Squirrels are rodents. They are consumers. They are herbivores. They mostly eat nuts and acorns. A group of squirrels is called a "dray" or a "scurry."

They are nature's gardeners, especially in forest ecosystems. Squirrels constantly "cache" nuts and seeds by burying them for future consumption. But their forgetfulness helps the ecosystem to thrive when the forgotten seeds/nuts sprout and grow. 

The opposite is also true - squirrels help control plant populations by eating seeds and fruits. 

To determine the health of an ecosystem, researchers will often take into account the population of squirrels. Demographics of squirrels are important indicators for a community's condition, and they can be studied to determine the impact of climate changes, global warming, logging, fires, and other environmental events.

Squirrels are considered pests when they damage electrical wires and telephone lines outdoors. They also sometimes enter homes in the colder months to keep warm, where they can gnaw at wires, insulation or walls and make a lot of noise.

They raid birdfeeders, feed on gardens, trees and landscape plantings; and dig holes in gardens and lawns to bury and retrieve food. 

Squirrels also tend to carry insects, such as fleas and ticks, that can spread disease. If a large number of squirrels frequent a backyard, family and pets may come into contact with the squirrels and may be at risk of developing a serious illness. 

• Use vinegar: A squirrel’s biggest strength and equally its biggest weakness is its sense of smell. 

  • • Try soaking rags with cider vinegar and placing them near the attic door or at the bottom of the fireplace. 

    • Other strong odors to consider include pepper, garlic, strong mustard and lemon. For example, mix lemon juice with water in a spray bottle and regularly spray the mixture on the areas where squirrels tend to lurk.

• Trim tree branches that lead to your house: Given their agility, these urban rodents enjoy climbing trees. Trim down all tree branches located within 3 meters of your house. Trimming tree branches avoids giving black and grey squirrels a direct path to your attic or rooftop. 

• Limit food sources: Eliminating food sources is a great way to keep squirrels at bay. Squirrels have a very good sense of smell and are only out to get one thing: food. 

  • • Close garbage cans, keep outdoor dining tables clean, and don’t leave anything edible in your yard. 

    • Squirrels also love birdfeeders full of seeds, berries and nuts. Keep bird feeder supplies contained in hard plastic containers to limit odor and squirrels' abilities to chew through packaging. 

• Seal your home’s openings: Caulk every opening squirrels could use to enter. Squirrels can gnaw through the majority of materials, so the most effective solution is to block all entrances using wire mesh screens with a mesh size of less than a centimeter. However, make sure that there aren’t any squirrels already in your house before proceeding to block these openings! It's recommended to hire a professional to locate, seal, caulk and block entrances into your home/attic.