Tree Squirrel

What Do Tree Squirrels Look Like?

Fox squirrels are approximately 19-29” in length. Their color may vary by their surrounding habitat and regions in which they are established. In the northeastern part of the fox squirrel’s range, they tend to be gray on top with yellowish undersides. In the western part of the range, they are a bright rust color. In the southern part of the range, they tend to be black with white patches on their faces and tails.

Gray squirrels have bodies that are 8 to 10 inches long and tails that are 7.5 to 10 inches long. Their fur is dark gray with intertwined sections of paler gray. Pine squirrels, which are also called red squirrels, have bodies that are 7 to 8 inches long and tails that are 4 to 6 inches long. Their fur is rust-red or gray on top with white or grayish-white undersides and tails with black bands and white edges.

Tree Squirrel Prevention

How to Get Rid of Tree Squirrels

Signs of tree squirrel infestation include noises from squirrels in attics, chimneys, walls or vents; holes in the siding; damaged bird feeders; chewed wires; attic insulation damage; and evidence of squirrel nests in the attic.

There are many important steps to prevent a tree squirrel infestation inside the home. It is recommended to seal all possible points of entry around the house, including small openings and cracks around doors and windows. Screening vents and openings to chimneys can also prevent squirrels from entering homes. Food should be kept in airtight containers and garbage disposed of regularly. Additionally, tree limbs should be cut back 6 to 8 feet from the roofline.

The use of mesh or wire fences can help protect gardens. Lastly, a thorough inspection of wires, insulation, and walls for gnaw marks will help signal a possible infestation.

If you find feces, hear sounds of scurrying in the walls or observe other signs of an infestation, call PMi to inspect and treat the pest problem. Contacting a licensed squirrel control professional is especially important, as some squirrels are protected by state and local wildlife regulations.

What Do Tree Squirrels Eat?

Fox squirrels feed mainly on hickory nuts and acorns, but also eat the fruit of tulip poplar, maple tree seeds, corn bordering woods, berries, bird eggs and fungi. Gray squirrels feed primarily on nuts, especially hickory nuts, acorns, beechnuts and walnuts. In addition, they occasionally feed on maple or tulip tree seeds, fruit, opening buds and corn. Pine squirrels feed on a great variety of seeds, nuts, berries, bird eggs and fungi. Interestingly, tree squirrels may also eat small insects, caterpillars, small animals, and young snakes.

Tree Squirrel Education

Habitat

Fox squirrels favor oak-hickory forests, but they are also found in pine forests and cypress and mangrove swamps in the South. During the summer months, fox squirrels make leaf nests in trees and they often overwinter in a common tree hole.

Gray squirrels are found in hardwood or mixed forests with nut trees, especially oak-hickory forests and river bottoms. In the summer, gray squirrels nest in tree cavities or build nests made of leaves in branches. In the winter months, they are known to invade structures and homes looking for a place to overwinter.

Pine squirrels are often abundant in any kind of forest and are commonly found around buildings. Pine squirrels usually nest in tree cavities or nests made of leaves, twigs, and bark. Tree squirrels enter homes more frequently when development reduces the number of trees available for nesting.

Threats

All three varieties of tree squirrels can become household pests because they frequently enter attics in the winter; however, they rarely pose a health threat to homeowners. Inside homes, tree squirrels might cause considerable damage to heat and air conditioning systems if they gain entry into electrical equipment rooms.

Tree squirrels may create holes in siding and cause damage to attic insulation.

Outdoors, these squirrels can cause considerable damage to electrical and telephone cables. Tree squirrels may also chew holes in siding. Sometimes, tree squirrels destroy bird feeders in pursuit of birdseed.

Squirrels may bite when disturbed and should be left alone. Take precautions to avoid interactions with squirrels, and if bitten by a squirrel, seek medical attention immediately.