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(Grey Squirre l- Sciurus carolinensis)

General Characteristics:

Grey Squirrel

- Dorsal surface ranges from grizzled dark to pale grey and may have cinnamon tones

- The ears are pale grey to white and its tail is white to pale grey

- Underparts are grey to buff

- Total length of these squirrels ranges from 380 to 525 mm

- Tail length ranges from 150 to 250 mm, ear length ranges from 25 to 33mm, and hind foot length ranges from 54 to 76mm

Red Squirrel

- Red squirrels have a total body length of from 280 to 350 mm, with the tail making up from 95 to 150 mm of that

- Fur color is highly variable. Red squirrels in different part of their range can look quite different

- Color changes between summer and winter as well. The fur on their back is usually brownish or olive-red in color

- During the summer, a black stripe runs along their side, between the fur color of their back and their belly

- The belly is white or cream color. The tail is often edged with white

- There are white bands encircling their large, black eyes

- Adapted for climbing and running through the trees with compact, muscled bodies, strong claws, and powerful hind limbs

Reproduction:

- Breeding occurs in December-February and May-June and is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes.

- Gestation lasts 44 days.

- Most females begin their reproductive life at 1.25 years but can bear young as early as 5.5 months.

- Females may bear young twice a year for more than 8 years.

- Males usually are sexually mature by 11 months

Signs of Infestation:

- Establish themselves around in attics, garages to store food and find shelter

- Often gnaw on the exterior and interior walls and timbers, on cables and electrical wiring

- Signs of damage to trees and gardens are also a sign on infestation

- Feeding off nuts, seeds, buds, leaves, bulbs, bark, insects and fruit

Control Techniques:

- Live trapping/removal the squirrels may be necessary. Consult with local MNR offices.

- Live-trapped squirrels may be humanely destroyed if legal, or taken at least 1km from the trap site and released in an area where they will not cause a problem for someone else.

- 'One-way doors' may be used to allow squirrel to leave structures, but not return.

Please click here to contact a Focus Pest Control professional to inquire about further treatments for this pest species.



References:

Benett, Gary W., et.al.. Truman’s Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations. Duluth: Advanstar Communications, 1988. p.366-367.

Lawniczak, M. 2002. "Sciurus carolinensis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed January 13, 2010 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sciurus_carolinensis.html.

Disclaimer:

The Focus Pest Control ‘Pest Library’ is an educational resource written largely to educate the general public about common pests in Ontario. The Focus ‘Pest Library’ does not include all species in Ontario, nor does it include the most recent scientific data about species we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While Focus Pest Control staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

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