There are over 200 species of squirrels that live throughout the world, with four different species residing in North Carolina. The common grey squirrel, the red squirrel, the Southeastern fox squirrel and the flying squirrel all can be found within different parts of the Old North State. Can you tell these different squirrels apart? Absolutely! These squirrels come in all shapes and sizes. While cute and furry, squirrels are still considered rodents and can be a pest to homeowners. There are ways to identify squirrels and deter them from your home.

The most common is the grey squirrel, which can be found in all 100 counties of the state. In fact, the grey squirrel holds the distinction of being North Carolina’s official State Mammal! This squirrel has grey fur, a white belly, large bushy tail, and can vary in size from nine to twelve inches. These squirrels are diurnal (active during the day) and hoarders. They are also tolerant of humans and therefore not afraid to raid a bird feeder or open a trashcan. Mixing hot pepper flakes into regular bird seed (it won’t hurt the birds) and keeping those trashcans closed can act as squirrel deterrents.

Red squirrels are about half the size of gray squirrels. These small tree squirrels have fur that is gray-red in the winter and orange-red in the summer with a white belly. During the winter months, red squirrels will grow tufts of fur on their ears. Red squirrels can cause extensive damage to objects and property. A homemade repellent of hot sauce and water can help to deter red squirrel damage. Put the mixture in a hand-held sprayer and spray around the base of trees, feeders, birdhouses and other areas where red squirrels are persistent and cause damage.

The Southeastern fox squirrel is the largest type of squirrel ranging from 17 to 27 inches long. These large squirrels come in two distinct color groups. One has dark fur in variable shades from black to gray and tan or gold undersides. These dark-colored squirrels have black heads with white noses, ears and feet. The other color is reddish, tan or orange. Polyethylene mesh netting around trees, flower beds or other areas you don’t want squirrels to invade is a simple and affordable deterrent. The squirrel cannot gnaw through it, and the Southeastern fox is generally too big to wiggle through openings.

The flying squirrel’s fur is a lustrous reddish brown or gray, although its belly is counter-colored a creamy white. This squirrel’s most distinctive feature is the cape of loose skin that stretches from its wrists to its ankles and forms the membrane on which it glides. These very small squirrels are nocturnal and live in trees, thus causing little problems for homeowners.

Critter Control also has many techniques to prevent squirrels, raccoons and other animals from entering your home, as well as methods to remove them. Give the wildlife experts of Critter Control of the Triangle a call at 1-800-CRITTER or 919-382-0651 in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Cary NC, and the Triangle area.