Spring is here, and with it comes new growth, warmer weather—and the squirrel baby boom! Yes, spring marks the height of squirrel breeding season, when homes can become hotspots for these clever animals as they look for safe, cozy places to raise their families.
If you’ve found squirrels darting around your property recently or noticed unusual sounds in your attic, it might be time to prepare your home to protect it from squirrel activity. Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the squirrel baby boom, why your home might be a target, and how small steps can save you big headaches.
Squirrel Mating Season and Baby Squirrels
Squirrel breeding season typically happens twice a year—once in late winter and again in the summer. However, the spring season is often the busiest, with female squirrels giving birth to litters of 2–5 offspring in March or April.
Within about four weeks, the baby squirrels (or kits) begin exploring their surroundings, creating more potential activity in and around your home. These small creatures rely heavily on sturdy, safe nests for protection as they grow. Squirrels often opt for tree cavities, but building nests in attics or chimneys is just as common when they have nearby access.
If you’ve been wondering what a squirrel nest look like?—think of a rounded bundle of leaves, twigs, moss, and other natural materials. These nests are sometimes mistaken for bird nests, but they’re often larger and tucked into hidden spaces.
While it may be fascinating to observe wildlife in action, a squirrel family in your home can lead to costly damage. The earlier you take precautions, the better equipped you’ll be for squirrel-proofing your property.
Why Your Home is a Target
Your home might be more attractive to squirrels than you realize. They instinctively seek warm, dry, and quiet spaces for their nests—places like attics, chimneys, soffits, and even walls. Older or damaged homes tend to be more vulnerable because small gaps or weaknesses in the structure can provide easy access.
Some key features that might make your home an appealing hideaway include:
- Roofline Gaps or Openings: Tiny gaps or holes in your roof or siding can act as the perfect entryway. Squirrels are surprisingly nimble and can squeeze through spaces as small as two inches wide.
- Overhanging Tree Branches: Branches close to your home are like highways for squirrels, granting them quick access to your roof.
- Chimneys Without Covers: These can look like a “ready-to-move-in” nest site for squirrels during the breeding season.
- Accessible Food Sources: Birdseed, pet food, and garbage left unsecured are easy meals that encourage squirrels to stick around.
Understanding the risks is step one. The next step in safeguarding your property is prevention.
Prevention Steps to Protect Your Home
As you prepare your home for post-mating season squirrel activity, it’s essential to take proactive measures to protect your space from these resourceful creatures. Follow this step-by-step guide to prevent squirrel intrusions and maintain a secure environment.
- Conduct a Thorough Inspection
To safeguard your home against squirrel intrusions, start by conducting a detailed inspection of the exterior. Look for gaps, holes, or other potential entry points around the roofline, vents, and soffits. Check for chew marks, loose materials, or any signs of squirrel activity. This thorough assessment will help you identify vulnerable areas that require immediate attention and reinforce the security of your property.
- Seal Entry Points
To effectively block squirrel entry points, utilize durable materials such as steel mesh or caulk. These sturdy materials provide a barrier against unwanted intrusions. Additionally, consider installing chimney caps and vent covers to further fortify these vulnerable areas. By investing in these preventative measures, you can ensure a secure and squirrel-resistant environment for your home.
- Trim Overhanging Branches
To prevent easy access for squirrels, it’s important to maintain a safe distance between tree limbs and your roof. Regularly trim overhanging branches that can serve as highways for these agile creatures. By limiting their climbing routes, you create a barrier that discourages squirrels from venturing too close to your home. This simple proactive measure goes a long way in safeguarding your property from potential squirrel intrusions.
- Secure Garbage and Food Sources
To prevent squirrels from being enticed onto your property, utilize garbage bins with securely fitting lids. This ensures that squirrels cannot access the contents of the bins and minimizes the chances of them venturing closer to your home. Also, it is important to avoid leaving pet food, birdseed, or any other attractants outside that might entice squirrels. By implementing these simple measures, you can effectively deter squirrels and maintain a squirrel-free environment around your property.
- Install One-Way Doors (Professional Only)
To safely and effectively remove squirrels from your home, consider using humane one-way doors. These devices allow squirrels to exit your home but prevent them from re-entering. This method ensures the safety of squirrel families, including their babies, without the risk of separation. It is crucial to consult professionals to ensure the proper installation and use of one-way doors. By employing this technique, you can achieve squirrel removal while maintaining their well-being and preventing future intrusions.
- Check Seasonal Vulnerabilities
To protect your home from squirrel intrusions, it’s important to inspect your property regularly. Checking your home at least twice a year allows you to spot any gaps, holes, or weak spots that squirrels could use to get inside. Taking a proactive approach helps you address these issues early, keeping your home secure and minimizing the risk of squirrel activity.
Get your home ready for increased squirrel activity by following these simple steps. Regular inspections and timely repairs will go a long way in protecting your property and keeping squirrels out.
Why Professional Help is Key
While prevention helps a lot, there are times when you need to call in professionals. Removing squirrels safely and humanely, especially during the baby boom when nests are full of young ones, requires the right tools, knowledge, and training.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in finding and sealing entry points, safely evicting animals, and preventing future issues. DIY methods can often lead to incomplete fixes or harm to the animals, so working with experts is the best way to protect your home.
Sealing your home after removing squirrels is just as important as getting them out. Our team knows exactly where to find weak spots and will secure them to ensure long-term protection and peace of mind.
Act Now to Protect Your Home This Spring
Spring is a time for new beginnings—for squirrels and homeowners alike. By preparing your home for squirrel breeding season, you can avoid the stress, noise, and potential damage caused by squirrels moving in.
Take action now to protect your investment and enjoy a worry-free spring and summer. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Mississauga is here to help with professional squirrel removal and prevention services.
Contact us today to request a quote or schedule a consultation—and keep your home safe and sound for seasons to come!
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