• Home
• 
• Pest Identification
• 
• Rodents
• 
• Eastern Gray Squirrel

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciuridae Sciurinae

Eastern Gray Squirrels were first introduced to the Pacific Northwest region in 1925 in Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo from Minneapolis, MN. Considered to be very prolific and adaptable, they are now well established in many counties in Washington.

These squirrels are identified by their predominantly gray fur (sometimes varying to a somewhat reddish tint). They have a white abdomen and a large bushy tail. Lifespan in the wild is usually around 12 years, but they can live up to 20 years in captivity. Adult body length is 8-10 inches long, with a tail length also 8-10 inches long. Adult weight ranges between 400-600 grams. Eastern Gray Squirrels breed twice a year (spring and summer). The gestation period is about 44 days. There are usually 2 to 6 young in each litter (but have been known to have up to 8 per litter). The young leave the nest after 10 weeks. These squirrels are most active during the early and late hours of the day. They do not hibernate and are one of a very few mammals that have the ability to descend a tree face-down first. This is done by pointing one claw on each of its hind paws backwards.

Their diet consists mainly of nuts, acorns, and seeds they find that people have put out at bird feeders. They are considered scatter-hoarders and hoard food in numerous small caches for recovery later. Some of these food caches are quite small and temporary; others are larger, more permanent and not retrieved for several months.

In the wild, they can be found in large areas of mature, dense woodlands. Here, the dense vegetation provides both a food source and favorable shelter. When found in these areas, they prefer to construct their nests on the forks of large tree branches or in the hollow trunks of trees. These mainly consist of dry leaves and twigs and lined with grass or bark. Occasionally they have been known to take shelter in an abandoned birds nest.

In more urban settings, they may seek shelter within home structures by nesting in attic spaces or exterior wall voids. They will often gnaw through wood around small existing holes to expand the opening and gain entry. Invasion into a human living space is less than desirable for many reasons. These animals can carry parasites that can affect human health and can be very destructive to property as well. They can shred ductwork, damage or destroy insulation, chew on structure wiring, and cause health and sanitation issues due to excrement they leave.

Important prevention measures include:

1. Remove available food sources including bird feeders and fallen tree needles and debris.
2. Seal any openings into the structure that could offer an entrance into the structure. This includes all openings such as attic vents, chimneys and cracks under eaves.

While these preventative measures may help, if you have an infestation and need help with control, a call to Long Pest Control can develop an Integrated Pest Control program to eliminate the sightings and provide an environment free of unwanted pests year round.