Squirrels

Squirrels are considered a nuisance nearly nationwide, and Cleveland is no exception. Whether they are in your yard, digging holes that are aesthetically displeasing and potentially dangerous, or in your house, leaving behind urine/feces and ripped insulation, squirrels are not an animal that you want around. A variety of species of squirrels appear in Cleveland, including the fox squirrel, red squirrel, and grey squirrel. If you are hearing scratching or scampering noises in your home, an inspection can help us identify which removal and prevention methods should be implemented. Contact your local Cleveland Critter Control at 216.342.2316 or using our handy online form here.

Keeping Squirrels Out

As opportunistic critters, squirrels damage yards and fields by digging for nuts and insects. When ground squirrels burrow near manmade embankments or dams, they weaken the structural integrity and cause collapses. Flying squirrels and tree squirrels damage homes by gnawing or tearing at insulation and electrical wires on roofs and in attics. They can also cause outages when they run across power lines. Some things Critter Control of Cleveland will do to get and keep squirrels out include:

• Live traps
• Seal entry points and vents

There are also some things you can do to lower the chances that a squirrel will find your property appealing, including clipping tree limbs overhanging roofs, and installing electric fencing.

Common Squirrel Problems

• Ripped and/or soiled insulation

• Weak building structures

• Power outages from a damaged power line

• Chewed and exposed wires

Common Squirrel Species

Among the many charming creatures that inhabit Cleveland, squirrels are one of the most prominent. Did you know that Cleveland is home to several distinct squirrel species?

Eastern Gray Squirrel

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is perhaps the most recognizable squirrel species in North America, and Cleveland is no exception. These medium-sized squirrels are known for their gray fur, white underbellies, and bushy tails. Their adaptability and resourcefulness allow them to thrive in both urban and rural environments, making them a frequent sight in parks, gardens, and wooded areas throughout Cleveland.

Fox Squirrel

The Fox Squirrel is another prominent squirrel species found in Cleveland. With its striking reddish-brown or cinnamon fur and long, fluffy tail, it is larger than the Eastern Gray Squirrel. These squirrels prefer wooded areas with mature trees and are often spotted in parks such as the Cleveland Metroparks. Their distinct appearance and unique characteristics make them a favorite subject for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Red Squirrel

While smaller in size compared to the Eastern Gray Squirrel and Fox Squirrel, the Red Squirrel more than compensates with its energetic personality. Known for their reddish-brown fur and white underbellies, these agile squirrels are often found in coniferous forests and wooded areas throughout Cleveland. They are particularly adept at climbing trees and are known for their vocal chatter.

Southern Flying Squirrel

The Southern Flying Squirrel is a nocturnal creature that often goes unnoticed due to its elusive nature. These small, nocturnal squirrels have a unique adaptation—they possess a membrane of skin between their forelimbs and hindlimbs, allowing them to glide effortlessly through the air. While they are difficult to spot during the day, their large, round eyes and velvety gray-brown fur make them unmistakable when observed up close.

Ground Squirrel

Ground squirrels are not as common within the urban areas of Cleveland but can be found in suburban and rural environments. These compact squirrels are characterized by their burrowing habits and striped patterns on their fur. While their presence is less noticeable in urban settings, venturing into nearby natural areas might offer glimpses of these diggers.

While the diverse species of squirrels in Cleveland offer charm with their playful antics and captivating appearances, squirrels can be a nuisance to Cleveland homeowners. From infiltrating attics to diggings burrows in the yard, squirrels can cause a good amount of damage.

If you feel as if your yard has been taken over by squirrels, give Critter Control of Cleveland a call today. Our team of squirrel experts will take care of the problem in no time!

Squirrel Behavior

With their bushy tails and endless energy, squirrels offer a remarkable range of behaviors that are both entertaining and essential to their survival.

Daily Routines

Foraging: Squirrels are known for their impressive foraging skills. The bulk of their daily activities revolve around searching for food. Squirrels have a diverse diet, consuming nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, insects, and even bird eggs. Their keen sense of smell and memory help them locate hidden stashes of food, which they bury in various locations for later consumption.

Acrobatics: Squirrels are known for their agility and balance. They traverse trees and navigate narrow branches with ease, thanks to their strong hind legs and sharp claws. Their long, muscular tails play a pivotal role in maintaining balance, acting as a counterbalance while they leap from tree to tree.

Territorial Behavior: Squirrels are territorial creatures, defending their chosen areas fiercely from intruders. They mark their territory with scent markings and vocalizations, warning other squirrels to stay away. Male squirrels engage in territorial disputes, often resulting in chases and vocal confrontations.

Social Interactions

Mating and Reproduction: Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons per year, one in the spring and another in late summer or early fall. During these periods, male squirrels engage in energetic mating chases, competing for the attention of the females. After mating, female squirrels construct nests, called dreys, to give birth and raise their young, known as kits.

Playful Interactions: Young squirrels, in particular, engage in playful chases and wrestling matches. These activities help them develop crucial skills for adulthood, such as agility and coordination.

Vocalizations: Squirrels use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with each other. They emit high-pitched warning calls to alert others to the presence of potential predators, and they use softer vocalizations during social interactions. Mother squirrels also communicate with their kits through a series of chirps and calls.

Unique Adaptations

Seasonal Coat Changes: Many squirrel species undergo seasonal changes in their fur color. In colder months, their fur becomes thicker and grayer, providing better insulation against the elements. In spring and summer, their fur may appear lighter and more vibrant.

Caching Behavior: Squirrels are famous for their caching behavior, which involves burying food items in the ground. This instinctual behavior helps them store food for leaner times and inadvertently aids in the dispersion of seeds, promoting the growth of various plant species.

Problem Solving: Squirrels exhibit remarkable problem-solving skills when it comes to accessing food. They can manipulate objects, navigate complex obstacles, and even figure out how to open bird feeders and garbage cans. Their persistence and adaptability are truly impressive.

Getting Rid of Squirrels

If squirrel problems come up, contact Critter Control wildlife experts to handle the furry little rodents. Our technicians have the training and tools necessary to trap and remove squirrels from private properties. We employ humane methods of eradication and our process is safe for all humans and animals involved.

We can help you get rid of squirrel problems. Call today: 216.342.2316