DEAR JOAN: We live in the hills and often hear tree squirrels in our oaks, screeching and clucking. I’ve assumed they are warning others of predators, but perhaps you have alternate information.

Mike Conniff, San Jose

DEAR MIKE: Most of the clucking and screeching are warning alerts, but they chatter for other reasons.

Although it might sound at times like they are conversing, they aren’t. They are “speaking” and others, including predators, are listening, but they are not talking back.

The most common sounds squirrels make are sounds that warn of danger, whether from a predator or from another squirrel encroaching on the other’s territory.

The primary warning sound is described as a “kuk,” and depending on how great the danger is, it can be delivered in rapid succession and often it’s followed by a clicking sound. Researchers believe it’s an instinctive sound and any squirrels that hear it know that danger is around.

Predators also recognize the call and often give up on their attack, as the call signals they’ve lost the element of surprise.

Another sound squirrels make is described as a “quaa,” which sounds a bit like a cat screeching. It means the threat level is dropping but squirrels need to remain on alert. It may also be a parting shot at predators, saying “We’re on to you, don’t bother coming back.”

The “quaa” is often followed by a “quaa moan,” described as a chirp followed by a meow. Unlike other alert calls, this one starts low, builds and then fades. That makes it hard to tell where it’s coming from and indicates the squirrel can’t see the predator any more, but as it still could be around, the squirrel doesn’t want to attract attention to itself.

Squirrels also make a “muk-muk” sound that has been described as a stifled sneeze. Baby squirrels use it to tell their mothers that they’re hungry, and randy male squirrels use it when chasing females and looking to mate. The call apparently reassures the female that the male is no threat and only is looking for love.

DEAR JOAN: Thank you for the information on rat elimination. We have had a visitor in the house for awhile but don’t know what it is.

First, it looked like a lizard of some sort, but now I think it may be a rat. I’m trying to set a camera up, because it likes my cat George’s dry food. Whatever this creature is, it has actually taken George’s whole plate, food and all.

Where can one buy an electronic rat zapper and a rat trap box? I bought the snap trap at a hardware store and rat poison but have not used either yet.

Mary Ann Vigilanti, Oakland

DEAR MARY: You definitely need to figure out what you have visiting and how it’s getting in the house before setting any traps, other than ones that capture but don’t kill. If it’s a lizard as large as a rat, you might have someone’s escaped pet coming in.

You can find rat zappers and trap safety boxes at any hardware store. Please don’t use the poison, which could end up harming George. Find the entry points and seal them off to prevent return visits.

Have a question for Joan?

Use this form to submit questions. Photos should be mailed separately to jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.