Squirrels

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Squirrels: Description, Types, Attractants, and Control Methods

Squirrels are small, agile rodents known for their bushy tails and energetic behavior. These animals are found in various environments, including urban areas, forests, and suburban neighborhoods. While they are generally harmless, squirrels can become a nuisance when they invade homes or cause damage to gardens and crops. This article provides a detailed overview of squirrels, their types, attractants, and natural methods for controlling them, as well as professional pest control options.

Description of Squirrels

Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, a large group of rodents that includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. They are easily recognizable due to their small size, large eyes, sharp claws, and long, bushy tails. Squirrels have strong hind legs that allow them to leap from tree to tree, and their front paws are highly dexterous, enabling them to grasp food and climb easily.

Squirrels are omnivores, with a diet primarily consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small insects or bird eggs. They have a natural instinct to store food in caches to prepare for colder months. These rodents are typically active during the day (diurnal) and often build nests (also called dreys) high in trees or within attics and walls in urban environments.

Types of Squirrels

There are three main types of squirrels, each of which can exhibit different behaviors and habits.

1. Tree Squirrels

  • Description: Tree squirrels are the most common type and are found in wooded areas, parks, and urban spaces. They are known for their ability to leap between trees and buildings.
  • Common Species:
    • Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): Common in North America, with gray fur and a bushy tail.
    • Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger): Larger and more colorful, often found in forests and urban parks.
    • Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris): Smaller with reddish fur, common in forested areas.

2. Ground Squirrels

  • Description: Ground squirrels are burrowing rodents found in open fields, grasslands, and sometimes in backyards. Unlike tree squirrels, they spend more time on the ground and are known to dig complex burrows.
  • Common Species:
    • Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus): Found in North America with distinctive stripes.
    • Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus): Common in the southwestern U.S., living in rocky areas.

3. Flying Squirrels

  • Description: Flying squirrels are nocturnal rodents that glide from tree to tree using a membrane of skin between their limbs. They are smaller than tree squirrels and are typically found in wooded areas.
  • Common Species:
    • Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans): Found in forests across North America.
    • Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus): Found in the northern regions of North America, with a similar gliding ability.

What Attracts Squirrels to Homes?

Squirrels are naturally drawn to areas where they can find food, shelter, and safety. Common factors that attract squirrels to homes include:

1. Food Sources

  • Bird Feeders: Squirrels are often attracted to bird seed, especially sunflower seeds and peanuts.
  • Fruit Trees: Apple, pear, and nut trees are a major attractant for squirrels looking for food.
  • Trash and Compost: Squirrels may scavenge food scraps from garbage bins or compost piles.

2. Shelter

  • Attics and Roof Spaces: Squirrels are known to enter attics through gaps in the roof or damaged vents. They seek warm, secure places to build their nests, especially during colder months.
  • Tree Branches and Roofs: Overhanging tree branches close to the roof make it easy for squirrels to access the attic.

3. Water

  • Ponds and Birdbaths: Squirrels also look for fresh water sources, which can be found in birdbaths, garden ponds, or water features.

How to Get Rid of Squirrels Naturally

There are several natural methods you can use to deter squirrels from invading your home or garden. These approaches focus on making the environment less attractive to them and encouraging them to move elsewhere.

1. Remove Food Sources

  • Secure Trash Bins: Ensure that trash bins are tightly sealed and cannot be accessed by squirrels.
  • Clean Bird Feeders: Squirrel-proof bird feeders or place them in areas that are harder for squirrels to reach.
  • Harvest Fruits and Nuts: Regularly collect ripe fruits and nuts from trees to prevent squirrels from scavenging.

2. Create Barriers and Block Entry Points

  • Seal Gaps: Inspect your home for gaps, holes, or cracks in the roof, attic, and walls. Seal any potential entry points with hardware cloth or caulking.
  • Trim Trees and Branches: Trim tree branches that are close to the roof to prevent squirrels from easily accessing your attic.

3. Use Natural Repellents

  • Peppermint Oil: Squirrels dislike the strong scent of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near entry points or areas of activity.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper around your garden or areas where squirrels are active. The strong smell and taste will deter them.
  • Garlic and Onion: Squirrels are repelled by the smell of garlic and onions. You can make a natural repellent by mixing crushed garlic or onion in water and spraying it around your yard.

4. Use Motion-Activated Devices

  • Sprinklers: Motion-activated sprinklers can scare squirrels away with sudden bursts of water.
  • Noise and Light: Squirrels are sensitive to noise and bright lights. Using motion-activated devices such as alarms or flashing lights can discourage them from coming near.

Pest Control Methods for Squirrels

If natural methods are not effective, professional pest control measures can be employed to deal with a squirrel infestation.

1. Trapping

  • Live Traps: Live traps can capture squirrels safely without harm. Once trapped, the squirrel can be relocated far away from your property.
  • Snap Traps: These are typically used for smaller rodents like squirrels, though they may be more harmful to the animals.

2. Exclusion

  • Squirrel Proofing: Professional pest control experts can help with sealing gaps, installing chimney caps, and securing vents to prevent squirrels from entering your home.

3. Poison Baits

  • Baiting with Poisons: While not commonly recommended for squirrels due to safety concerns for pets and wildlife, some pest control services may use rodenticides if other methods fail.

4. Professional Extermination

  • If the squirrel infestation is severe, professional exterminators may need to remove them. This is typically done after other methods, like trapping or exclusion, have failed.

Squirrels are fascinating creatures but can quickly become a nuisance when they invade homes or damage property. Understanding what attracts squirrels, how to get rid of them naturally, and when to seek professional pest control assistance is key to managing them effectively. By taking preventive measures and using humane, natural control methods, you can keep squirrels from causing damage while ensuring they remain safe and undisturbed in their natural habitat

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