Squirrels and Chipmunks

University of Rhode Island GreenShare Factsheets

Squirrels and Chipmunks

Red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) normally inhabit wooded areas where they add interest and life to the countryside and play an important part in forest ecosystems. Both the red and gray squirrels have two litters of young each year, one in early spring and the other in summer. Both species use tree cavities as nesting sites and may build nests of leaves and grass in the forks of trees. Various nuts, berries, buds and seeds are the main foods of these squirrels. Flying squirrels are active at night, and their presence in the neighborhood may be unsuspected although they may be fairly numerous. These secretive gliders occupy nests in hollow trees, where one litter of young is produced in early spring.

Tree squirrels, both the red and gray as well as the flying squirrel, sometimes become a nuisance to the homeowner by entering buildings to find shelter and to store food. In attics, partitions or spaces between floors, they often become noisy and at times destructive, especially in summer homes or camps deserted for the winter season. Occasionally, these squirrels may damage flower bulbs and vegetables in the garden or feed on ripening fruit. Red squirrels may cut twigs of spruces and other conifers to obtain seedbearing cones. They also strip bark from cedars for nesting material.

Squirrels in buildings can be trapped with ordinary snap-back rat traps, baited with walnut meats of some similar food and set where the squirrels can easily reach them. Be sure to wire or nail the trap securely, so that a trapped squirrel cannot drag it away. Squirrels can be trapped unharmed for release elsewhere by using any live trap or box trap of suitable size. Bait the trap with nutmeats or sunflower seeds. A few pieces of bait placed just outside the trap entrance will help lead the animal into the trap. After the squirrels have been remmoved, the holes or crevices through which they gained entrance the building should be sealed lightly with wood, sheet metal or heavy wire screen (1/2 inch [1.3 cm] mesh, galvanized hardware cloth).

In attics and in summer homes or camps deserted for the winter, a liberal sprinkling of naphthalene flakes (from 5-10 lb [2 - 4 kg]) may help to repel squirrels as well as other possible pests from a small room.

Tree squirrels damaging gardens or fruit trees can be caught in snap-back rat traps. The traps should be fastened to fences or to the trunks or limbs of the trees frequented by the squirrels, wired or nailed in position and baited with nutmeats. Livetrapping is also possible, but trapped squirrels should be taken at least 5 miles (8 km) from the trap site and released in an area where they will not cause a problem for someone else. Remove livetrapped animals as soon as possible after their capture to reduce the possibility of them injuring themselves in the trap.

Squirrels can be prevented from climbing isolated trees by fastening wide metal bands on the trunks. These should be about 2 feet (0.6 m) wide and fastened at a height of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m), but are useless if the limbs can be reached from the ground or from nearby trees or structures. Tree limbs within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the ground should be removed. Attach the band by loosely overlapping the ends, so that it can be expanded to allow for tree growth.

Squirrels sometimes raid bird feeders, where they not only deter desirable birds from feeding, but also consume considerable amounts of bird feed. To excude squirrels, mount the feeder atop a pole or pipe and fit a metal disc or baffle around the support structure at a height greather than that which a squirrel can jump, preventing the squirrels from climbing the pole and raiding the feeder. Since squirrels can jump at least 6 feet (1.8 m), the feeder must have a telescoping pole or must be filled from a ladder. Another approach is to suspend a feeder from a cable or rope running over pulleys between two buildings or between a building and a pole. The feeder must bee at least 6 feet (1.8 m) above ground. Because a persistent squirrel can move along the suspended line, a baffle fitted over the top of the feeder will help. These protective baffles are available commerically.

The key consideration in keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is careful placement of the feeders. Squirrels can leap horizontally a considerable distance, so feeders should be placed with 10-12 feet (3-4 m) clearance from tree limbs on the sides and overhead. Some feeders are designede to adhere to vertical surface of a picture windowpane; these are quite often squirrelproof, if high enough above the ground.

For people who enjoy squirrels as well as birds, it may be desirable to place a separate, readily accessible feeder specifically for the squirrels. If relatively inexpensive food such as dried corn grain is placed in this squirrel feeder, it may divert them from protected bird feeders, the more expensive bird feeds (e.g. sunflower seeds) being left for their intended recipients.

Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are interesting and ordinarily harmless to lawns or gardens, feeding on nuts, seeds and berries. Occasinally their numbers may need to be reduced if they severely damage newly planted seedbeds, bulbs, berries or other garden plants. Chipmunks are easily trapped in snap-back rat traps set near their burrows, often at the base of a tree or stump or in a stone wall. Rolled oats, corn, seeds or peanut butter are effective baits.

Chipmunks occasionally enter homes, where they generally are more bothersome than destructive. This can be prevented by closing holes in foundation walls and screening windows, vents and other ground-level openings.

Note: The use of dried blood or fox or coyote urine has also been effective in repelling these animal pests. Follow directions carefully with the predator urine. Some formulations may need to be reapplied after a rain.

Adapted from James W. Caslick and Daniel J. Decker, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 2001

Pesticides are poisonous! Read and follow all safety precautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original containers out of reach of children, pets or livestock. Dispose of empty containers immediately, in a safe manner and place. Pesticides should never be stored with foods or in areas where people eat.

When trade names are used for identification, no product endorsement is implied, nor is discrimination intended against similar materials. Be sure that the pesticide you intend to use is registered for the state of use.

The user of this information assumes all risk for personal injury or property damage.

For more information, call the URI CE Gardening and Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-1011 or (401)874-2929 from outside Rhode Island; Monday-Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm.

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