Squirrels
Fox squirrels are about 18 to 24 inches long from nose to tip of tail. They weigh about 2 pounds and have a large, bushy tail with yellow-tipped hairs. Fox squirrels are usually a grizzled rusty brown on top and buff to bright rust below. Fox squirrels can vary in color from silver-gray to black.
Gray squirrels are about 17 to 19 inches long from nose to tip of tail. They are typically gray on top with buff underfur, although some have blackish fur. Their bushy tails are gray with silvery-tipped hair. Gray squirrels are a pale gray on their underparts.
Flying squirrels are much smaller (9 to 10 inches long including tail) than fox and gray squirrels and have a membrane of skin that extends from the wrist of the front leg to the ankle of the hind leg. They have a horizontally flattened tail that serves as a rudder during glides. Flying squirrels have large eyes. Their fur is long and silky gray to brown on their back and creamy white on their belly.
Flying squirrels are most active at night, while both fox and gray squirrels are most active in morning and late afternoon.
Adult fox squirrels breed during December and January, and sometimes again in early summer. They dwell primarily in tree cavities and leaf nests. About three to six young are born after a 45-day gestation period. Each newborn squirrel weighs about 1/2 ounce. The young are weaned at 3 months of age. Fox squirrels do not hibernate, although they spend much time in their nests during the winter. Fox squirrels generally live from four to seven years but can live as long as 12 years.
Fox squirrels eat mostly fruits, nuts and buds of trees. Field corn and soybeans are eaten in the fall if available. Squirrels occasionally eat berries, insects, fungi and carrion. Fox squirrels are prey to hawks, owls, snakes and many ground predators.
Eastern gray squirrels have a litter of two to three young in spring. Another litter is born in late summer. The young are weaned at 50 days but those in the second litter stay with the female over the winter. Acorns and other nuts are the main food of gray squirrels. Eastern gray squirrels nest in tree cavities or leaf nests in mature trees.
Southern flying squirrels breed during late winter and again in early summer. A single litter usually produces three to four young.
Controlling Damage
A survey of the National Pest Control Association voted the tree squirrel as the number one nuisance animal in the United States. Tree squirrels can cause a variety of problems, including damage to trees, flowers, lawns, gardens, vehicles and homes. They eat acorns, nuts, fruit or vegetables in home gardens and become a nuisance at bird feeders. Squirrels can cause extensive damage to attic insulation or walls and gnaw on electrical wires in homes and vehicles, creating a fire hazard.
Fox and gray squirrels normally crush the shells of nuts to enter them. Flying squirrels usually cut a smooth circular or oval opening in the shell wall. On heavy shells of larger nuts, flying squirrels will make a second opening or remove an entire end.
Flying squirrels prefer to eat acorns and other nuts, seeds, fruits, berries, buds, flower blossoms and tree bark. Occasionally, insects, bird eggs and nestlings, mice and carrion are eaten.Unwanted squirrels in buildings
Fox squirrels damage attics by chewing through electrical wires and soiling or tearing insulation. Evidence of fox and gray squirrels inside attics include noise from gnawing or running during the day. In contrast, flying squirrels and rats can be heard squeaking and making noise during the night.
Other signs of squirrels include droppings,but don't confuse them with Roof Rat Droppings.or Ground Rat Droppings
Also gnawed holes,leaves, twigs, shells, hulls, pits or nesting materials
inside an attic. Tree squirrel trackscan be distinguished from the splayed toes in the
tracks of Rat Tracks ( Image to be placed later)
Squirrels can squeeze through holes 1 1/2 inches in diameter or gnaw through smaller holes to gain access to buildings.
Fox squirrels can climb vertical brick or masonry walls that have a roughened surface. They can enter through vents, chimneys, broken windows, knotholes andconstruction gaps under eaves or gables. Tree squirrels most often enter attics and spaces between walls and floors. To reduce squirrel problems in buildings, limit their access by closing all openings . Even holes that are too small for squirrels should be closed. Metal flashing, hail screen, and copper wool usually discourage gnawing.
