When it comes to animals you might see in your backyard, few are as clever as the grey squirrel. These rodents forage both in trees and on the ground to find food and materials for nesting, and they may make more than one home. Grey squirrels have the ability to learn and remember different nesting locations, and contacting a squirrel control removal team in Milwaukee may help keep these intelligent and busy critters from inviting themselves into your home.

Grey Squirrels Can Learn and Remember 

Animal behavior scientists who study the grey squirrel have discovered that not only do these rodents learn, but they can also use problem-solving abilities when they find a desired food or nesting source is inaccessible. For example, if a grey squirrel finds a bird feeder rigged to keep it away, it may try several different methods for gaining access and remember which actions work and which do not. Studies also show that these rodents can recall actions they learned months ago and apply them to new situations.

Grey squirrels also have an amazing memory capacity for recalling where they have hidden food stores and how to locate a variety of nests. These rodents may have leaf nests or dens in the ground and in trees, depending on their breeding season and how many other squirrels are in the area. When a grey squirrel gives birth in a tree nest, she will also remember the location of ground dens and return to them for food.

They Remember Individual Humans 

If you enjoy seeing grey squirrels in your backyard and leave food out for them, they may become accustomed to your presence and even remember you as a trusted food source. Wild squirrels may even approach you after learning you bring food, but you will want to avoid touching or trying to handle them, as they may bite or scratch in self-defense. Calling for squirrel control in Milwaukee can give you options for removal if you find your backyard overpopulated with hungry squirrels waiting for a meal.

When grey squirrels become used to your presence, they may start inspecting your home for a way inside. While these animals do not hibernate, they tend to sleep a great deal during the winter months and could see your attic as the perfect spot to hole up during the cold weather. They might climb onto your roof using overhanging tree branches and search for damaged shingles, where they can gnaw through and pry up the flashing to gain entrance to your attic.

Squirrels Recall Previous Nests 

While grey squirrels usually build more than one nest, they sometimes abandon one if it becomes unsafe or discovered by a predator. They may also abandon a ground den if it becomes infested with lice or fleas, or during inclement weather like excessive rainfall. However, a squirrel may return to that nest in the future if they learn the danger is past. Thanks to their excellent memories, they may remember the location of multiple nests or food caches they can return to when food supplies are low or they need shelter from the cold.

Grey Squirrels Are Persistent 

When grey squirrels decide that your attic makes for the perfect winter home, they will try several different tactics to gain entrance. For example, if there is no roof access, they will likely remember this and look for other ways to get in, such as chewing into a crawlspace. Once they make their way into your home, you may hear their activity or find teeth marks in the wooden beams of your attic.

If you find a grey squirrel nest in your attic, it is best to avoid touching it or any baby squirrels you see. We at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control understand how clever grey squirrels can be. Call us today for the assessment and removal of these uninvited guests.