Squirrels can also become trapped in chimneys. Nesting in houses is usually the only problem that flying squirrels cause. Gray Squirrels raid fruit and nut trees, and occasionally vegetable gardens. They find flower gardens very attractive, and they eat both flower bulbs and buds. Tree leaves and twigs may be trimmed from trees for nest building, and bark gnawed away for reasons unknown.
Squirrels bury nuts and acorns, sometimes in lawns.
The problem arises not from the burying because buried nuts are well hidden. However, when the nut is retrieved, the squirrel doesn't bother to fill in the hole. Preventing Problems Squirrel populations often build up to high numbers in older residential areas which have lots of mature trees, particularly oaks. Because their reproductive rate is so high, live trapping is not usually effective. A homeowner's best bet is to protect his house by screening openings and removing access to food sources, such as bird feeders.