Squirrels Overview
Squirrels are a common sight worldwide, known for their bushy tails, agile movements, and cheeky nature. These rodents belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes small or medium-size rodents. Squirrels are highly adaptable, living in an array of environments from urban areas to dense forests. They are primarily diurnal, making their presence known with playful chases in search of food, which can lead to them being considered pests when they invade homes for shelter or raid gardens for food.
Squirrels Diet
Squirrels have a varied diet that predominantly includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and buds. They are also known to eat insects, small rodents, and bird eggs, showcasing their opportunistic feeding habits. In urban settings, squirrels often scavenge for food in trash bins and may chew through exterior wiring or wooden structures, causing property damage. Understanding squirrels’ dietary preferences can aid in implementing preventive measures to protect gardens and homes from their foraging activities.
Squirrels Scat
Squirrel scat can be a telltale sign of their presence in or around your property. The droppings are small, oblong, and typically brown in color, resembling that of a large rice grain. Squirrels often leave their droppings in discrete locations, but finding scat in attics, along fence lines, or in garden areas can indicate an active squirrel population. Proper identification and sanitation are important to prevent potential health risks associated with rodent droppings.
Squirrels Tracks
Squirrel tracks are distinguishable by the four toes on their front feet and five on their hind feet, with visible claw marks due to their sharp nails. In soft soil, mud, or snow, their bounding gait leaves a unique pattern with hind feet marks landing ahead of the front feet marks. Recognizing squirrel tracks can help in identifying entry points or areas of activity around homes and gardens, aiding in effective control measures.