There are several species of squirrels, but here we are covering the tree squirrels in general and the damage and noise we often associate with them.

Tree Squirrels, for the most park lack natural predators in a urban environment. This means that they can reproduce without the pressures associated with life in the wild. When this is combined with increased construction and infringement on habitat areas, we start to see them in our attics and in other places in our homes. They seek warm, safe shelter during the fall and winter months in particular.

Gray squirrels are about 18 inches long, including their 9 inch tails. They way about 1-1.5 lbs as an adult. Their colorationsis usually gray, salt and pepper, but can have tan hairs in the fur as well, usually with a white belly. The winter coat is grey above with a white underside; the summer coat is shorter, sleeker and brownish grey above.

Gray squirrels are very active during the day They can inhabit the attic areas as well as crawl spaces. They like to enter the attic areas from your gutters and nearby trees and bushes. Installing gutter guards, or down spouts with screen may prevent them from climbing up to the roof through a down spout.

Red squirrels have red/brown upper parts in summer but may show some grey on the back in winter, leading to some confusion. Red squirrels are smaller, lighter, have ear tufts, prominent in the winter coat and brown on the legs and tail.

Diet consists of bird eggs, insects, berries, fruit, vegetables, nuts and nestling birds. They like to hoard their food.