It doesn’t sound like it makes sense. How can trapping squirrels increase their population? I’m taking them away. But, that’s only for the time being. It’s only a little while until other squirrels or similar species move in. Then you’re no better off. Instead of trapping, removing the points of entry to your home are the first steps of controlling the squirrel population.
A baby squirrel removed from an attic.
How can it increase population?
Trapping and removing creates a short-term solution. But, the competition for that area is gone and other squirrels from the surrounding area will soon fill the void. This results in the compensatory rebound effect. When a species population suddenly decreases there is more food for the remaining others. More food means healthier squirrels. Producing more babies and at a younger age. They will naturally try to fill the void created by the removed pests. By getting rid of one squirrel you’re inviting others to move in and giving them resources to reproduce healthier litters.
Why is trapping bad?
Our first instinct with pests is to trap. Get them off our property as quickly as we can. However, trapping animals is harmful to their rehabilitation into the wild. Once a squirrel nests in your home, they become accustomed to a certain lifestyle, a warm dry shelter and a reliable food source. Almost all animals trapped and moved over a kilometre away cannot survive the change in environment.
Trampled attic insulation from squirrel activity.
You might think you’re doing them a favour, but squirrels generally only live in a small area and store food in a very small radius. The sudden change can be difficult to animals. They don’t know where food or shelter is and relocated wildlife have very high mortality rates. Trapped mother squirrels could also mean orphaned babies.
Humane squirrel prevention
Squirrel infestations can quickly get out of control. They can give birth twice a year to litters of up to four babies. Also, squirrels can do a lot of damage to homes by gnawing on electrical wires or wooden beams. Make sure to use humane deterrents when preventing squirrels from nesting on your property. It’s important to keep the numbers in an area steady to avoid a boom later on.
- Repair holes and cracks in outer walls and roof.
- Regularly trim trees.
- Maintain bird feeder and seed.
- Call a professional.
From the outside: Squirrel chewing on a roof vent
From the inside: Damage to roof board from chewing.
Ottawa animal removal
Keep an eye on squirrels in your yard. Regularly monitor different hotspots and make sure they haven’t found a way into your attic, chimney or walls.
If you find evidence of an infestation make sure to contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Our animal removal methods are humane and 100% effective.
Call us today! – 1-888-592-0387
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