Did you know many people just adore squirrels? Well, there are many fun facts about squirrels to support their claims. However, there are those folks who have had bad experiences with squirrels. Wild squirrels in your attic are a nightmare as they will tear up your insulation, make a nest, have babies, and defecate in your attic.

Join us on a journey to learn about a few of the famous squirrels in history, as well as today’s squirrel Instagram stars. (Yes, there is such a thing) Then we can get into the facts about squirrels making some people big fans.

That said, if you ever have unwanted squirrels in your house, attic, or basement, call World Class Wildlife Removal for help as soon as you see them. Because as you most likely know, where there is one, there are bound to be more.

The Fun Facts About Squirrel Love

Did you know the word “squirrel” comes from the Greek for “shadow tail?” According to TreeHugger.com,

“All tree squirrels belong to the genus Sciurus, which comes from the Greek words “skia” (shadow) and “oura” (tail). The name reportedly reflects tree squirrels’ habit of hiding in the shadow of their long, bushy tails.”

We bet you didn’t know that fun fact about squirrels. In addition, here are some other fun squirrel facts to learn. Starting in the 18th and 19th centuries, squirrels were fixtures as American children’s pets. In fact, they were the most popular pets, and they were supposedly easy to keep. Subsequently, their popularity grew from the 1700s when squirrels were sold in markets to the wealthy families of America. And believe it or not, some were even paraded around on gold leashes. The American Grey Squirrel was the variety of choice, but some had Red Squirrels and Flying Squirrels.

Then in 1851, books were published on Domestic Pets, with squirrels being favored over rabbits. More and more publications followed, encouraging squirrel owners to give treats to their pets and nuts to crack and store.

Getting to Know the Most Famous Squirrels

Around 1722, a pet squirrel named Mungo passed away at the dog’s teeth when Mungo escaped his enclosure. Benjamin Franklin wrote an ode to a pet squirrel. You can read its entirety here, from the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

“Alas! Poor Mungo!
Happy art thou, hadst thou known
They own felicity.
Remote from the fierce bald eagle,
Tyrant of thy native woods,
Thou Hadst naught to fear from his piercing talons,
Nor from the murdering gun
Of the thoughtless sportsman.”
And it goes on to say,
“Thou art fallen by the fangs of wanton, cruel Ranger.
Learn hence,
Ye who seek more liberty…”

… stating furthermore that their restraints may be their protection. Although a bit funny to read today, it was a moving and heartfelt letter written to a woman after suffering loss.

However, Ben Franklin and the woman were not the only squirrel aficionados, yielding more fun facts about squirrels.

President Harding had a pet squirrel named Pete.
John Singleton Copley painted “A Boy with a Flying Squirrel.”
Hans Holbein painted “Portrait of a Lady with a Squirrel and a Starling.”
And even Bob Ross had a pet squirrel named Peapod.

Then in the 1920s through the 1970s, all that changed. Wildlife conservation and exotic pet laws prohibited keeping squirrels as pets. Of course, squirrels have a finicky diet and need a lot of space and those sharp claws. Therefore, when not cared for properly or wild animals get in, it can be harmful.

In that case, the expertise of a professional, safe, and humane wildlife removal company comes to save the day and the animal.

Yes, There is an Instagram Famous Squirrel

We would be remiss not to mention briefly if you have not seen Jill, you must. She is a sensational internet squirrel that sleeps with a tiny teddy bear. Jill was rescued after Hurricane Isaac and has fully integrated into the family she lives with. And she is way too cute, adding to one more fun fact about squirrels.

Fun Facts About Squirrels You May Not Know

Other than the fame and glory that comes with being a famous squirrel, there are other fun facts to consider when getting to know all about squirrels.

Most people do not know that squirrels are very intelligent.
They will eat the insects in your garden or yard. While they prefer nuts and berries, they will eat small insects and invertebrates.
Did you know they plant trees? Nuts buried and left behind for too long often grow into trees.
Squirrels are very acrobatic. In fact, to sit on the porch and watch them building a nest or transferring nuts is a sight to behold as they jump impossible lengths and hang onto wires and tiny branches.
And squirrels even clean up our parks. They take care of the food and waste folks leave behind.
Their teeth never stop growing. They grow at a rate of about 6 inches per year.
Squirrels come in gray, red, all black, and all white.
Some of the ground squirrels make a rattlesnake scent from skins. They chew up the skin of a rattlesnake and create a fragrance to rub all over to detract predators.
Squirrels are very talkative. They chatter amongst themselves in chirps and tail wags that convey a message.
Some squirrels hibernate, and others don’t. The simple store up enough food to survive the winter.
Most of them live alone, but they will cuddle up when it is a bit too cold.
Flying squirrels do not fly but rather glide.
And finally, squirrels are very friendly.

All this does not mean it is okay to feed wild squirrels. First, they can accidentally bite you. Then they will come to rely on humans. That is why they really need to forage for their food and stay with their kind.

Not So Fun Facts About Squirrels: The Damage They Create in Homes

As fun as these critters can be to watch, they create danger for the home and family if they get into your attic or house. Here is what we mean.

They will steal birdseed from your yard’s bird feeders.
Destroying attic and wall insulation to make nests is a regular occurrence.
Soiling rooms in your home with urine, droppings, parasites, ticks, and shedding fur is a severe health hazard.
When squirrels die in wall and ceiling voids, soffits, and other inaccessible areas, they may be challenging to locate. And there will be a horrible odor that occurs that is unbearable.
Squirrels cause thousands of home fires per year. They will chew on wood, cables, sprinkler heads, and electrical wiring. Stripping the insulation from the wires increases the chances for a short and the risk of fire.
Squirrel’s carcasses become the perfect breeding place for flies and diseases.
They’re very noisy in an attic and may bite when someone corners them.
Squirrels dig up gardens and landscapes.
They strip the bark of ornamental plants and trees on your property.

Like any rodent, squirrels may have fleas and ticks, which carry an infectious disease that can spread to humans. It is called Borrelia bacteria and can cause Lyme Disease. And Lyme disease can affect the nervous system, and joints, and heart.

If these pests are making a mess of your home, contact World Class Wildlife Removal to remove the squirrels and relocate them where they should be nesting.

Wildlife Removal with World Class

World Class Wildlife Removal comes in to save the daytime from the chatter and scurrying noises in your attic or ceiling. The most common way to remove these interesting squirrels is to trap them. Poison is not ideal because the animal can die in the home and create additional issues. What’s more, the poison is dangerous around children and pets.

However, you need not worry about that. At World Class Wildlife Removal, we will find the entry points, seal them up, remove and relocate the squirrels, and clean up after them. We are fully equipped and experienced at getting to the source of the problem and eradicating the wildlife.

Squirrel Removal Service includes:

Trapping, Removal, and Relocation
Clean Up
Disinfection
Odor Removal
Repair of the area

World Class Wildlife Removal is a top-rated local family-owned, full-service wildlife trapping, removal, and repair service. We can remove a squirrel or other rodent infestation before it becomes an extensive problem for you and your family. Now that is a fun fact about squirrels you can believe in.

Contact us today to set up an inspection.