Identification
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Larger than chipmunks; adults appear hefty with full tail. |
| Colour | Grey-brown upper with pale belly; melanistic black morphs appear in some city populations. |
| Tail | Long, bushy, used for balance on wires and branches. |
| Ears | Taller tufts in winter in some individuals. |
| Sound | Chattering alarm; scampering in attics. |
| Note | Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is introduced in parts of BC; management goals differ from native species contexts. |
Grey squirrels are agile diurnal climbers that bridge from trees to roofs along Greater Vancouver’s leafy streets. They exploit construction gaps, plastic vent covers, and uncapped corners. Food from bird feeders and fruit trees supports dense neighbourhood numbers.
Behaviour & Habits
They build leafy dreys in trees but happily move into insulated attics when entries exist. Chewing tests small gaps until teeth marks widen openings. Caching behaviour scatters nuts in planters and roof gutters. Kits born in spring and sometimes late summer affect legal timing for eviction and exclusion.
Health & Property Risks
⚠ Health risk — professional removal recommended. Squirrels are rodents—urine and droppings soil insulation; gnawed electrical wiring creates fire risk; falls from DIY ladder work injure people.
Noise stress and sleep loss are common complaints before wires are visibly damaged.
Prevention
- Maintain at least a metre clearance from branches to eaves where practical.
- Replace chewed plastic vents with metal screening after measuring openings.
- Move or baffle feeders that sit within roof-jump range.
- Pick ripe fruit; reduce easy calories against the house.
- Inspect soffit returns after windstorms when subtle gaps open.
How We Treat Eastern Grey Squirrels
We map entries, check for dependent young, then use eviction and one-way tools where permitted, finishing with metal chew guards. Follow-up listens for renewed scampering and inspects fresh gnaw on metal edges.
See squirrel control service for Greater Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: Black squirrels?
A: Colour morph of eastern grey in many cities—not a separate species for homeowners’ purposes.
Q: Poison?
A: Not appropriate for squirrels in urban settings; exclusion and live methods align with regulations and safety.
Q: Attic babies?
A: Timing changes tools; sealing young inside is avoided.
Q: Power lines?
A: Bridges to roof; utility trims may be needed in some cases.
Q: Garden damage?
A: Bulbs and fruit losses are common; habitat and exclusion together reduce conflict.
Q: How fast they chew?
A: Active entries can widen overnight once started—prompt metal response matters.
Professional Squirrel Control
Eastern Grey Squirrel problems in Greater Vancouver require a systematic approach — inspection of the full property, elimination of the root cause, and documented follow-up. Our squirrel control service covers all of this.
View Squirrel Control