Squirrels
Name: Abert’s Squirrel, Ground Squirrel, Tree Squirrel
Scientific Name: Sciurus aberti, Spermophilus tereticadus
Description of Squirrels: There are several types of squirrels that exist in Arizona. We will cover the most common species that you may encounter.
In Northern Arizona, it is likely that you will find Abert’s Squirrels and Tree Squirrels. If you live in the Phoenix or Tucson area, you likely see the Ground Squirrel (a.k.a. Rock Squirrel).
Squirrels are extremely intelligent and persistent problem-animals. They can destroy everything in an attic. Squirrels can ruin your garden, landscaping, chew the insulation in your crawl space, and damage electrical wiring. They must be caught, removed and permanently excluded from your home or business.
Squirrels Range and Reproduction: The Ground Squirrel can be found all over the Sonoran Desert: California, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico. The Abert’s Squirrel will normally build an actual nest in a Ponderosa Tree or even parts of someone’s home.
The Ground Squirrel typically lives in underground burrows, but can also take over someone’s crawls space or attic. Squirrels are social animals, and are often found playing and interacting with other squirrels. Their natural predators are birds of prey, coyotes and snakes.
Health Information: Squirrels can carry numerous parasites and diseases, fleas and bacteria. They will defecate and urinate in and on your home, making the problem even more complicated. The Center for Disease Control has even determined that squirrels can transmit the Plague. Further, they can carry rabies and West Nile Virus. They are a serious problem, and pose serious risk to humans and property.
For Detailed Information, please call us or visit the Center for Disease Control.
Important Facts on Squirrels:
• They carry numerous parasites, fleas and bacteria
• Squirrels can transmit the plague.
• They can carry rabies and West Nile Virus.
Center for Disease Control Plague Information
