Squirrel
Sciurus
There are over 200 species of squirrels worldwide, and it is most difficult to find food during early spring for squirrels located in temperate regions. Therefore in residential neighborhoods squirrels begin to dig up planting puts, flower beds, and extensive holes to locate buried nuts. They can also enter buildings and attics where there is the risk of them chewing through different parts of your home, including wires and pipes.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
- Squirrels tend to inhabit sheltered areas.
- Check sheltered spaces inclding attics and basements.
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Mammalia | Rodentia | Sciuridae | |
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| Size: | 5-36 inches (13-91 cm) |
| Color: | Gray, black, white, red |
| Characteristics: | Tree squirrels often seen scampering from branch to branch. Ground squirrels live in burrows or tunnel systems and often hibernate during the winter. Seen in all kinds of environments (parks, neighborhoods, wooded areas). Use keen sense of smell to locate nuts and tend to dig up large holes in doing so. |
| Geographic Range: | Throughout North America |
| Food: | Nuts, buds of trees, seeds, conifer cones, fruits, fungi, green vegetation |
| Biology: | Tendency to chew on edible and non-edible objects. Teeth grow continuously, and their constant gnawing helps maintain sharp teeth and prevent overgrowth. Expert climbers, but still thrive in urban environments. |
Prevention Tips For
Vertebrate Pests
Vertebrate Pests
- Caulk and seal any holes or cracks that could be used as entry points
- Put copper mesh over any large holes that could be used as entry points
- Keep doors and windows closed and properly screened to prevent accidental entry
- Remove clutter in and around home
- Clean up spills immediately
- Keep food in a seal-tight container
- Keep grass cut short
- Keep shrubs and plants properly spaced away from exterior of home
- Seal all holes in and around plumbing/piping
- Remove ivy from exterior walls as it allows entry to upper floors/roof
It only takes a few minutes to start protecting your home today.
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