Squirrels: Nature’s Chainsaws Attacking Your Home

Tree squirrels are nature’s chainsaws. They don’t hibernate in the winter, and during colder months, they chew holes into your home, creating a gateway for other pests to enter. There are three types of tree squirrels in Wisconsin: fox, gray and red.

Fox squirrels have a light-grayish fur with a reddish-brown tail that resembles the color of a fox. They are active in the morning and late afternoon, coming out to bury hickory nuts and acorns for the winter. They also eat maple tree seeds, berries and bird eggs. These are the squirrels Northeast Wisconsin homeowners typically see.

Gray squirrels have a darker gray fur coat. They are active year-round and are most productive in the morning and evening. Their diet consists of nuts, such as hickory nuts, beechnuts and walnuts. They occasionally eat maple or tulip tree seeds.

Red squirrels are small and have rust, red or grayish-red colored fur. They are active throughout the year, and they like to eat seeds and cones from evergreen trees, bird eggs, berries and fruit. They have litters of three to seven young in March and April. In the summer, they bury nuts and seeds for the winter. They are very aggressive, and they will bully other kinds of squirrels.

How are squirrels a threat to you and your home?

These squirrels are considered pests because they enter attics in the winter to keep warm. While they rarely pose a health threat to people, they can eat through wires, creating fire hazards in your home.

Follow these steps to prevent tree squirrels from invading your home:

-Inspect wires, walls and insulation for signs of gnawing marks.

-Keep food in containers and dispose garbage regularly.

-Screen vents and openings to chimneys.

-Seal all points of entry around the house (including small openings and cracks around doors and windows).

Squirrels will travel up to 10 miles to return to a favorite area or home. Problem squirrels are likely to return, so make sure you call a professional if you see signs of them in your home. Contact us at (920) 582-9000 or visit our website to protect your home from squirrels.