Squirrels in Texas

Squirrels are a type of rodent. Most commonly, Texans will see various tree squirrels in their back yard, particularly the fox squirrel and the Eastern gray squirrel. 

Squirrels vary in appearance and behavior depending on the species, but in general, they have a long body covered in fur that ranges in color from light whitish-gray to dark reddish-brown. They have dark eyes, ears that stand up off their heads, and their notorious long bushy tail. 

Are Squirrels Dangerous?

Squirrels are a type of wild animal, and you should always take care around them. While squirrels are not usually aggressive towards people, if they feel threatened or cornered, they will protect themselves by biting or scratching. When living inside your home, squirrels will contaminate surfaces with their urine and excrement, potentially making people ill. They are also hosts to disease-spreading parasites like fleas and ticks.

The biggest concern associated with squirrels is the structural damage they cause to your home. Squirrels are rodents, and therefore, they have front incisors that continuously grow. To prevent their teeth from overgrowing, they gnaw on anything they come across. These furry creatures cause a lot of damage inside homes by digging through and chewing on wires, pipes, flooring, insulation, and sheetrock. Damage caused by squirrels may cause electrical shortages and even trigger fires.