Squirrels are entertaining to observe as they scurry around outside. But a different story emerges when they get inside a building. Bowmanville residents are well familiar with the squirrel in the home story as they live in an area that is also occupied by the furry little nut stashers. The unavoidable human and wildlife interaction has driven residents to seek squirrel removal help for their Bowmanville properties.
Squirrels Versus Winter
Winter is the season in which most wildlife animals seek out refuge as the temperature drops and food becomes scarce. Squirrels are among those wildlife animals whose behaviour change in the winter. But squirrel behaviour in the winter is not really identical to those of other wildlife animals. Squirrels do more of their foraging before the winter to accumulate stashes of food (nuts) for the winter.
Winter Behaviour in the Squirrel World
Squirrels are seen less on the outside during the cold winter season but this does not mean they are in hibernation. Squirrels need rest like all other living things and some species, such as ground squirrels, do go into hibernation during the winter. Others though, like the Eastern Gray Squirrel remain active during the winter. They rely on the fat stores they built up previously and the stash of food they stored up to sustain them during the winter. But occasionally they leave the safety and comfort of their dens to forage for food. It is not uncommon for several squirrels to share a den during this cold season. To keep the cold at bay, squirrels shiver to generate body heat.
Nesting Practices for Squirrels
In the wild, squirrels build their nests, which are called dreys, in trees with a focus on the junction of branches. When the squirrel nest is built in the hollow sections of a tree, it is called a den. As winter approaches though, squirrels look for spaces that offer additional protection from the elements and predators and seem cozier than the outdoors. Sometimes habitat loss or damage forces them to head for buildings.
Squirrel Access Points Around the Home
In order to get inside a building, squirrels search for already undermined sections that will take little effort to breach. This may include small gaps left along walls and roofs. They are very agile and can squeeze themselves through holes that seem too tiny for them. They will also search for rotting or weakened sections that they can chew through easily.
In addition to structural damages, squirrels are associated with contamination. They may introduce parasites into the home. Additionally, like many other wildlife animals, squirrel feces and urine harbour bacteria and viruses that can affect human and pets negatively.
Squirrel Locations in the Home
Attics top the list of squirrels’ favourite location inside a home for nesting. They also establish their nests in uncapped chimneys and vents. Once inside, they get to work building their nests and getting comfortable. To get material for their nests they will chew through electrical wiring, creating a fire hazard. They also nibble on wooded areas. If squirrel damage is allowed to continue it can get very costly.
Expert Intervention for Squirrel Problems
If squirrels live in the trees in your yard it won’t take much for them to get inside to forage for food. You can prevent squirrels from nesting in your trees by having animal control technicians install squirrel baffles around the lower trunk. If they get in the home it can be very tricky and dangerous for you to attempt to remove them without professional help.To really have a squirrel free winter you should entrust your wildlife exclusion needs to expert wildlife technicians such as those at Skedaddle. For services such as wildlife control including squirrel removal, Bowmanville residents can rely on these experts to get the job done humanely and effectively.
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