You can usually spot the difference between a squirrel and a rat pretty quickly if you know what to look for—size, tail, when they’re active, and the kind of mess they leave behind. Squirrels are those bushy-tailed climbers you see during the day, living in trees or burrows and leaving round, brown droppings. Rats, on…
Squirrels chew on wood because their teeth never stop growing. Gnawing helps keep those teeth the right length. They’ll also chew wood to make nests or hunt for food. Once you know this, it’s easier to figure out why your deck, fence, or siding has bite marks—and what you can actually do about it. Most…
You probably spot squirrels every day. Still, have you ever wondered if they could disappear for good? Most squirrel species aren’t teetering on the edge of extinction, but a handful do face real threats—mainly from habitat loss and a few other pressures. As you read on, you’ll see which squirrels are thriving and which ones…
Ever watched a squirrel zip across your yard and wondered if it’s a boy or a girl? Honestly, the fastest way to know is by checking anatomy during breeding season—males often have a swollen scrotum, while females might show off enlarged teats. But there are other hints too: size, behavior, and social habits can help…
Ever spot a squirrel with weird bald spots and wonder what’s going on? Usually, it’s a skin issue—mites (mange) or a fungal infection break the hair or make it fall out, though sometimes genes or other health problems are to blame. Let’s dig into why mites and fungi leave squirrels looking patchy. Weather and stress…
Ever notice squirrels chattering, barking, or even screaming around your yard? You might wonder what all that noise means. Most of the time, they’re not just making a racket for fun—those sounds have a purpose. Squirrels use their voices to warn each other about danger, defend their turf, and chat during mating or play. Basically,…
If you’re hearing scratching above your ceiling or noticing droppings in the loft, you’ll want to act quickly to avoid damage and extra stress. Check for runs, holes, and any odd noises to confirm if squirrels have moved in. You can set up humane traps or just call a professional to handle things safely. Seal…
Ever wondered why a tiny, bushy-tailed squirrel might suddenly get aggressive with you? Squirrels usually steer clear of people, but they’ll bite or swipe if they feel trapped, want to protect their babies, or expect food. Here’s a look at why they get defensive and how you can spot the warning signs. Understanding what unsettles…
Ever spot a squirrel with bare patches and wonder what’s going on? Usually, it’s something common and treatable—parasites like mange mites, skin infections such as ringworm, or even just natural behaviors. Sometimes, females pull fur to line their nests. Most of the time, missing fur doesn’t mean the whole squirrel population is sick. It usually…
You’d probably assume squirrels would devour every ear of corn in sight, right? But honestly, they don’t always go for it. Sometimes, they just ignore the corn, pick at a few kernels, or leave the whole cob untouched. If squirrels aren’t eating your corn, it usually comes down to the type, how fresh it is,…