Winter in Minneapolis not only brings the beauty of snow-filled landscapes, but it can also increase squirrel activity. These furry friends are notorious for causing damage to homes, gardens, and power lines. If left unchecked, their activity can be detrimental to your property. For this reason, it’s important to spot squirrel activity in your area and learn how to protect your home from wildlife. 

Fortunately, our experts at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control have identified simple and effective measures you can take to discourage them from wreaking havoc on your property. In this blog post, we’ll cover tips on how to identify squirrel activity and ways to prepare your home for a wildlife-free winter. Keep reading to learn how you can keep your home safe and avoid the need for squirrel removal in Minneapolis.

Signs Of Squirrel Activity In Winter 

With snow blanketing the Minneapolis landscape, you might believe all wildlife would retreat and remain mostly inactive. Despite the chill, they remain active, foraging, storing food, and generally staying busy. Do you find it challenging to spot these cute creatures in action? No worries! Here are some key signs to watch out for. 

Outdoor Tracks 

The white expanse of snow can serve as a perfect canvas to identify squirrel activity. What should you look for? Tiny tracks! Their footprints are fairly distinguishable: their paws are small, about an inch wide, with claw marks often visible. The distinctive hopping pattern aids in spotting their tracks amidst the snow. 

Chewed Bark and Branches 

Squirrels must feed all year round, and their diet includes tree bark during winter months. Ever noticed gnawed-on tree limbs or bite marks on the bark around your property? Bingo! A closer look at these signs can reveal their presence. 

Nesting Activity 

Winter is a time when these animals seek warmth and comfort, so spotting some high-up bulges in the trees shouldn’t come as a surprise. These nests, or drey, as they are scientifically termed, are generally made of leaves, small branches, and other materials that provide insulation. 

Squirrel Sounds 

Last, but not least, keep your ears open! These animals make distinct noises. From high-pitched squeaks to scrabbling sounds in the attic or walls, these could all indicate squirrel activity. Do you hear rustling sounds coming from your loft? It may be your uninvited, fluffy guest seeking warmth. 

With you becoming adept at spotting these signs, remember, that it’s also essential to prevent any potential damage from their activities.

Preventing Squirrel Intrusions In Your Home 

Just as you would protect your home from harsh winter weather, taking measures to prevent an invasion is equally important. Below, we share some practical and efficient steps to help you ensure that your home remains squirrel-free throughout the winter season. 

Pruning Overhanging Branches 

Squirrels are adept climbers and jumpers, using branches to gain access to your home. Have a good look around your property. Notice any branches close to your house or making contact with it? Pruning them can make it harder for them to find their way inside. 

Seal Potential Entry Points 

Squirrels, being crafty creatures, can exploit the smallest gaps and cracks to infiltrate your home. Remember to seal all possible entry points, including small holes and gaps in your walls, roof, eaves, or vents. This might involve a meticulous inspection, but it’s worth the peace of mind you’ll have to know your home is secure from unwelcome guests. 

Install a Chimney Cap 

A loose or missing chimney cap is an invitation for these animals to move into your attic. By installing a sturdy, metal chimney cap, you can prevent them from setting up their winter abode in your home. Bonus, it keeps out other wildlife too! 

Remove Food Sources 

Your garbage, bird feeders or pet food might seem like an abundant feast to hungry squirrels. Consider safely securing these food sources or placing them in locations inaccessible to these pesky visitors. A well-fed squirrel is less likely to create a nuisance. 

Remember, the aim is not to harm them but to respect them while also protecting your home. If you’ve taken these precautionary steps, yet find activity persists, it may be time to call in professionals.

Dealing With Squirrel Infestations In Winter 

So, you’ve spotted the signs of squirrel activity around your home, and you’re wondering what you can do to handle the situation. Winter infestations frequently require a specific set of methods to tackle effectively. It’s essential to deal with the infestation as soon as possible without causing harm to the animals or your home. Here’s how to handle that challenge: 

Understanding Squirrel Behavior in Winter 

Squirrels are intelligent, adaptable creatures. During winter, they may seek both food and shelter in your house. They usually stay active despite the cold, so don’t be surprised to encounter them inside your home or around your property. Understanding their behavior is the first step to dealing with an infestation. 

Employ Humane Removal Techniques 

It’s crucial to remember that in Minneapolis, like many places, these wild animals play a vital role in our ecosystem. Hence, it’s pivotal to use humane methods while dealing with infestations.

Cleaning Up After a Squirrel Infestation 

After you’ve successfully removed them from your home, it’s time for a deep clean. Squirrels can leave behind droppings, urine, and nesting materials that could pose a health risk. Dispose of any soiled material carefully and thoroughly disinfect the area. 

Consider hiring a professional cleaning service if the contamination is severe or if you’re uncomfortable dealing with it yourself. At Skedaddle, our professional team will clean and disinfect all areas after removal. 

Always prioritize your safety and the well-being of these feisty animals when dealing with an infestation in winter.

When To Call Skedaddle For Squirrel Removal In Minneapolis 

What if, despite your best efforts, you’re still noticing squirrel activity or an actual infestation in your home? It’s not a sign of your failure, but rather a testament to the tenacious nature of these animals. Trust us, they can be really persistent! In such situations, it’s time to call in the experts at Skedaddle.

How can you know for sure that it’s time to bring in a professional? Here are several key indications: 

• Frequent Sightings: If you’re frequently spotting them inside your home – not a one-off occurrence, but regularly – it’s likely you have an infestation.
• Damage Signs: Are you noticing damage like gnawed wires or structural deterioration as a result of gnawing? This could indicate a long-term squirrel presence. It’s crucial to intervene before extensive damage is inflicted on your home.
• Noise Continues: Constant noise, especially during the night when these animals are the most active, could be a result of an infestation. If the sounds are continuous and persist even after your DIY efforts, it might be time to seek help.

When these scenarios occur, getting professional help is a sensible and necessary course of action. After all, dealing with squirrels is no small task. They are agile, instinctive, intelligent, and, above all, persistent! 

Let The Experts Handle It

Minnesota’s winter can be a little tiresome, especially with squirrels causing a racket in your home. Remember, a safer and more harmonious winter is within your reach, especially with the help of Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Whether it’s to spot early signs of activity, prevent home infiltrations, or deal firmly yet humanely with infestations, Skedaddle provides the service you need.

Reach out to Skedaddle in Minneapolis today and secure peace and order in your home during the winter season.