Squirrel Removal And Control

Squirrels have held a curious place in human history and culture, often symbolizing various traits such as agility, preparedness, and even mischief across different civilizations. Their presence in both rural and urban landscapes has been a constant, albeit with evolving roles and populations due to human expansion and environmental changes.

The Cultural Significance

Historically, they have been featured in myths, folklore, and art, highlighting their importance in various cultures. For example, in Native American traditions, they are often portrayed as symbols of resourcefulness and foresight, admired for their ability to gather and store food for the winter. In contrast, medieval European cultures sometimes viewed them as pests, a perspective that has, in some areas, persisted to this day. 

The fascination with them as pets is not a modern phenomenon. Historical records and narratives from various cultures have documented instances of people keeping them in domestic settings. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was not uncommon for children in certain parts of the world to keep squirrels as pets, often housed in elaborate cages. The primary challenge in keeping them as pets lies in their inherent nature; they are wild animals. Domesticating squirrels pose significant health risks, both to humans and the animals themselves. Their natural behaviors—such as biting and scratching—can lead to injuries. Moreover, the dietary and environmental needs are complex, and meeting these needs outside their natural habitat is challenging. The stress of captivity can lead to behavioral issues and health.

Despite the complications associated with keeping them as pets, they remain fascinating creatures. Their agility, speed, and survival skills are remarkable, with some species capable of leaping distances up to 10 times their body length. They come in various sizes, from the tiny African pygmy to the large Indian Giant squirrel.

Diversity Of Species

Urban areas, especially those with parks and tree-lined streets, are home to a variety of squirrel species. In North American cities like New York, the Eastern Gray is predominant, easily recognizable by its gray coat and bushy tail. Other species, such as the Red and the larger Fox Squirrel, are also found in specific locales, each adapting in its way to the urban landscape. These species vary not just in color and size but in their habits and preferences, influencing their interaction with the urban environment.  

They are known for their agility and flexibility. They possess strong hind legs that allow them to leap across gaps and climb trees with ease. Their sharp claws enable them to grip surfaces tightly, and their bushy tails serve multiple purposes, from aiding in balance to serving as a blanket in cold weather. They can alter their diet based on available resources, eating everything from nuts and seeds to scraps from garbage bins. Their keen sense of awareness helps them evade predators, including urban ones like cars and domestic pets.

One of the most remarkable traits of squirrels is their adaptability to urban environments. They have learned to navigate the complex landscapes of cities, using parks as habitats and power lines as pathways. They can also adjust their biological rhythms to match urban life, becoming more active during times when they can best avoid human interaction and find food more easily.

The Problems They Cause

Residential areas provide numerous attractions. Bird feeders are a prime example, offering easy access to seeds and nuts. Open or poorly secured garbage bins provide them with a plentiful supply of food. Such attractants not only draw them closer to human dwellings but also encourage them to explore more urban spaces in search of similar opportunities. Trees and gardens are essential for squirrels, offering both a food source and nesting areas. Urban parks and backyards mimic the natural forests and woodlands that they are accustomed to, making city living more hospitable for them. 

Squirrels can be carriers of various diseases and parasites, some of which are transmissible to humans. Leptospirosis, for instance, is a bacterial disease that can be spread through the urine of infected animals and can lead to serious health issues in humans if untreated. They can carry ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, a concern in areas with high tick populations. Another concern is the potential to carry fleas that can spread to domestic pets and, in some cases, humans.

They are known to gnaw on a variety of materials, not only for food but also to keep their continuously growing teeth at a manageable length. This gnawing behavior can lead to significant damage, including chewed electrical wires, which pose a fire hazard, and damaged soffits and siding as they attempt to gain access to attics and other parts of buildings for nesting. Squirrels can also damage gardens and lawns as they dig for food or bury nuts, and their presence in attics can lead to soiled and damaged insulation from urine and feces.



Dealing with them can be challenging, but you don't have to face it alone. Varment Wildlife Control specializes in humane, effective solutions to manage and prevent squirrel-related issues in New York. Our team of experts understands their unique behaviors and employs strategies that respect wildlife while safeguarding your property and peace of mind. Contact us today, your property deserves the best protection.

Frequently Asked Squirrel Questions 

Q1. Do squirrels really forget where they hide their acorns?

A1. Yes, squirrels do forget where they hide some of their acorns, which plays an important role in the dispersal of seeds, contributing to forest regeneration. Interestingly, this forgetfulness is not entirely a flaw but a part of nature's design. They bury more acorns than they can consume, and the forgotten acorns have the chance to germinate and grow into new trees.

Q2. Why do they pretend to hide acorns?

A2. Squirrels engage in a fascinating behavior known as "deceptive caching" where they pretend to bury an acorn without actually depositing it in the ground. This act is a clever strategy to throw off potential thieves, like other squirrels or birds, who might be watching and hoping to steal the cached food. By pretending to hide acorns in several locations, they can better protect their actual stash from being pilfered.

Q3. How do they communicate with each other?

A3. Squirrels use a variety of sounds and physical gestures to communicate. Their vocalizations can include chirps, barks, and screams, each serving different purposes such as signaling alarm, calling to their young, or asserting dominance. Additionally, they communicate through tail movements. A rapidly flicking tail can indicate excitement or alarm, while a slow, waving tail might be used during social interactions to signal submission or non-threat.