Squirrels are divided into three distinct groups. Tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. Each of these species has the full capacity to exact mass destruction on your yard as well. From red squirrels to eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels they can all cause serious damage to your home and yard.

Squirrel appearance

The typical squirrel, when adult, may be from 12 to 25 inches long. Squirrels are avid climbers and they can be pests. They are usually muscular and they have sharp claws. Squirrel color can vary from shades of black to grays, reds, and browns. With short thick fur, they are very bushy along their tails. Typically, their underbellies are different from the color of their coats.

Squirrel Habitat

A squirrel has a habitat that consists of nuts, flowers, seeds, herbaceous plants and even fungi. They love the forest areas in the United States as well as in Northeastern Mexico and even in South-central Canada. Many of the species of Nearctic squirrels were introduced to such European Countries such as Italy, England, Ireland, and Scotland. They are considered invasive pests in these regions.

Most squirrels prefer to orient themselves in the presence of trees and choose their nesting sites here. Their chosen nesting sites will vary by species, however, Fox squirrels prefer oak or pine and often they also prefer a mixed forest where there are trees that are spaced widely apart. Eastern gray squirrels, on the other hand, prefer to travel amongst the upper level of trees so they prefer a more dense forest where they can go from one tree to another easily. Squirrel nests are usually made from leaves, branches and tree cavities.

Squirrel Entry

Squirrels are known to enter into your home or your yard as often as they see fit. They don’t respect your privacy. They find their way into your attic or basement and often build a nest there and enjoy the fact that they are protected from the elements of the weather. They love yards that are full of foliage and they love to find shelter away from the elements so this is viewed to them as an optimal nesting site.

Squirrels are capable of causing destruction

Squirrels are non-aggressive however, they are capable of causing destruction. They dig up nuts and other items from the ground and they can leave huge holes in your yard. They can disrupt flowers and other vegetation and they can trample and eat out of your garden. If you have bird feeders, they may try to climb them and eat the bird seed or worse, lie in wait for an unsuspecting bird. They also like to chew on things including birdhouses.

Squirrels that get into homes will nest in the attic and they may gnaw and chew on wooden beams that support the ceiling and walls. They are dangerous to both themselves and to humans if they chew on electrical cords or wires. They frequently traverse power lines and this can lead to an electrical short if they cause damage to the wires.

Control & Safety

If you’re having squirrel issues, you’ll have to make your home less attractive to them. You’ll want to ensure that you repair broken windows and screens or cracks that may lead to your attic or basement. Seal these off with a mesh covering so that they won’t build nests there. Keep your trees trimmed from the house to ensure that they can’t use a tree as a ladder to reach your attic. Keep branches trimmed back so that they can’t sneak in upper windows and avoid overly large vegetation where they may hide near your home.

Trapping & Removal

Many areas consider squirrels to be game and they will trap them to get rid of them. This may require a special permit depending on where you reside. While not aggressive in most cases, always call a professional if you’re planning to trap squirrels. You can call the Department of Wildlife to find one. Or you can call Buzz Away squirrel removal service.

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