Squirrels are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystems, yet there are many fun facts about squirrels that remain unknown to most people. These agile animals are known for their impressive acrobatics and quick reflexes, often seen darting through trees or scavenging for food. 

But did you know that some squirrels engage in deceptive behaviour to throw off potential thieves? They pretend to bury food to protect their stash from other animals and even watchful eyes of humans. Understanding squirrel behaviour with humans can also be quite enlightening; these animals can become surprisingly accustomed to human presence, sometimes even approaching people for food. 

However, as charming as they may be, knowing how to get rid of squirrels humanely is essential if they start to invade your space. By adopting safe and ethical practices, you can ensure that both you and these intelligent creatures coexist peacefully. This article will enrich your knowledge about these amazing animals, revealing some lesser-known aspects of their lives and interactions.

The Origins and Types of Squirrels

Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, which also includes chipmunks, marmots, and prairie dogs. There are over 200 species categorized into three types – tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. While tree squirrels are the ones you most commonly see in your backyard, ground squirrels inhabit fields and prairies, and flying squirrels glide from tree to tree using a special membrane between their legs.

Tree squirrels, such as the Eastern Grey, Fox, and Red squirrels, are the ones that most people are familiar with. Ground squirrels, like the California Ground Squirrel, spend most of their time on the ground and burrow to create their homes. Flying squirrels, although less commonly seen, are fascinating creatures that use their gliding ability to escape predators or move between trees in search of food.

Understanding the types of squirrels is crucial for recognizing the different behaviours they exhibit. For instance, tree squirrels are excellent climbers and can often be seen leaping from branch to branch. On the other hand, ground squirrels are more likely to dig and create underground tunnels. Knowing these differences can help you better appreciate these animals and address any issues they might cause on your property.

Squirrel Behaviour with Humans

Squirrels are known for their curious and sometimes bold behaviour with humans. Have you ever noticed a squirrel approaching you or even taking food from your hand? It’s not uncommon for them to become accustomed to human presence, especially in urban areas where food sources are plentiful. These little creatures have learned to adapt to living close to people and can often be seen in parks, backyards, and even city streets.

One of the reasons these animals are so comfortable around humans is their intelligence. They are quick learners and can remember the locations of hidden food for months. This intelligence also makes them adept at solving problems, such as figuring out how to access bird feeders. It’s both entertaining and frustrating to watch a squirrel outsmart various obstacles to get to the food.

However, this behaviour can sometimes lead to problems. They may chew on wires, nest in attics, or raid bird feeders, causing damage and frustration for homeowners. Understanding their behaviour can help in finding humane solutions to these issues. For instance, offering alternative food sources or installing squirrel-proof feeders can help mitigate some of the problems associated with these animals.

Fascinating Facts About Squirrel Communication

Communication among squirrels is more complex than most people realize. These animals use a combination of vocalizations, body language, and scent marking to convey messages to each other. For example, when a squirrel is alarmed, it will emit a series of rapid, high-pitched sounds to alert other squirrels of potential danger. This warning system helps keep the community safe from predators.

Body language is another crucial aspect of communication. A flicking tail can indicate agitation or serve as a signal to other squirrels. During mating season, males and females engage in elaborate tail displays and chasing behaviours to attract partners. These displays are not only fascinating to watch but also reveal the intricate social dynamics within squirrel communities.

Scent marking is less obvious but equally important. Squirrels have scent glands located near their cheeks and at the base of their tails. By rubbing these glands on objects, they leave behind a chemical signature that conveys information about their identity, territory, and reproductive status. This form of communication is essential for maintaining social order and avoiding conflicts within their territory.

The Importance of Memory in Squirrel Behaviour

One of the most remarkable traits of squirrels is their memory. These animals are known for their ability to remember the locations of thousands of caches where they have stored nuts and seeds. Research has shown that they use spatial memory and landmarks to locate their hidden food, even months after burying it. This impressive memory is crucial for their survival, especially during winter when food is scarce.

Squirrels also engage in deceptive behaviour to protect their caches. If they sense that they are being watched, they may pretend to bury a nut in one location while actually hiding it elsewhere. This tactic helps to deter potential thieves, such as other squirrels or birds, from raiding their food stores. This level of strategic thinking highlights the intelligence and adaptability of these animals.

Understanding the importance of memory in their behaviour can also provide insights into how to manage their presence on your property. For instance, if you notice them frequently digging in certain areas, it may be because they have hidden food there. Providing alternative food sources or creating designated feeding areas can help reduce the likelihood of them digging up your garden or lawn.

Humane Solutions for Managing Squirrels

At Skedaddle, we believe in humane and effective solutions for managing squirrels. Instead of trapping and relocating these animals, we focus on exclusion techniques to prevent them from entering homes and buildings. Our team of wildlife experts uses specially designed materials and methods to seal entry points and ensure that squirrels cannot re-enter.

One of the key strategies we use is installing one-way doors that allow squirrels to exit but not re-enter. This approach ensures that the animals can leave safely while preventing them from causing further damage. Once the squirrels are out, we thoroughly inspect and seal all potential entry points to prevent future intrusions.

In addition to exclusion, we also provide advice on making your property less attractive to squirrels. This can include trimming tree branches that provide easy access to roofs, securing garbage cans, and using squirrel-proof bird feeders. By addressing the factors that attract squirrels, you can reduce the likelihood of conflicts and promote a harmonious coexistence.

The Role of Skedaddle in Wildlife Control

Skedaddle is dedicated to providing humane and effective wildlife control services. With over 30 years of experience, our team of experts is well-equipped to handle various wildlife issues, including squirrel management. We understand the importance of protecting both your property and the animals, and our methods reflect this commitment.

Our approach to wildlife control is based on exclusion and prevention. By sealing entry points and using one-way doors, we ensure that squirrels and other animals can leave safely and cannot re-enter. This method is not only humane but also effective in preventing future issues. Our goal is to provide long-term solutions that protect your home and promote the well-being of wildlife.

In addition to our exclusion services, we offer comprehensive inspections to identify potential entry points and vulnerabilities. Our team provides detailed recommendations on how to make your property less attractive to wildlife, ensuring that you can enjoy a peaceful and animal-free environment. With Skedaddle, you can trust that your wildlife issues will be handled with expertise and care.

Long Term Solutions

Squirrels are more than just playful animals in your backyard; they are intelligent, resourceful, and essential for the ecosystem. From their complex communication methods to their impressive memory and survival strategies, there is much to admire about these creatures. However, their interactions with humans can sometimes lead to problems, such as property damage and nesting in attics.

At Skedaddle, we offer humane and effective solutions for managing squirrels and other wildlife. Our exclusion techniques ensure that these animals can leave safely while preventing future intrusions. With over 30 years of experience, our team is dedicated to providing long-term solutions that protect your property and promote the well-being of wildlife.

If you’re dealing with squirrel issues or want to learn more about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is here to help you enjoy a peaceful and animal-free environment. Trust Skedaddle in Coquitlam for all your wildlife control needs and experience the difference of humane and effective solutions.