As the warm sun beckons at the onset of summer months, not only do we find ourselves drawn to the outdoors, but so do the animated and often mischievous inhabitants of our backyards – the squirrels. Their behaviour takes a fascinating turn come summertime. 

This season is a bustling period of activity for them, marked by the search for food to stockpile for the coming winter, engaging in playful chases as part of their mating rituals, and building or renovating their nests to ensure comfort and safety for their young. This heightened squirrel activity in summer can sometimes lead to unexpected interactions and issues within human habitats, spotlighting the necessity for knowledgeable wildlife control in Mississauga.

Enter Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, your experienced and compassionate ally in managing the lively antics of squirrels in the summer season. With a deep understanding of squirrel behaviour and a commitment to humane treatment, we specialize in solutions that respect both the wildlife and your peace of mind. 

Whether it’s advice on how to get rid of squirrels humanely or preventative strategies to safeguard your home against curious little invaders, we are here to guide you. In the sections to follow, we’ll explore the ins and outs of summer squirrel dynamics, from their tireless preparations for winter to their fascinating social interactions, and how Skedaddle can help you live harmoniously with our furry neighbours.

Squirrels In The Summer Season

Summer marks a season of heightened diligence for these agile creatures as they engage in a plethora of activities crucial for their survival. During these warmer months, their days are filled with intensifying their search for food and materials essential for enduring the forthcoming colder seasons.

One of the most notable behaviours is their ardent foraging. They’re seen more frequently during daylight, scavenging for nuts, seeds, and other edible items. This frantic accumulation isn’t merely for immediate consumption; rather, it’s a strategic preparation for winter. They stash away food in numerous hidden spots, showcasing their natural instinct to secure resources for leaner times.

Additionally, summer is a critical time for establishing or enhancing their nests. Our furry friends invest considerable effort into creating cozy, secure homes, often situated in trees, to rear their young and shield themselves from predators and harsh weather. This drive for comfort and safety sometimes brings them closer to our residences, searching for nooks that mimic their natural homes.

This season of vigorous activity undoubtedly influences their interaction with residential zones. The quest for sustenance and shelter can lead them into our backyards, gardens, and occasionally, our homes. While their pursuit is purely instinctual, it may cause concerns for homeowners regarding how to live in harmony with these energetic neighbors.

Common Signs of Squirrel Activity

As the leaves turn greener and the days grow longer, the increase in outdoor activities isn’t limited to humans alone; our furry neighbours are also making the most of the summer warmth. Noticing the signs of their presence early can make living alongside them more harmonious. From the backyard to the attic, here are a few indicators of heightened activity in your surroundings:

• Damage in the Garden

One of the first and most visible signs is disruptions in your garden. These agile creatures have a taste for bulbs, fruits, and young plants, leading to unexpected holes or uprooted flowers. Observing these small upheavals can signal their search for food or materials.

• Unmistakable Sounds Above

Perhaps more unsettling are the noises that echo from attics or roofs during the quieter hours. Scratching sounds, scurrying footsteps, or even soft chattering are clear indicators that you might be hosting unexpected guests seeking shelter.

• The Enigma of Chewed Wires

Surprisingly, the penchant for gnawing isn’t limited to natural items. Exposed wires on the exterior of homes can bear the marks of teeth, a sign often overlooked until it leads to unexpected repairs. This habit, while perplexing, is a testament to their adaptability and quest for materials.

• Nests in Plain Sight

Identifying a nest, often tucked away in the forks of trees or hidden within the eaves of our homes, requires a keen eye. An active nest is typically bustling with movement at dawn or dusk, and you might catch sight of these critters carrying materials back and forth, busily preparing for the months ahead.

Challenges Posed by Squirrels in Summer

The warm months can bring an abundance of furry backyard visitors that, while often delightful, can lead to specific challenges for homeowners. Our engagement with these animated neighbours intensifies, bridging from mere observation to actively seeking ways to coexist peacefully, particularly when their actions infringe upon our domestic tranquillity.

One notable summer activity includes the transformation of our well-tended gardens into feasting grounds. These agile visitors have a penchant for bulbs, fruits, and young vegetation, turning our gardening efforts into buffet invitations. Their quest for nourishment can result in quite the surprise when we find our beloved plants uprooted or our harvest prematurely depleted.

Our residences, unbeknownst to us, present an architectural marvel to these creatures. They tend to explore and exploit nooks and crannies for nesting or protection. This exploration can lead to structural damage as they chew through materials to create entry points, seeking refuge or a site to rear their young, making it evident that our peaceful coexistence requires some boundaries.

Perhaps among the most concerning behaviours is their unexpected interest in electrical wires. This gnawing habit can strip wires of their protective coating, posing significant fire hazards. The reason behind this activity remains a mix of natural instinct and the materials’ accessibility, underscoring the importance of regular inspections and preventative measures to ensure our homes remain safe havens.

While often overlooked, the health implications of close quarters with wildlife during summer cannot be understated. These creatures, as adorable as they are, can be carriers of various parasites and diseases. Their nesting materials, droppings, and even fleas or ticks can pose risks to our well-being, signalling that our interactions with them should be cautious and informed.

Professional Squirrel Management Solutions

At Skedaddle, we understand the intricate balance between appreciating wildlife and maintaining the sanctity of our homes. Recognizing the bustling activity of our agile friends, especially in the warmth of summer, we adopt sophisticated, humane methods to ensure harmony between human and animal residents. Our approach is as dynamic as the animals we gently guide, tailored to both their natural behaviours and the unique aspects of each neighbourhood we serve.

• Expert Exclusion Techniques

We employ expert exclusion techniques, focusing not on removing the animals, but on encouraging them to find alternative habitats. This method involves securing potential entry points with materials that are robust yet non-harmful to them. By understanding their movement patterns and preferences, we design solutions that guide them away from your home, ensuring they can continue their activities without causing disturbance.

• Strategic Habitat Modification

Our team goes a step further with habitat modification strategies. This proactive measure involves altering the landscape in subtle ways that dissuade our friends from setting up bases close to human dwellings. Whether it’s rearranging food sources or modifying the garden layout, these adjustments are made with deep respect for the natural ecosystem, aiming to redirect their foraging excursions elsewhere.

• Humane One-Way Door Techniques

On occasions where direct intervention is necessary, we utilize humane one-way doors. These techniques are designed to ensure safety and comfort, using specially designed to do no harm. Each situation is assessed individually, ensuring that any temporary guest is directed to a suitable environment where they can thrive without coming into conflict with human habitats.

• Preventive Measures to Discourage Squirrel Activity

In striving for a harmonious relationship with the natural world, particularly during the vibrant summer months, homeowners can take several effective steps to minimize unwelcome visits from our agile friends without compromising the welfare of these energetic backyard visitors. At Skedaddle, we believe in fostering an environment where both humans and wildlife can thrive side by side. Here’s how you can contribute to this balance:

One of the first strategies involves meticulously managing outdoor eating areas and pet food storage. Ensure that all food remnants are cleaned up and securely stored. Using bins with tight-fitting lids can deter investigations by curious creatures, making your space less attractive as a food source.

Careful examination and reinforcement of potential entry points around your property can significantly reduce the chances of unexpected houseguests. This entails installing mesh covers over vents, using durable materials to seal gaps, and ensuring shingles or sidings are tight and intact. Our team excels in identifying and securing these vulnerable zones with wildlife-friendly but effective barriers.

Maintaining a tidy yard is another crucial step. Regularly clearing debris, trimming overhanging branches that can serve as pathways and managing dense vegetation can dissuade nest-building activities near your living areas. Skedaddle professionals can help identify specific landscape features that may be inviting to our furry neighbours and suggest modifications to keep your garden enjoyable for you, not them.

Managing Squirrel Activity in Summer

Understanding squirrel behaviour during the active summer months is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance between our love for wildlife and the need to protect our homes from potential damage. The warmer weather increases squirrel activity, leading to more frequent encounters with these agile creatures. Effective wildlife control becomes essential to prevent the unintended consequences of their natural behaviours, such as structural damage, fire hazards from chewed wires, and health risks from close quarters. 

At Skedaddle, we pride ourselves on being the trusted provider of humane and effective wildlife control in Mississauga. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of animal behaviour, guiding our development of strategies that respect both the wildlife we manage and the clients we serve. From expert exclusion techniques and strategic habitat modifications to employing humane one-way doors, our methods are designed to manage squirrel activity in summer efficiently and compassionately.

If you’re experiencing increased squirrel activity this summer and wondering how to get rid of squirrels while respecting their place in our ecosystem, look no further. Skedaddle is here to offer not just solutions but also peace of mind. Contact us today to request an estimate and learn more about how we can help you maintain a healthy, harmonious balance between human and wildlife occupants in your Mississauga home.