 Eastern Grey Squirrel
Squirrel damage is a serious issue in residential housing, and commercial business if left unattended. Squirrels can be very destructive creatures, damaging your home or business, chewing on electrical wires, and even attracting larger, and more destructive wildlife. Eastern Gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinesis) tend to be the most common species in our region, but others such as the American Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), Flying squirrel (Glaucomy volans), and Fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) can also become a nuisance to home and business owners. Entry points and voids created by squirrel damage offer an opportunity for other destructive nuisance wildlife such as bats, birds, and raccoons to take up residence where they do not belong.
Squirrels and rodents are the second leading cause of power outages in the US, second only to vegetation and weather related natural disasters. The ceaseless chewing habits of squirrels and rodents is a result of the need to "wear down" their constantly growing incisor teeth that these animals possess. Typically squirrels, like other mice and rodents, tend to prefer to chew insulation off of electrical wiring, leaving them exposed and greatly enhancing the risk of fire dangers. Other items these small mammals love to chew on are; wood trusses, rafters, and ceiling joists, plastic or vinyl siding and soffit, wood soffiting and fascia or trim, plastic storage totes stored in attics, and even some metal items such as screens and roof ventilation equipment. General Biology Physical Description: Overall, there are more than 365 species of squirrels in the world that are known today. These rodents are divided into about seven families. However, the most common groups are tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. This page will focus mainly on tree squirrels. The most common tree squirrels are the gray squirrels and the red squirrel. First of all, there are two kinds of gray squirrels: the western gray squirrel and the eastern gray squirrel. Although there are many different kinds of tree squirrels, their physical characteristics are basically the same. For instance, all tree squirrels have narrow shaped face, regardless of the amount of fat in the cheeks or the largeness of the bones. The nose is located at the tip of the muzzle in which the mouth is on the underside of the face. Furthermore, the tree squirrel has four front teeth that grow at a rapid rate, as all rodents' teeth do, forcing the squirrel to chew on wood to cut down the sharp incisors. In addition, the squirrel's black eyes are on either side of the head, widening the vision area. Yet, the rodent cannot see directly in front of it's body as a result. Also,the creature has whiskers and a bushy tail along with four paws. The hind paws are longer than the fore paws with five digits on each one. On each digit is a curved claw for climbing and digging. However, the fore paws have a small nub of a thumb along with its four digits. Although different colors, nearly all squirrels shed their coat, going from summer to winter coats with the season. The length and size vary between the squirrels as well as many other characteristics. Eastern Grey Squirrels The Eastern Grey Squirrel, as the name suggests, lives in the eastern states of the United States. Also, quite obviously, the grey squirrel has gray fur, although some may have a tinge of red in the coat. One of the most common squirrels, this grey squirrel usually has a white underbelly while the tail has a variation of colors. Beginning at the base of each fur is the color gray that is tinged with red. Near the tip, the fur turns black before becoming a hazy white at the very edge. The rodent's muzzle is a light brown with a black line separating it from the rest of the face. The fur surrounding the eyes are a light brown. In addition, the pale pink ears are round and short, with only soft, fuzzy fur coating the outer side. On account of size, the Grey squirrel is approximately 25 to 30 centimeters long from head to tail and about 400 to 600 grams in weight. Western Grey Squirrels Living in the Western parts of the United States, the Western Grey has a much darker coat than the Eastern Grey. For instance, the Western Grey does not have the slightest tinge of red in its coat. As a result, the base of the tail furs are gray, not brown, and the white tips are much longer and prominent. The muzzle of the Western Grey is white with a dark nose, sometimes black. The fur around the eyes are light, mostly white. There are no tufts on the large ears, though the outer side of the ears become reddish brown in winter. As for weight, the Western Grey varies from about 400 grams to 1 kilogram while having a length of 45 to 60 centimeters, including the tail. Red Squirrels One of the smaller tree squirrels, the red squirrel has a length of 19 to 23 centimeters, including the tail, along with a weight of 250 to 340 grams. However, the Red Squirrel's tail is quite long, varying in color for different squirrels. For example, the coat and tail could be completely red, as shown in the picture to the right, with a pale red underbelly and eye outline. Also, the red squirrel has tufts of fur on the tips of its ears, though not all squirrels do. Another color is the Eurasian red squirrel, which has a grayish red coat along with a gray tail that has black tips on each fur. On some squirrels, there is a black line between the underbelly and backside, separating the light and dark colors. Furthermore, on nearly every red squirrel there is a white or light orange outline around the eyes. Fox Squirrels The Southern Fox Squirrel is not that different from its relative, the Northern Fox Squirrel. Both squirrels are basically the same, only slightly different in genetics. The Fox squirrels are one of the largest tree squirrels at 450 to 698 millimeters, or 17 to 27.5 inches, in length including the tail. As for weight, the squirrel is 17.6 to 42.3 ounces. Like the red squirrel, this rodent has different color variation. One could be reddish brown with tinges of black as well as a light brown under belly and muzzle and eye outline. The squirrel's ears are round and short, like the Grey Squirrel, its cousin. The other version is a whitish black coat. White Squirrels and Black Squirrels The white squirrels are just other tree squirrels, most likely grey squirrels, who are slightly genetically different. Basically, they were born with different fur pigment in which the gene was passed down and down frequently, causing new species of squirrels to began. The white squirrel is completely white except for a black line down the back on some as well as four pinkish paws and muzzle. On the other hand, the black squirrel is completely black. Therefore, these tree squirrels are just genetically special. Reproduction: Gray and fox squirrels first breed when they are about one year old. They breed in mid December to early January, and a small percentage will breed again in mid to late June to mid to late July. Usually young squirrels will only breed once their first year. The gestation period for squirrels is 42 to 45 days. During the breeding season, noisy mating chases take place when one or more males pursue a female through the tree tops, across dwellings, and out building rooftops. Squirrels have approximately one to three young per litter, but occasionally have been known to have up to five young in one litter. When squirrels are born they are hairless, blind and their ears are closed. At the time of birth they weigh approximately 1/2 ounce, and around 3 to 4 ounces at five weeks of age. When they are weaned they will be about half of their adult weight. Young will begin to explore outside of the nest around the time they are weaned at 10 to12 weeks of age. Usually, about half of the squirrels in a population die each year. In the wild , squirrels over 4 years old are rare while individuals may live up to ten years in captivity. The general biology of all other North American squirrel species is similar to that of the Gray and Fox squirrel. All other squirrel species have only one breeding season per year. Flying squirrels are active primarily at night. All other species are active mainly during the daytime. 
First litter of the year, removed January 30, 2015
Habitat:
As the name suggests, tree squirrels create their nests in trees. Yet, not all squirrels make the same type of nest. For example, there are two kinds of nests: a drey and a tree den. Simply, a drey is similar to a bird nest, though resting in the fork of a tree or more with sticks, leaves, and other material that the mammal may have found. For a clearer picture, look at the drey in the image below.On the other hand(or paw), a tree den is located in the hollow of a tree, as shown in the image below. These nests are found in any woodland ecosystem, only on close inspection and if you look up. Yet, not all squirrels are able to make these nests, whether it be no materials or no location. As a result, Squirrels may use an abandoned bird nest for a while before moving on. After all, squirrels are the cleanliest rodents, yet are messy in their home. This causes them to move nearly once a month! Since, they need a warm nest, especially in the winter, the squirrel may build its home in your attic if there is no place else to go. |
Flying Squirrel
Soffit damage from Eastern Grey Squirrels
Squirrel damage (Note the metal drip edge that shows signs of chewing)
Rooftop damage resulting from squirrel infestation
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Example of a typical drey (more commonly known as a squirrel nest).
Example of a den tree
Example of Grey Squirrel nest found in an attic
Wildlife Damage Prevention & Control Solutions:
Squirrels are active year-round and can be controlled whenever they are causing damage. Care must be taken to avoid abandoning young during the period of time when young may be present, which can be February thru August, as some species may mate twice a year.
Habitat Modification
Habitat modification is often a very effective means of controlling squirrel damage. This method of control is achieved by trimming trees and tree limbs back 8 to 10 feet away from affected structures to prevent squirrels from jumping onto rooftops. Other plants, such as ivy and shrubs, that allow access should be trimmed as well. In yards where squirrels are causing problems at bird feeders, consider providing an alternative source of food. Wire or nail an ear of corn to a tree or wooden fence post away from where the squirrels are causing problems.
Exclusion
Wildlife exclusion is defined as: The techniques and products that prevent wildlife from entering an area or structure. Squirrels can be prevented from climbing isolated trees and power poles by encircling them with a collar of metal 2 feet wide, approximately 6 feet off of the ground. Close all openings to attics, soffits, and other parts of buildings but make sure to not trap squirrels inside. They may cause a great deal of damage in their efforts to chew out.
Trapping
While habitat modification and exclusion methods prove effective in controlling squirrels, sometimes it is necessary to trap and remove "the problem squirrel(s)". This is achieved by mounting specially designed "positive catch" traps to the structure. As the resident squirrel(s) leave the entry/exit point, it enters directly into a cage trap for relocation.
Prevention
Negative wildlife interactions can be prevented through the use of several different prevention products. Chimney caps are very important in preventing entry of a host of wildlife, including squirrels. Roof vent guards are available for many different roof vent configurations and applications. They are also available for power vents (a common entry point for squirrels). Prevent squirrels from traveling on wires leading to and from your home using products such as criterguard. Dryer vents are also occasional entry points for squirrels and other rodents, and should be protected with a vent cover. In short all cracks ,crevices, and voids should be filled or addressed in some way around the perimeter of all structures in an effort to discourage wildlife entry.
Squirrels are active year-round and can be controlled whenever they are causing damage. Care must be taken to avoid abandoning young during the period of time when young may be present, which can be February thru August, as some species may mate twice a year.
Habitat Modification
Habitat modification is often a very effective means of controlling squirrel damage. This method of control is achieved by trimming trees and tree limbs back 8 to 10 feet away from affected structures to prevent squirrels from jumping onto rooftops. Other plants, such as ivy and shrubs, that allow access should be trimmed as well. In yards where squirrels are causing problems at bird feeders, consider providing an alternative source of food. Wire or nail an ear of corn to a tree or wooden fence post away from where the squirrels are causing problems.
Exclusion
Wildlife exclusion is defined as: The techniques and products that prevent wildlife from entering an area or structure. Squirrels can be prevented from climbing isolated trees and power poles by encircling them with a collar of metal 2 feet wide, approximately 6 feet off of the ground. Close all openings to attics, soffits, and other parts of buildings but make sure to not trap squirrels inside. They may cause a great deal of damage in their efforts to chew out.
Trapping
While habitat modification and exclusion methods prove effective in controlling squirrels, sometimes it is necessary to trap and remove "the problem squirrel(s)". This is achieved by mounting specially designed "positive catch" traps to the structure. As the resident squirrel(s) leave the entry/exit point, it enters directly into a cage trap for relocation.
Prevention
Negative wildlife interactions can be prevented through the use of several different prevention products. Chimney caps are very important in preventing entry of a host of wildlife, including squirrels. Roof vent guards are available for many different roof vent configurations and applications. They are also available for power vents (a common entry point for squirrels). Prevent squirrels from traveling on wires leading to and from your home using products such as criterguard. Dryer vents are also occasional entry points for squirrels and other rodents, and should be protected with a vent cover. In short all cracks ,crevices, and voids should be filled or addressed in some way around the perimeter of all structures in an effort to discourage wildlife entry.
