If you want to cause a ruckus in a roomful of gardeners, you don’t need to yell, “Fire!” Just announce in a loud, happy voice, “Squirrels are so darn cute!” Things will get ugly fast.

Some gardeners love them, and some hate them. Either way, we all have to deal with them, because squirrels are everywhere.

Squirrels fall into two categories: those that live in trees and those that live on the ground. Tree species, such as gray, red, flying, and fox squirrels, have long tails that help them balance while they leap through the branches. They shelter in tree cavities and leafy nests in the branches. Ground species, including chipmunks, prairie dogs, marmots, and ground squirrels, have shorter tails, stockier bodies, and dig burrows in the ground.

All squirrels feed on plant material, which can include grasses, forbs, tubers, seeds, fruit, buds, and, of course, nuts. Many species also eat fungi. Most squirrels eat animal matter, too, consisting largely of invertebrates, although some species also prey on birds and their eggs, reptiles, and even other rodents. Many have cheek pouches in which they carry food to larders, while others simply hide food randomly throughout their habitat (think of gray squirrels stashing acorns) for later consumption.

Squirrels are active during the day, with the exception of nocturnal flying squirrels. Prairie dogs and some ground squirrel species live in colonies, but most squirrels limit interaction to small family groups, mates, or communal feeding opportunities. Ground squirrels generally hibernate underground during the winter, while tree squirrels limit their activity and rely on hidden food stores.

All this squirrelly behavior can play out right in your own yard, demonstrating that the most familiar and common wildlife can be fascinating if you pay attention. Even if you find squirrels cute and amusing, however, the ultimate question is how to keep them from damaging the plants in your garden, eating all the seed in your bird feeder, and getting into your house. Here are some tips to help you live conflict-free with squirrels:

Put bulbs and root vegetables in wire cages to protect them from digging squirrels, or place wire mesh over the ground on top of your beds. Never scatter mothballs, which can contaminate the soil and poison pets and wildlife.

Don’t bother with deterrents such as scarecrows, plastic owls, or shiny balloons. Motion-detector sprinklers—or better yet, dogs that hang out in the yard and love to chase squirrels—work better.

Discourage squirrels with specially designed bird feeders or seed laced with cayenne pepper. The hot spice doesn’t affect birds, but the squirrels will get an unpleasant burning sensation when they try to feed. Place feeders at least 12 feet away from trees; squirrels are incredible leapers.

Critter-proof your house by sealing cracks along the roofline and foundation. Cover access holes with wire mesh or steel wool. Trim tree branches that come close to the house. Install chimney caps. Make certain no animals are trapped inside, particularly babies. Call a professional if necessary.

 

Fast Facts about Squirrels

• Marmots are the largest members of the squirrel family. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is the only type of marmot that lives in the eastern and southern parts of the United States.

• In Europe, Eastern gray squirrels have begun to outcompete the native European red squirrel and are considered an invasive species.

• Flying squirrels have a flap of skin between their front and back legs called a patagium, which allows them to glide from tree to tree.

• Black-tailed prairie dogs obtain all their water from the plants they eat. 

• In winter, red squirrels rely on evergreen seeds. They create massive piles of cone debris, which are known as midden heaps and can be several feet deep.

 

David Mizejewski is a naturalist, television personality, and author of Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife (Creative Homeowner, 2004).