Ontario is home to several types of squirrels, each with a different appearance and pattern of behaviour. While these hyper critters are fun to watch when walking through the park, they are likely not welcome guests in your house. Squirrels may not only damage your property, but some are even known for being aggressive. Consider a few bits of information that may help you better understand the nature of these furry creatures, the risks they pose to homeowners, and what you can do about an infestation.

Differentiating Between Squirrel Species

There are five different kinds of squirrels you may encounter in Ontario. The largest, the fox squirrel, has a body up to 70 centimetres long. Another, the western gray squirrel, only reaches 50 centimetres in length. The eastern gray squirrels are smaller yet, reaching only 30 centimetres. You may also see black squirrels, but these are actually just a variation of the eastern gray species. Finally, red squirrels are the most petite of the whole bunch, measuring just 20 centimetres or less.

In addition to their differing sizes and colours, these squirrel species also have distinct habits and behaviours. For instance, fox squirrels like to settle down near walnut and oak trees, while red squirrels prefer conifer trees. Additionally, they spend varying amounts of time off the ground and react to humans uniquely.

What Makes Red Squirrels Stand Out From the Crowd

Although you may be inclined to avoid the largest squirrel species, the red squirrels are especially feisty. Unlike western gray and other kinds of squirrels, red squirrels are known for being aggressive. Experts account for this in two ways. First, red squirrels eat conifer tree seeds which are hard to find in the winter, meaning the critters must effectively protect their food stores to survive. Additionally, it may be that these tiny foragers act tough to make up for being so much smaller than their neighbours. Red squirrels are much less likely to be shy around humans and can frequently be seen chasing mates or sizing up competitors.

The red squirrel is not without its weaknesses, however. Scientists hold that red squirrels are not as smart as gray squirrels. This gives gray squirrels an advantage when it comes to finding food and warm places to stay.

Why Squirrels Can Be Nuisances to Homeowners

Despite their aggression, red squirrels are unlikely to attack humans; however, this does not mean that homeowners are safe from the effects of these tiny tree-dwellers. Squirrels of all kinds have been known to make their way into homes to stay warm in the winter. Attics, especially, are at risk of being taken over by these critters. Squirrels need only a small opening to squeeze themselves into these spaces. 

Once squirrels have settled down in an attic or other indoor area, they can wreak havoc in your home. This is largely due to the fact that squirrels gnaw on various materials to wear down their ever-growing teeth. Thus, your electrical cords or wooden boards could quickly become chew toys. On top of that, squirrels may leave behind a large number of waste products that threaten your health.

How Skedaddle Can Help

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we know how important it is to have a safe and healthy environment to live in. We offer squirrel removal services that thoroughly resolve infestations with as little hassle as possible. We start by examining the affected areas within your home to pinpoint the extent of the problem. Then, we humanely remove any squirrels from the premises and take steps to prevent their return. You can even count on us to take care of the cleanup process!

Contact Us Today

If you need wildlife control in Markham due to a squirrel infestation, be sure to call our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today to reclaim your space.