Vaughan Wildlife Control: Do Squirrels Eat Bark?

A lot of homeowners have complicated feelings about squirrels in their yards. While these bushy-tailed animals can be a lot of fun to watch, they are also a bit of a nuisance. For a lot of homeowners, having local squirrel residents also means finding chewed tree bark. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Vaughan, we strive to understand behaviours like this so that we can better assist homeowners with their wildlife problems.

Squirrels and Bark

The short answer to the above question is that yes, squirrels do eat bark. Typically, red, grey, fox and flying squirrels are the most interested in chewing tree bark. However, the reasons for them doing this are not always the same.

Why Do They Eat It?

There are a couple of reasons why a squirrel may go after your tree bark. The most common is that they chew is to get materials for their nests. As such, they aren’t necessarily eating the bark so much as chewing it off to use. Squirrels also like to access the sugars and other nutrients underneath the bark in the cambium layer of the tree. However, there are some circumstances in which the squirrels will eat the actual bark. They may also chew off small branches.

• Teeth Maintenance: Many animals use trees as a way to maintain their teeth. This is kind of like brushing teeth for squirrels.
• Sodium Intake: The tree sap is filled with sodium and other nutrients that squirrels need. If they don’t have a sufficiently nutritious food source, they may go after trees to satisfy this need.
• Food Shortages: Squirrels can eat pretty much anything. While they love things like nuts, fruits and seeds, they will do what it takes to survive. In some cases, this means eating some bark.

What Does Bark Chewing Mean for Your Home?

While you may not be that worried about the local squirrels’ needs, you may be concerned about your trees and your home. Squirrels chewing up bark can mean that your trees’ health will suffer. Therefore, if you notice this behaviour, you may want to do something about the problem promptly. Nest building in your area may mean that squirrels are taking advantage of your property to make their homes. This can include mating and birthing young. While you may not mind the occasional squirrel visitor, new residents on your property may be less exciting. One option to deal with the trees is to offer the squirrels better food. Of course, this will only make them come to your property more. Thus, if you want to get rid of them, you will need some squirrel removal help.

Getting Squirrel Removal in Vaughan

Never try to remove squirrels yourself. They can carry disease and can get defensive if cornered. They are best observed from a distance. Instead, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. We use proven methods that are not only kinder to the animals but also more effective than traditional techniques. We start by analyzing the problem and determining how the squirrels are accessing your home and why. Then, we remove any squirrels that may be nesting in your house or other property. We clean up the area to reduce the risk of disease spreading. Finally, we take steps to protect your home against squirrels and prevent them from coming back.

Schedule a Wildlife Control Appointment

Do you want to take on your squirrel problem? Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Vaughan today. We will help you by not only removing the squirrels but also defending your home against future infestations. When you want to make sure the job is done right, you contact us for a consultation and initial appointment.