Squirrels

Texas red squirrel on a tree.

Natural History

Size
Depending on the species, squirrels range from 8 to 15 inches in length and weigh between 1 and 3 lbs. Their fur is typically grayish-brown with buff flecks.
Physical Features
  • Squirrels have short ears, legs, and strong front claws.
  • Their teeth grow continuously, requiring them to gnaw constantly to prevent their teeth from growing into their skulls, which could be fatal.
  • Squirrels can keep their mouths closed while exposing their front teeth, which they use for digging.
Lifespan
Squirrels can live from 5 to 12 years.
Diet
Squirrels are herbivores. They primarily consume plant materials such as roots, stems, bark, shoots, leaves, flowers, fruit, and nuts. Occasionally, they eat insects, eggs, and small mammals.
Predators
Their main predators include humans (through vehicles), foxes, weasels, and hawks.

Source: Project Wildlife

Behavior

Activity
  • Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night.
  • In colder regions, squirrels hibernate in burrows during the winter months.
Seed Storage
Squirrels carry seeds and nuts in their cheek pouches to create large underground stores. This behavior is beneficial to plant life, as squirrels help disperse and plant the seeds of trees, flowers, and other plants.
Defense
When threatened, squirrels flick their tails as a distraction to predators.

Damage Prevention & Other Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

I have squirrels in my attic/chimney/walls, what do I do?

First, determine where the squirrel is getting in and out (the chimney is obvious). If there is more than one entrance/exit, block all of them except for one easy-to-locate spot. Obtain six to twelve 1-inch strips of fabric, tie them in tight knots, and soak them in household ammonia. Then, wearing rubber gloves, place these in the attic, chimney, or wall where the squirrel has been seen or heard.

Next, buy cayenne pepper at 90,000 heat units, which can be found at your local natural foods store. Sprinkle the pepper generously in areas that the animal has been seen coming and going near the hole, on the roof, or around trees that give the animal access to the attic. Animals cannot tolerate the presence of the pepper and they will vacate the area. Keep children and pets away from the pepper.

Lights and loud music at night also disturb squirrels who sleep during these hours. Once these techniques are used for several days, tape a piece of newspaper over the hole. If it is not disturbed for several more days, cover the hole or cap your chimney securely. This will prevent squirrels or other animals from coming back in.

How do I keep squirrels out of my bird feeders?
The best way to keep squirrels out of your feeders is by installing feeders that are not easily accessible to them. Hanging feeders are not recommended because squirrels can climb down the line or shake the line until the food falls to the ground. Instead, install a free-standing feeder on a metal pole at least 6 feet high. Squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers, so you want to install it away from tree limbs, shrubs, and other easy "boosters." And remember, squirrels often eat the same things as birds, like seeds, nuts, and fruit, so try not to blame the animal. To them "bird" feeders might as well be "squirrel" feeders.
Squirrels are chewing on the wiring in my car, what can I do?
This is a fairly common problem that can be solved by some simple repellent techniques:
  • Cayenne pepper: You will need the 90,000 heat unit cayenne pepper that can be obtained in natural food stores. Sprinkle the pepper all over the wiring in your car; this should deter any chewing. Apply liberally and often.
  • Moth balls: Keep socks with moth balls under your hood when the car is not running. This acts as a repellent much like ammonia-soaked rags. Squirrels detect the chemical and find some other place to chew. Remember to remove the moth balls before starting your car.
  • Store-bought repellent: You can buy certain products at hardware stores that act as animal repellents. Make sure that the one you choose is non-toxic to pets, children, and wildlife. Look for products that simulate or contain urine of predator species such as foxes and coyotes. Use as directed and the squirrel(s) should make home elsewhere.

Reasons Not to Live Trap

Live trapping is an ineffective means of controlling wildlife in your yard. By trapping and removing and wild animal you are simply creating a vacancy for more animals to move in. It is more effective to ask yourself why the animals are finding your yard appealing (the answer will probably be either food, water, or shelter) and what you can do to remove what it is that the animal is finding appealing, repel the animal from your yard, and prevent them from returning. Exclusion methods and some degree of tolerance are ultimately more successful and lasting.

Live trapping should never be an option between early spring to early fall. This is the time when most species of native wildlife are having their young and there may be babies in, under, or around your house that are entirely dependent on their mother for food and protection. Any action that prevents the mother from caring for her young will result in suffering for her and a slow death for the babies. Since the family will not stay forever, or even for a very long time (a month or two, perhaps less), it is better to wait until the family vacates and then take action that will prevent the same thing from happening again.

  

 

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

Should you find a wild animal in crisis, or need emergency assistance with a wild animal, please contact Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc.

Phone

24-Hour Hotline: 830-336-2725

Address

11902 Rustic Lane
San Antonio, TX 78230
Directions

 

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