Do Squirrels Eat Lizards?
Squirrels are typically pictured as these adorable tiny creatures who jump around yards all day eating seeds and nuts. This is only partly accurate because squirrels eat mainly seeds, fruits, and various types of plants. Although they will kill the animal they intend to eat themselves, squirrels are rodents who will eat meat if necessary. Do squirrels eat lizards, frogs, and other live or dead animals? What kind of meat will they consume? Although it might come as a bit of a surprise, squirrels will eat lizards in addition to other tiny animals. Scientists have discovered that squirrels regularly eat snakes, bird eggs, mice, and occasionally even their own young in addition to lizards.
What Do Squirrels Eat?
Squirrels eat a variety of foods including seeds, nuts, bark, insects, and birds’ eggs. They also consume small rodents and reptiles and even their own young. It’s not uncommon for squirrels to prey on snakes that are attempting to hibernate in rodent holes. These rodents can be a challenge to keep out of homes due to the fact that they can make their way in through a very small opening. Squirrels are also adept climbers so if a roof is not properly sealed they may make their way inside.
How to Keep Squirrels Away From Your House
If you have a squirrel problem, you don’t have to live with it. There are many ways to keep them out of your house and off your property. There are many repellents that can be applied to the exterior of your building or that can be dispersed in the area. These come in a variety of forms including sprays, gels, and granules. You can also buy devices that repel squirrels such as sprinkler heads that emit a loud noise when they come in contact with a squirrel.
Another good way to keep these pests away from your house is to trim back all branches that touch the roof and walls. This can help prevent squirrels from climbing up to your home. If you have a squirrel in your house, it’s a good idea to hire a professional because they can be dangerous and very difficult to get rid of on your own.
Will A Snake Eat A Squirrel?
If you find a snake in your yard and you have squirrels in the neighborhood, there’s a good chance the snake is a rattlesnake that’s preparing to hibernate for the winter. While these snakes pose no threat to humans, they do kill and eat squirrels. It’s not uncommon to find a squirrel’s tail nearby the entrance to a rattlesnake den; the snake just ate the rest of the squirrel. Squirrels are known to invade rattlesnake dens in order to eat the snakes’ eggs. They’ve even been known to kill and eat adult rattlesnakes. If you have a rattlesnake den near your home, you might want to put a bell on your squirrel to let the snake know it’s there. If you’re lucky, the rattlesnake will eat the squirrel.
Tips To Deterring Squirrels In Your Yard
– If there are trees or bushes near your home, keep them trimmed back a few feet to keep squirrels away. – Place a barrier around your yard if squirrels are in the area. You can use wood chips, a low wall, or even a raised garden. – Use an ultrasonic repellent to drive squirrels away. – If you notice the squirrels are eating your plants, sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder around the area. – Try feeding birds in your yard to help keep squirrels away. Bird feeders will bring more birds to your yard and will keep squirrels away.
Conclusion
Squirrels are rodents that primarily eat seeds, nuts, and other plants. They will kill and eat animals such as snakes and reptiles when necessary. Squirrels are typically seen as harmless but they can be destructive and aggressive if they’re not kept away from homes. These animals can be controlled by keeping trees trimmed and the exterior of your home in good condition. If a squirrel has made its way into your home, it’s best to hire a professional to get rid of it.
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Are Squirrels Nocturnal? Do Squirrels Sleep At Night?
