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Fox squirrel in a lawn - Keep fox squirrels out of your lawn with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

Fox Squirrel

Actual Size: 10 to 15” in length; weighing 1.6 to 2.3 lbs.

Characteristics: Typically have reddish-brown fur with large bushy tails.

Habitat: Builds nests in cavities of large trees. Infiltrates homes and construct nests in attics, walls, chimneys, rooflines, and within garages.

Habits: 

  • Stores food by burying it in various locations for later consumption.
  • Carries transmissible diseases, such as ringworm. 
  • Will often travel along electrical lines, which can result in power outages.
  • Among the largest tree squirrels in North America.


Fox Squirrels in Central Arkansas

Fox squirrels are commonly found in the eastern and central United States and have also been introduced to urban areas in the western U.S. They spend most of their time during daylight hours, searching for food. They are adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban environments. Omnivorous in nature, they consume a variety of food items, including plants, insects, and birds. Like most tree squirrels, they exhibit a tendency to seek refuge within homes, constructing nests within attics, walls, chimneys, rooflines, and garages. Fox squirrels also pose a health risk to humans as they can transmit diseases such as tularemia and ringworm.

Fox Squirrel Habitat

Fox squirrels thrive in open, savannah-like habitats featuring widely spaced trees and the layers of vegetation beneath them. Fox squirrels require large trees with natural cavities or holes to construct nests for their young. Although oak-hickory forests are their primary habitat, they are adaptable and can be found in various environments including live oak groves, mangrove swamps, and pine forests. Their ability to adapt to diverse habitats allows them to flourish in urban and suburban areas. Nonetheless, their tendency to intrude into homes and attics can result in damage to wiring, gardens, and lawns.

Fox Squirrel Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Fox squirrels can occasionally cause damage around residences and gardens by feeding on both immature and mature nuts, fruits, and various other plants. During autumn, they create holes in gardens or turf to bury nuts or seeds, a behavior that can disrupt gardens and damage well-maintained lawns. Fox squirrels use vocalizations such as chattering and chirping, as well as body language, to communicate with each other. They also have a keen sense of smell and use scent marking to establish territories. Additionally, squirrels may chew on telephone cables, gnaw their way into wooden structures, or infiltrate attics through gaps or broken vent screens. Their tendency to strip bark from trees to access the nutrient-rich inner layer, or cambium, can also harm trees. If you are having an issue with fox squirrels, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.