Squirrels also will eat at feeders intended for birds. To keep them out of bird feeders, use a feeder that closes the feed dispenser if too much weight is placed on the feeding platform. Food Gray squirrels eat wild tree fruit and nuts in fall and winter and switch to tree buds in early spring. In warm months, they eat fruit, berries and succulent plant materials. If food is scarce, squirrels will eat bark and insects.
Red squirrels have similar diets.
Flying squirrels are more carnivorous, eating bird eggs, nestlings, insects and other animal matter. Flying squirrels also often occupy birdhouses, particularly bluebird houses. If squirrels inhabit a home, the homeowner must find where they are getting in, and close or place heavy wire mesh over the opening. If squirrels remain inside the home, they will have to be removed by trapping. Brittingham recommends trimming trees and limbs 6 to 8 feet away from buildings to prevent the animals from leaping onto roofs.