There's no doubt that squirrels are a major issue in Southern Maine. The primary issues we receive calls for are in regards to tree squirrels in yards and homes. From red squirrels and flying squirrels to gray squirrels, you need to protect your home from squirrel damage. Call us today for help with squirrel removal and read below to learn more about each common type of squirrel and behaviors associated with each.
Red Squirrels
The American red squirrel is one of the most troublesome rodents around. They are differentiated by other squirrels by the reddish hue to their fur, and they are considerably louder than other squirrel types. A bit larger than a chipmunk and fiercely territorial, red squirrels love to terrorize pets by taunting them.
Red Squirrel Damage
Similar to other squirrels, red squirrels have a tendency to get into Southern Maine homes and cause mischief in crawlspaces, basements, attics and outbuildings. Red squirrel damage can include ripped insulation, exposed wires (a potential fire hazard), and more.
Landscape and yard damage from red squirrels can include eating of bulbs and blooming trees and, perhaps most indicative of red squirrel presence, seed disappearing from bird feeders. Protect your bird feeders and songbirds by removing red squirrels from your property with professional help from Critter Control of Southern Maine.
Flying Squirrels
These unique members of the squirrel family do not actually "fly", but instead glide using flaps of skin on their fore and hind legs. Flying squirrels are omnivores, favoring insects, fruit, flowers and seeds. Flying squirrels can find entry into your Southern Maine home’s walls and attics, making a comfortable nest with insulation. Flying squirrels are social so they often congregate in large groups.
Flying Squirrel Damage
Problems with flying squirrels are similar to that of other squirrels, and the fact that there are squirrels inside your home is not entirely uncommon. Flying squirrels are responsible for creating wall holes and soiling insulation with feces and urine. Their noises are also often disruptive to homeowners late at night.
Common Myths and Facts About Flying Squirrels in Your Home
Myth: Flying squirrels’ fly into your home through open windows.
Flying squirrels don’t actually “fly” by flapping their wings. Instead, they can glide from perch to perch using their webbed flaps of skin. These flying rodents don’t usually enter homes through windows. Instead, they are more likely to enter through small holes or gaps in home siding or foundations.
Myth: Flying Squirrels will be most active during the day.
Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals and rarely have any activity in the daylight. So, you are more likely to hear a Flying Squirrel scampering around in your home or attic during the night.
Myth: Flying Squirrels will hibernate in your home during the winter.
Flying squirrels do not hibernate in the winter. However, they do limit their activities and become less active in winter. Flying squirrels will reduce their body temperature and metabolic rate to save energy in the winter. In autumn they will prepare for the cold weather by foraging for more food to stay warm and full for the frigid winter months. Flying Squirrels may venture from their warm nests into the cold throughout the winter.
Myth: Baby Flying Squirrels are self-sufficient.
Baby Flying Squirrels are nursed by their mothers much longer than most mammals of their size. On average a mother Flying Squirrel will nurse its baby for 65 days and a baby flying squirrel may stay with their mother from summer until the following spring—depending on when they are born. Southern Maine homeowners will often find a nest with multiple Flying Squirrel babies in their attic. The babies will not venture off from their mother early on and many residents have even seen a mother flying squirrel carrying their babies away from danger.
Myth: Flying Squirrels prefer to live alone.
Flying Squirrels are known to live in colonies. Therefore, if you see one, there are probably more. Some groups of squirrels will even create latrines, meaning they choose one area they will use as a bathroom. The amount of feces and urine in one spot leads to foul odors much quicker than if one squirrel is living there.
Gray Squirrels
The Eastern gray squirrel is a tree squirrel distinguished by its gray fur. The gray fur can also have a slightly brown tint to it, especially around the squirrel’s face.
Gray Squirrel Damage
Though gray squirrels are tree squirrels, a lot of their damage occurs on the ground; namely plant destruction due to feeding habits. Gray squirrels also cause damage to tree bark. Gray squirrels can also get into homes and soil insulation, leave droppings and chew on soft items to keep their teeth from growing too long.
Which Type of Squirrel Causes the Most Damage?
Now that you know how to correctly identify the squirrel occupying your Southern Maine home, you are probably wondering which type is going to cost you the most damage. The answer isn't as simple as one, two, or three. All squirrels can cause extensive damage if not removed from your home. However, each type of squirrel can cause a different type of damage depending on their behaviors and actions. The severity of damage differs in every situation and can be impossible to predict. Squirrel populations can differ from neighborhood to neighborhood and whatever type chooses to occupy your space is most likely going to be the most destructive. It's essential to prevent squirrel damage by removing these nuisance critters at first sight of infestation. Call the experts at Critter Control of Southern Maine for all your squirrel control and removal needs!
Squirrel Behavior Myths & Facts
Squirrels are fascinating critters, and over time several misconceptions have developed about their behavior and species. Here are some common squirrel myths, so you can better understand these common Southern Maine pests.
Squirrels only eat nuts.
Although nuts are a significant part of squirrels' diets, they aren’t the only thing they eat. Squirrels are omnivores and have a diverse diet including things like fruits, seeds, fungi, insects, and even small birds or eggs. Squirrels are very adaptable creatures and will change their diet to fit with the season and what food items are available.
Squirrels hibernate in the winter.
As mentioned above flying squirrels do not hibernate in the winter, and the same can be said about the rest of the 200 species of squirrels. No species of squirrels hibernate in the winter, instead, they all enter a state called Torpor. Torpor is a deep sleep-like state where an animal lives off its fat reserves and relies mostly on cached food.
Squirrels are harmful to trees.
Squirrels may strip bark in certain situations, but it usually does not cause long-term damage to healthy trees. Many animals use trees for a variety of behaviors, and squirrels are no exception. Occasionally squirrels might chew on bark to sharpen their teeth or to access the nutritious cambium layer.
Squirrels are not dangerous.
Squirrels are not inherently aggressive or vicious, but they also are not soft cuddly creatures, and should not be underestimated. When cornered or threatened squirrels may exhibit aggressive behavior like scratching and biting. Another dangerous aspect of squirrels is that they can carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, or tularemia. Although disease transmission from squirrels is relatively low, risks still exist, and it is important to always take the necessary precautions when handling squirrels. The damage that squirrels can cause to homes can also be potentially dangerous. Squirrels will often chew on wood, insulation, and wiring. Their gnawing can create fire hazards or affect the integrity of a home’s structure.
It is important to get all of your animal information from trusted sources, so you can understand these pesky creatures and better handle your animal problems.