In the eyes of some wildlife lovers, squirrels are among the cutest animals in the world. Despite their rather adorable appearance, these rodents can cause big trouble for property owners.
They destroy stuff, carry parasites, and create unsanitary living conditions. Flying squirrels and gray squirrels are especially known for invading New Jersey homes. Here’s an overview of the key differences between these two pesky species.
Gray Squirrels
Gray squirrels are commonly seen in the Central to Northern New Jersey area. You’ll often find them taking refuge in your backyard. They tend to be around 18-20 inches long with a bushy tail. Like other rodents, these squirrels feature four front teeth that never stop growing. To wear down its teeth, a gray squirrel must constantly gnaw on things. If this animal happens to spot a hole on the outside of your house, it may try to chew its way through.
Your attic is among the most popular nesting areas for gray squirrels. Aside from leaving behind urine and feces in the attic, they will also rip apart insulation. Repairing the damage could be more expensive than you think. Even worse, gray squirrels can cause a fire by chomping through electrical wires.
Flying Squirrels
If you’re a night owl, there’s a chance you may see a flying squirrel. Unlike gray squirrels, their flying cousins are nocturnal creatures that are rarely seen during the day. Furthermore, these species have some key differences in appearance. You’ll immediately notice a flying squirrel’s bulging eyes, which helps it to see better in low-light conditions. It’s also much smaller in size and has longer whiskers. Of course, everyone is fascinated by a flying squirrel’s extraordinary ability to glide through the air. A furry membrane between its legs creates a parachute effect.
In comparison to gray squirrels, flying squirrels can cause some of the same problems. However, they’ll do their dirty work while you’re peacefully sleeping at night.
What Should You Do About Squirrels On your Property?
Regardless of which one of these species you encounter, it’s not a good idea to allow them to stay on your property. This is especially true for squirrels that have broken into your attic. Like most wild animals, they can become unpredictable and dangerous when threatened. Always call a trained professional to evict these uninvited guests.
