Do you live in an area where squirrels are abundant? You probably do! Squirrels are common in grasslands and forests, but they are also common in urban and suburban environments where people live and frequent. They are cute and entertaining, but they can also be destructive and noisy.
In fact, squirrels can make a variety of sounds, including chattering, barking, squeaking and chirping. But what do these sounds mean, and how do you identify if a squirrel is nearby without actually seeing one? If you’re wondering what sound does a squirrel make you’ve come to the right place.
Keep reading to learn more!
Contents
What Are Squirrels
Squirrels are rodents and there are several species.
Squirrels are small or medium-size rodents belonging to the family Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots (including woodchucks), flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa, and have been introduced to Australia. The earliest known squirrels date from the Eocene period and are most closely related to the mountain beaver and to the dormouse among other living rodent families.
The word “squirrel” comes from an Old English word meaning “shade-tailed”, referring to the bushy appendage possessed by many of its members. Other names include “tree rat”, “wood rat”, “chipmunk”, “ground squirrel”, “squirrel monkey” (not a primate), “flying squirrel” (not a primate), “chuckwalla”, “chipmunk”, and “wood lemming”.
The native range of Squirrels varies according to species; however, they all prefer temperate climates with large trees that can provide protection from predators as well as food sources such as nuts.
There are several species of squirrels throughout the United States, and this can make identifying what sound a squirrel makes a bit tricky. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of squirrels you might encounter.
The Eastern Fox Squirrel
The Eastern Fox Squirrel is a common tree-dwelling squirrel found throughout North America. It has gray fur on its body with white underbelly fur that covers its chest. The Eastern Fox Squirrel has a bushy tail that is reddish brown with black stripes on its tail when it is fully grown.
The Eastern Fox Squirrel can weigh up to two pounds when fully grown but will weigh less than one pound when they are born. They have large ears that allow them to hear predators approaching from far away so they can hide before being seen by their predators such as owls or other birds of prey.
The Eastern Gray Squirrel
The Eastern Gray Squirrel is one of the most common squirrel species in North America. It ranges from southern Canada to northern Florida and westward through the eastern United States to Michigan and Iowa. It can also be found on Long Island in New York State.
These squirrels are common in urban areas and parks because of their ability to adapt to human-dominated landscapes. They can often be found raiding bird feeders for sunflower seeds, peanut butter, or suet cakes. They are also notorious for damaging crops by eating apples and corn kernels on the cob.
The gray squirrel has a thick, bushy tail that it uses for balance when jumping from branch to branch, as well as for warmth in cold weather. It is gray on top with white underparts, but some individuals may have a reddish coloration on their chest and ears.
The American Red Squirrel
The American red squirrel is found throughout the northern United States and southern Canada. It has a distinctive reddish coat that blends well with its habitat in coniferous forests. Its diet consists mostly of tree seeds and cones but also includes insects, fungi, and other animal matter such as bird eggs and nestlings. The American red squirrel also stores food for winter by burying it in the ground for later use.
The Flying Squirrel
The flying squirrel has large eyes, a fluffy tail, and fur that ranges in color from light brown to gray.
Unlike most squirrels you might be used to when looking into what sound does a squirrel make, flying squirrels are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night and rest during the day. They live in tree holes or hollow trees and eat mostly nuts, seeds, and berries. Flying squirrels are native to North America but have been introduced to other parts of the world such as Europe and Japan.
There is one species of flying squirrel found in North America, named Glaucomys sabrinus. The name “flying squirrel” is derived from the fact that they have skin membrane connecting their forelimbs to their hind limbs, as well as extending their digits, which allow them to glide through the air for distances up to 100 feet
What Sound Does A Squirrel Make
Squirrels make a variety of sounds depending on their species.
Identifying what sound does a squirrel make can be tricky due to the different species of squirrel you may encounter. Remember, squirrels are a very common rodent throughout the United States, and they make a variety of sounds.
The most common sound you’ll hear is going to be an alarm sound. In fact, most sounds squirrels make are alarm calls that they use to communicate to other squirrels if there is a threat or predator nearby.
Of course, squirrels also make a variety of other sounds including barks, chirps, and squeaks. The answer can also vary depending on the species of squirrel you are dealing with.
Let’s take a look at what sound does a squirrel make depending on the type of squirrel listed below.
Fox Squirrel Sounds
Fox squirrels communicate with each other using a variety of sounds:
Screaming – When they’re frightened or agitated, they emit loud screams that sound like “YEE-hawwww.”
Chattering – When communicating with other fox squirrels or warning them of danger, they chatter their teeth together rapidly as if clicking them together over and over again rapidly (like clicking your tongue). This sound warns other squirrels to stay away from their territory or else!
Grunting – This sound is similar to that made by baby piglets when they are hungry or cold (a guttural sound). They grunt when begging for food from their parents or another adult.
The Eastern Gray Squirrel Sounds
The Eastern Gray Squirrel produces a wide variety of sounds, including clucking, chattering, and cooing noises. The squirrel also makes barking sounds while it’s feeding or caring for its young.
In fact, the Eastern Gray Squirrel can be easily identified by its distinctive call, which sounds like “ka-chick” or “ka-chee”. It also makes a number of other noises including growls, trills, squeaks, and chirps.
The American Red Squirrel Sounds
The American Red Squirrel has a wide range of vocalizations and can make up to 100 different sounds, which can really make identifying what sound does a squirrel make a feat!
The Red Squirrel also makes sounds that vary depending on the situation. When threatened by a predator, they will emit a high-pitched squeal or scream. If they are startled and jump out of a tree, they will make a loud clapping noise with their feet against their chest or sides. This sound is called a clap bark and is used to warn other squirrels of danger.
The Red Squirrel even has an alarm call that it uses when confronted by an intruder into its territory.
The Flying Squirrel Sounds
The sounds that flying squirrels make vary greatly depending upon their species and environment. For example, some species have been known to make clicking noises while others emit a high-pitched screech when in danger or distress.
The most common sound made by flying squirrels is the mating call. This sound is usually made between March and May during the breeding season. The male uses this call to attract females during courtship and mating rituals while females will use it as an alert signal when they are ready to mate with a particular male or when they are ready to give birth to their offspring.
Other Sounds A Squirrel Makes Plus Signs A Squirrel Is In Your House
If they get into your home, squirrels make several distinct sounds.
As we know now, squirrels can make an array of noises that include chattering, purring, and squeaking. The sounds they make vary based on the type of squirrel, the age of the squirrel, and the situation.
Squirrels are generally active during the day, so it’s easier to hear them when they are outside. They also tend to be more active in the spring and fall when they’re breeding or looking for food. So if you’re wondering what sound does a squirrel make or if you hear a squirrel making noise during specific times, you should stop and listen. They can make hundreds of vocalizations and they may be trying to tell you something!
While it can be fun to listen to squirrels and identify what sound does a squirrel make outside, hearing a squirrel in your home can be unnerving.
Squirrels will enter your home through holes in walls or doors and start chewing on wires or food stored inside. They can be incredibly destructive and cost homeowners lots of money in repairs. Furthermore, squirrels can be a health hazard to you and your family.
Below is what you should know about what sounds a squirrel makes if it is inside your home.
Scratching
This is usually the first noise you’ll hear from a squirrel inside your home. It’s also one of the easiest noises for homeowners to recognize because it sounds like claws on wood or metal. Scratching is usually caused by climbing through vents or entering through small holes in walls or windows. The most common areas for scratching include attics, chimneys, and garages.
Gnawing
Gnawing is often heard when squirrels chew on wires inside walls or ceilings; this could lead to short circuits and fires. If you notice gnawing sounds coming from your attic or other areas where there are wires present, don’t touch them — call an electrician immediately.
Scurrying or Scampering
One thing that people notice when there are squirrels living inside their homes is scurrying sounds coming from different areas of the house at different times throughout the day and night. This is because these animals tend to move around frequently.
A Foul Smell
Another way to tell if there are squirrels inside your home outside of knowing what sound does a squirrel make is if you smell one. If there is a strong odor coming from somewhere in your house, it could very well be from a squirrel living there! Squirrels often leave their waste behind when they move into an area and this leaves behind a very strong smell.
Signs Of Damage At Entry or Exit Points
The first sign of squirrel damage is usually a chewed window sill or door frame. Squirrels can also chew holes in the roof or walls, which can lead to water damage.
Squirrels usually enter your home through the roof, but they can also get in through windows and doors. Chewed-up sills and frames are a good indication that squirrels are living in your home.
Squirrel Droppings
Squirrel droppings are often found in areas where squirrels are active. They resemble small, round pellets and are composed of seed hulls, bits of leaf, and insect exoskeletons.
The presence of squirrel dropping is an indication that there is a squirrel living in or near your home or business. If you find droppings around your property, we recommend following the below tips on how to manage squirrels.
How To Manage Squirrels In Your Yard
Squirrels can be fun to watch in the yard but they can also be destructive.
Squirrels are cute and can be entertaining to watch when they are in our yard or garden. However, squirrels can also be annoying, destructive and noisy. Now that you know what sound does a squirrel make, let’s talk about how you can manage squirrels in your yard.
First, make sure to create a barrier between squirrels and your house. Even if you enjoy watching squirrels and identifying what sound does a squirrel make, you won’t enjoy squirrels if they make their way into your home.
Squirrels love to live in attics or chimneys. They will chew through drywall and other materials to get into your home. To prevent this from happening, seal any holes or cracks around your house with metal flashing or caulk. This will prevent pests from entering into your home through these openings.
Next, protect your bird seed and manage the number of squirrels coming around. If squirrels are eating all of the bird seed and damaging your garden, there are several ways that you can keep them under control.
Try putting up fencing around the perimeter of your garden and make sure it’s high enough so that squirrels cannot jump over it.
Place bird feeders away from the garden area and perhaps even consider investing in squirrel-proof bird feeders. We have several products for you to consider below for squirrel control now that you know what sound does a squirrel make.
KRUOO Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
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Now that you know what sound does a squirrel make, you’re able to identify squirrels in your yard and garden. And if they are driving you crazy, the KRUOO Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder is a great way to protect your yard from pesky squirrels.
The squirrel-proof bird feeder comes with an adjustable weight-activated perch. The feeder has a small hole at the bottom where birds can easily access the food. However, it is too small for squirrels and other animals to get in.
The squirrel-proof bird feeder will keep the food safe from being stolen by squirrels and other animals. It is also easy to clean and refill which makes it very convenient for you to use.
Squirrel Guard Baffle
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A Squirrel Guard Baffle is another effective and humane way to keep squirrels out of your yard now that you know what sound does a squirrel make. The baffle works by blocking the squirrel’s access to their favorite food sources like bird seed and nuts.
You can also use it to protect other areas in your yard such as gardens, ponds, or playgrounds from squirrel damage. The baffle blocks access to these areas by using a combination of spikes, spines, and wires that prevent animals from climbing over or digging under them.
AlpineReach Garden Netting and Squirrel Fence
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The AlpineReach Garden Netting and Squirrel Fence is a product that will help you keep squirrels out of your garden now that you know what sound does a squirrel make. The netting is made with a heavy-duty material that will last for years and keep the squirrels out of your garden. The netting also comes in different sizes, so you can get the size that fits your needs best.
The fence works by keeping all types of animals out of your garden, not just squirrels, including birds, rabbits, and even deer.
Nature’s Mace Squirrel Repellent
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Nature’s Mace Squirrel Repellent is a concentrated formula that will keep squirrels away from your yard. This product uses natural ingredients to repel squirrels and other animals so it is perfectly safe to use around children and pets, and it is safe for the environment
The product works by using a strong scent to scare away the squirrels. The product is made from peppermint oil, which is a very strong scent that most animals don’t like. The peppermint oil in this formula is diluted with water and then sprayed onto plants and trees where you want to keep squirrels out of.
How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In Your House
There are several products you can use to get rid of squirrels in your home.
We now know what sound does a squirrel make both outside and inside of your home. If you have squirrels inside your home, it’s important to get rid of them quickly.
Remember, squirrels can be incredibly destructive. They can chew through drywall, electrical wiring and other building materials. Squirrels also carry fleas and ticks that can cause disease.
The best way to get rid of squirrels in your house is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Try repairing holes in siding and roofing where squirrels can enter and close off crawl spaces under porches or decks where squirrels might enter through holes or cracks in the foundation
Use metal flashing around chimneys to prevent squirrels from climbing up the brickwork, and use repellents and other products to make your home less inviting to these rodents.
Below are a few products for how to remove and prevent squirrels in your home.
Steel Wool Fill Fabric Rodent Blocker
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Steel Wool Fill Fabric Rodent Blocker is a rodent control barrier that can be used in attics, crawlspaces, and wall voids to prevent squirrels from getting into your home. Once you know what sound does a squirrel make and you identify squirrel sounds outside, it’s a good idea to seal up vulnerabilities around your home to keep them out.
The product is made from steel wool fabric that protects your home from squirrels, mice, rats, and other rodents. The steel wool fabric is non-toxic and will not harm humans or pets.
Rodent Sheriff Peppermint Pest Control
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Rodent Sheriff Peppermint Pest Control is an all-natural pest control product that uses peppermint oil to repel rodents like squirrels from your home. If you know what sound does a squirrel make, you also know you don’t want a squirrel in your house!
The active ingredient in Rodent Sheriff is peppermint oil. It is a non-toxic, biodegradable liquid with a strong scent that most rodents find offensive. It also works to repel mice, rats, and pests like roaches, spiders, and ants.
Rodent Sheriff Peppermint Pest Control works by creating an inhospitable environment for rodents. When they smell the peppermint odor, they will avoid coming into contact with it because they dislike its scent so much. When they detect the odor, they simply leave the area and go elsewhere to look for food or shelter.
Eco Defense Pest Control Pouches
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The Eco Defense Pest Control Pouches is a new and innovative product that uses an eco-friendly formula to repel rodents. Its unique all-natural formula is non-toxic and safe for use inside your home.
The product can be used in a variety of ways, but for best results, place the pouches in areas where rodents like squirrels have been seen or have been observed entering the home.
But how do these pouches work? The Eco Defense Pest Control Pouches are made from 100% natural ingredients, including peppermint oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil. These oils are combined with other essential oils to create a scent that will repel rodents from entering your home.
Indoor Ultrasonic Pest Repeller
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The indoor ultrasonic pest repeller is an electronic device that emits high-frequency sound waves to repel pests like squirrels, mice, rats, and even insects like spiders, roaches, earwigs, ants, and more. The high-frequency sound waves are inaudible to people, but they can be heard by pests and rodents.
The ultrasonic sound waves have a strong negative effect on pests, causing them to avoid the areas where you place the repellers. The ultrasonic sound waves will not affect your pets or family members and the product is safe to use in homes with children, dogs, and cats.
We like that an indoor ultrasonic pest repeller is an effective way to protect your home from squirrels once you know what sound does a squirrel make without using harmful chemicals or traps that can harm your family members or pets.
What Sound Does A Squirrel Make – Wrapping Up The Sound Of Squirrels
Squirrels can be problematic and noisy, but for the most part, they are easy to manage.
The sound of squirrels is a familiar one to most people. It’s a common summer sound, especially in the morning and evening hours.
The answer to what sound does a squirrel make can vary, but overall there are two types of squirrel sounds including calls and chatters.
Calls are generally made when a squirrel is trying to communicate with another member of its species, or with other animals in the area. These calls can be heard from birds, mammals, and even insects.
A chatter is a more complex type of call that involves several different types of sounds all coming together at once. It is usually made when an animal is excited or agitated about something it sees or hears around it.
Overall, you may not be able to identify specifically what sound does a squirrel make without more extensive studying. However, once you learn how to pay close enough attention, you just might be able to identify many of the hundreds of unique vocalizations squirrels can make and you may even be able to catch on to what they are saying through their unique sounds.
So, what do you think about what sound does a squirrel make? Did you realize they could make so many interesting sounds for so many different purposes?
Tell us what you learned about what sound does a squirrel make below.
Jack founded our blog after two decades of working in the pest control industry. His vast experience dealing with a wide array of pests allows him to diagnose issues quickly and get to the heart of pest problems quickly and effectively. He has serviced more than 2,000 homes over his career and there is hardly any pest situation that he has not seen before.