Squirrels are among the most commonly seen wildlife in urban and suburban areas, often darting across parks, backyards, and trees. While many people recognize their playful nature, few realize that squirrels are actually part of the rodent family. Understanding how squirrels compare to other rodents can help homeowners manage them more effectively, whether they’re dealing with squirrels in their attic or rodent infestations in their home.
In this article, we will take a look at the differences between squirrels and other rodents, highlighting their behavior, characteristics, and potential risks.
Common examples of rodents include rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, beavers, and squirrels. While squirrels share many rodent-like traits, their lifestyle and habits set them apart.
Squirrels are known for their agility and resourcefulness, often adapting to urban environments. Unlike many rodents, they are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day.
What Are Rodents?
Rodents are a large and diverse group of mammals, making up the order Rodentia. This category includes over 2,000 species, ranging from small mice to large beavers. Despite their variety, all rodents share key physical and behavioral traits.Key Characteristics of Rodents
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Incisors: All rodents have continuously growing front teeth that require constant gnawing to keep them at a manageable length. -
Size and Shape: Most rodents have small, agile bodies designed for burrowing or climbing. Their size can range from tiny mice to much larger animals like capybaras.
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Diet: Rodents primarily consume plant-based foods, though some (like rats) are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of materials.
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Behavior: Many rodents, including mice and rats, are nocturnal and hunt for food at night. They tend to seek hidden spaces for nesting and protection from predators.
Common examples of rodents include rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, beavers, and squirrels. While squirrels share many rodent-like traits, their lifestyle and habits set them apart.
What Are Squirrels?
Squirrels are a distinct type of rodent belonging to the Sciuridae family, which also includes chipmunks, marmots, and flying squirrels. They have bushy tails, sharp claws, and tree-climbing abilities. Squirrels are more commonly associated with the outdoors than other rodents that prefer burrowing or scavenging indoors.Physical Characteristics of Squirrels
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Size: Most tree squirrels are medium-sized, measuring about 9 to 10 inches long (excluding their tails).
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Tail: Squirrels have a long, bushy tail that helps them maintain balance while leaping between trees.
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Fur: Their fur can vary in color, including shades of gray, brown, red, and even black.
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Teeth: Like other rodents, squirrels have sharp, ever-growing incisors, but they primarily use them to crack open nuts and seeds.
Squirrels are known for their agility and resourcefulness, often adapting to urban environments. Unlike many rodents, they are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day.
Key Differences Between Squirrels & Rodents
Despite belonging to the same rodent family, squirrels differ significantly from other rodents, such as rats and mice.| Feature | Squirrels | Other Rodents (Rats & Mice) |
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| Size | Medium-sized (9-10 inches, excluding tail) | Smaller (rats: 6-9 inches, mice: 2-4 inches) |
| Tail | Long, bushy, and used for balance | Long, thin, and scaly |
| Activity | Diurnal (active during the day) | Nocturnal (active at night) |
| Habitat | Trees, parks, and occasionally attics | Hidden indoor spaces like basements, attics, and walls |
| Movement | Agile climbers, jump between trees | Ground-dwelling, fast runners |
| Diet | Primarily herbivores (nuts, seeds, fruits, bark) | Omnivores (grains, garbage, and sometimes meat) |
| Nesting | Dreys (tree nests) or attics | Hidden nests in walls, crawlspaces, or burrows |
| Damage | Chews on wires, damages trees, raids bird feeders | Gnaws on furniture, wires, contaminates food, spreads diseases |
| Health Risks | Minimal risk, but can carry parasites | High risk, known to spread hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella |
Damage Caused by Squirrels and Rodents
Both squirrels and other rodents can cause problems for homeowners, but the type and extent of damage depend on the species. Squirrels are not typically associated with home infestations, but they can cause problems when they enter homes or gardens.Squirrel Damage
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Homes and Buildings: Squirrels invade attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces, chewing on wires, insulation, and wood, potentially causing fire hazards.
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Trees and Gardens: They strip bark from trees, dig up gardens, and raid bird feeders, frustrating homeowners.
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Ecological Impact: In some areas, invasive squirrel species outcompete native species, causing environmental imbalances.
Rodent Damage
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Structural Damage: Mice and rats chew on wires, walls, and insulation, leading to costly repairs and fire risks.
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Food Contamination: Rats and mice contaminate food sources with their droppings and urine.
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Health Risks: Unlike squirrels, rats and mice transmit diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis, posing serious risks to humans.
How to Control Squirrels and Other Rodents?
Preventing and managing rodent issues depends on the species and the extent of the problem.Preventing Squirrel Infestations
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Seal Entry Points: Close off any openings in attics, chimneys, or rooflines to prevent squirrels from nesting inside.
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Trim Trees: Keep tree branches away from rooftops to limit squirrel access.
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Squirrel-Proofing: Install squirrel-resistant bird feeders and store food securely.
Preventing Rodent Infestations
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Seal Gaps: Block off cracks, holes, and entry points around windows, doors, and foundations.
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Cleanliness: Keep food sealed, remove crumbs, and dispose of waste properly to reduce food sources.
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Traps and Baits: Use snap traps or bait stations to capture or eliminate rodents in problem areas.
