They are most active in the morning and late afternoon, and usually bury nuts for winter use. They feed mostly on hickory nuts and acorns, but also eat the fruit of tulip poplar, maple tree seeds, corn bordering woods, berries, bird eggs, and fungi.
Squirrels have two breeding seasons every year. The first litter is normally born in late February and March, and the second litter is born between June and July. The average litter size is around 3 or 4 kits, and their net is normally built in the fork of a tree, 2-15 meters from the ground. It's also common for them to build nests in roof spaces and attics of homes. Their nests are usually built from twigs and leaves, then lined with grass, moss, and animal fur. When nests are built in roof spaces, squirrels will often rip up insulation material to use.
To discourage squirrels from moving into your home with you, there are a couple things you can do. You can seal all possible points of entry around the home, including small openings and cracks around doors and windows. Even the smallest of holes and cracks provide squirrels the potential to get inside. You can also screen vents and openings to chimneys, and store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.
