What's The Difference Between Red Squirrels, Eastern Grey Squirrels and Flying Squirrels: Squirrel Species Identification 

Red squirrels and Eastern grey squirrels are both common types of tree squirrels that can be found in North America. Although they may look similar at first glance, there are a few key ways to tell them apart. For one, red squirrels are typically smaller than Eastern grey squirrels. They also have reddish-brown fur, whereas Eastern grey squirrels tend to be silver-grey in colour. Additionally, red squirrels tend to prefer coniferous forests, while Eastern grey squirrels are more commonly found in deciduous forests. Finally, red squirrels typically mate once per year, whereas Eastern grey squirrels mate twice per year. Although they may seem like small differences, these characteristics can help you to identify which type of squirrel you're seeing when you're out and about.

Brampton homeowners who have experienced a red squirrel problem will know just as well as wildlife control companies, how difficult they can be to deal with. Typically, red squirrel prevention jobs cost more for two reasons:

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1. Red Squirrels store food inside the attic, walls, floors and ventilation systems within a structure, so they have a lot more incentive the regain entry once they get evicted. Red Squirrels are much smaller than Eastern Grey Squirrels and can have many access points and entrance holes along the roofline without chewing holes or leaving obvious signs of entry. The best approach when dealing with red squirrels is to invest in the most prevention possible offered by your humane wildlife removal company the first time you get them inside the attic. If you only block one hole at a time, the service charges after 2 or 3 occurrences could add up to much more than if you protected all the right areas during the first occurrence.

2. Eastern Grey Squirrels (black squirrels) are the most most common squirrel in Brampton and are roughly twice the size with larger bushy tails than their red counterparts. Unlike red squirrels, Eastern Greys often make their presence known through louder noises and more visible damage, such as gnawed electrical wires and structural damage to attics and eaves. They are adept climbers and jumpers, making nearly any part of a structure accessible to them. The key to managing Eastern Gray Squirrels involves a comprehensive approach that includes sealing all potential entry points and ensuring that overhanging branches are trimmed away from the structure to limit access. Relying on a professional wildlife removal service to implement a full-proof exclusion strategy during the initial invasion is crucial to prevent recurring infestations and associated costs.

3. Flying Squirrels present a unique challenge due to their nocturnal habits and ability to glide into attics and wall voids from nearby trees. Smaller and less conspicuous than both Red and Eastern Grey Squirrels, their entry points are often high up and difficult to detect without thorough inspection. Flying Squirrels are social animals and frequently enter structures in groups, meaning that an infestation can quickly grow if not addressed promptly. The most effective strategy for dealing with Flying Squirrels is to engage a wildlife control expert who can conduct a detailed inspection, identify all entry points, and implement a multi-faceted exclusion plan. This plan should include securing the attic and vulnerable areas with squirrel-proof materials and possibly installing one-way doors to allow these critters to exit without re-entry, thereby minimizing the need for future interventions.

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