Squirrels – Types, Characteristics, and Habits

It is expected that the squirrel is one of the most common types of wild animals in the United States. These small animals are very playful, whether running around the power lines, lawns which is full of grass & nesting in attics. Since they are an important component of nature, Squirrels can be an unwanted guest in homes and properties. Their kinds, their habits, and their behaviour in the season are the initial steps towards prevention, and in the event we need their service to remove them, knowing where to find a suitable squirrel removal service. 

Types of Squirrels

Squirrels are divided into three main groups, with their different qualities:

1. Tree Squirrels

Tree squirrels are the most common type found in the area where people live. Types like the Eastern Gray Squirrel and Fox Squirrel live in the upper part of the trees and make their nest with the help of leaves. They are great runner and easily jump on trees and make their way into attics or chimneys, which causes problems for the people.

2. Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels such as California Ground Squirrel burrow in the soil. They may destroy gardens, lawns, and create large tunnels underground, and this may cause a major issue with the building foundation. They also spend more time on the ground as opposed to tree squirrels, and can sleep during winter.

3. Flying Squirrels

Fly squirrels also, although less frequently observed, fly among the trees by means of a flap of skin known as a patagium. They love the nighttime and make their homes in the attics of the property and causing damage to your property in the same way as tree squirrels

Understanding the type of squirrel you are dealing with is very important. It helps you when you need to remove squirrels from your home safely.

Physical Appearance of Squirrels

Squirrels are small rodents with pointed nails, hard teeth and a long tail with lots of hair, which helps them balance. Their fur is also type-dependent, with some being grey, brown, and reddish. They are fast, nimble and can squeeze through small holes, and this is what makes it very important to seal off entry points when we think of a squirrel removal service.

What Do Squirrels Eat?

Squirrels are eclectic generalist feeders. Their meals include:

• Nuts, seeds, and acorns
• Fruits and vegetables
• Tree bark and fungi
• Sometimes the eggs of insects or birds.

Their food caching behaviour, burying nuts and seeds to be used in future, is critical to the development of the forest. But when found in residential neighbourhoods, they may destroy gardens and bird feeders in the course of their foraging. By attracting the squirrels to be near the homes, you are more likely than ever to find yourself having to get rid of the squirrels to avoid additional complications.

Nesting Habits of Squirrels

Squirrels are good construction workers. The tree squirrels nest in hollow tree cavities or in leafy round nests high up in the branches. Ground squirrels dig holes that have many exits, which form their safety areas against other animals. Most of the squirrels find their home in warm attics, moving spaces or sheds during the colder months.

When they are inside, they can bite wires, clothes and furniture made up of wood, which leads to heavy repairs. When this happens, householders contact the best squirrel removal service provider to deal with the invasion before the damage becomes too big.

Seasonal Behavior of Squirrels

Squirrels can readily change behaviour over the course of the year:

• Spring: Breeding begins, and they nest still more. 
• Summer: Squirrels are busy plundering and breeding.
• Fall: They collect their food for the winter.
• Winter: Tree squirrels are active, and some ground squirrels are in active. 

It is a cycle, and squirrels may be a problem any time of the year. In the fall and winter, when it is mostly hunting for warmth, their warmth-seeking behaviour may occasionally cause them to infiltrate human habitation, necessitating the removal of the squirrels from the attic or basement.

Squirrels and Parasites

In addition to property damage, squirrels may harbour parasites including fleas, ticks and mites. In other instances, squirrel fleas can enter the house and inflict bites on human beings or pets. Although this health hazard occurs infrequently, it demonstrates one more reason why the timely squirrel removal service is of such importance. Solving the problem immediately not only saves your house but also minimises the chances of exposure to pests.

Pest Concerns with Squirrels

Squirrels are not dangerous, but their action can create problems:

• Chewing damage: Electrical wires, clothes and wood.
• Garden destruction: Digging up plants, bulbs, and bird feeders.
• Health risks: Parasites like fleas can come inside the house.
• Noise: Scratching, running, and biting the attic or walls.

When these problems come, the best option is to contact an expert who can remove squirrels with the help of a safe method and make sure your home is protected from future problems.

How to Prevent Squirrel Problems

It is better to prevent rather than cure. Here are some practical tips:

• Close openings in your roof, attic and siding.
• Install vent covers and chimney tops.
• Cut tree branches around your house.
• Fasten bird feeders and pet food.
• Keep firewood out of the walls as much as possible to reduce areas of concealment.

In case of failure in prevention and squirrels have already infested, a professional squirrel removal service can offer humane/safe solutions. The specialists not only eliminate the problem at hand but also assist in avoiding future occurrences of the problem.

Conclusion

Squirrels are interesting animals having various kinds, habits and seasonal behaviours. As much as they have a significant role to play in nature, they may be a serious nuisance when they infest homes and properties. Ranging from chewing electrical wires and being a carrier of fleas, the dangers are both feasible and expensive.

Householders should be vigilant and take appropriate actions, but once the squirrel gets inside the house, the most efficient choice, regardless of what happens, is to get them out by calling in a professional squirrel removal service. You have the opportunity to save your property, health and live peacefully knowing that your house is not threatened by unwanted wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do squirrels live?

Squirrels mainly live around six to twelve years in the wild, which depends on their type. Tree squirrels live longer than ground squirrels. They can live even longer years with proper care.

2. What do squirrels eat?

Squirrels mostly eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They also love tree skin and sometimes small insects or bird eggs. Their mixed diet helps them adjust to different seasons.

3. How to get rid of squirrels?

To eliminate squirrels, close openings, chimney radiators, and food sources. Clipping trees around your roof is also a good idea. When they are already inside, it is best to contact a professional squirrel removal service to have it removed safely and humanely.

4. Can squirrels get rabies?

Squirrels also carry rabies, but it is not so common. They are not common carriers of the disease. Most cases of rabies come from animals like raccoons, & bats, not squirrels.