There are over 200 species of squirrel out there, each with their own unique characteristics and behaviours. Ground squirrels and tree squirrels separate the species by their nesting habits. In Ontario, ground squirrels are unlikely to invade your home, but tree squirrels will if given the chance. Like trees, attics provide these squirrels with an opportunity to nest somewhere safe above ground. Beware of squirrel invasions, however – tree squirrels will wreak havoc on the interior of your attic and cost you hundreds in repairs. Call Squirrel Control Toronto if you need squirrels removed or if you are interested in pest-proofing your property.
There are 22 different species of squirrel in Canada, which are classified into three groups: ground squirrels, tree squirrels, and flying squirrels. As their names would suggest, ground squirrels prefer to nest underground, and tree squirrels nest in the trees. Flying squirrels don’t actually fly, but they glide from tree to tree, using what is called a patagium of folded skin. Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal, and never walk on the ground. Ground squirrels however will never climb a tree. Another key characteristic of the ground squirrel is its instinct to hibernate throughout the winter. Tree squirrels and flying squirrels are active year-round.
In Ontario, the Eastern Grey and American Red are the two most common species of tree squirrel. The Eastern Grey squirrel has predominantly grey or brown fur with a whiter belly. It may also appear fully black due to a dominant gene mutation that is very common in some geographical areas. Weighing approximately 50g, the Eastern Grey’s head and body measures somewhere between 23 and 30cm and its tail is nearly just as long. The American Red squirrel, on the other hand, measures only up to 23cm in length and its tail is shorter in proportion to its body. This squirrel has a red fur coat and tufts at the tips of its ears.
There are six species of ground squirrel in Canada: the Arctic ground squirrel, Columbian ground squirrel, Franklin’s ground squirrel, golden-mantled ground squirrel, Richardson’s ground squirrel, and thirteen-lined ground squirrel. Ground squirrels have smaller, thinner tails and larger feet that help them dig underground. They dig tunnels in the earth, within which they hoard food and hibernate throughout the winter. Ground squirrels are uncommon in Ontario and therefore highly unlikely to invade your home. Chipmunks, however, are a close relative to the ground squirrel and have been known to burrow in gardens and under patios. These are tiny rodents with white, black, and brown stripes that run down their backs.
Ground squirrels and tree squirrels differ mainly in their choice of habitat. If you are worried that some squirrels may have broken into your home, they are likely tree squirrels that have found their way into the attic. Call Squirrel Control for a through inspection and squirrel control solution that works for you. Our technicians are highly experienced in squirrel removal and exclusion. We can find where the pests are coming from and implement a program that will do no harm to the animals. Our pest-proofing services come with a 2-year warranty. Call Squirrel Control for all your pest control needs: 647-496-0815.