning to the same spot.

Humanely removing the squirrels early can help prevent more extensive damage and reduce the risk of a larger infestation.

Professional Squirrel Removal and Prevention

When squirrels do make their way inside, safe and thorough removal is important. At Critter Control, we focus on removing squirrels humanely and preventing them from coming back.

Our team identifies how the squirrels entered your home, seals those entry points, and addresses any damage they’ve caused. This complete approach helps protect your home long after the initial removal.

If you’re unsure about the type of squirrel that may be on your property or the risks involved, contact Critter Control for a professional assessment and expert solutions. Call us today or visit our website to find the nearest office and get personalized help.