Grey squirrels are a common sight in many areas, known for their bushy tails and agile movements. These creatures can live up to six years in the wild, though their lifespan is often shorter due to various environmental factors. 

One interesting fact about grey squirrels is that they do not mate for life. Instead, they have multiple mates and typically breed twice a year. Understanding these facts about grey squirrels is crucial for anyone dealing with wildlife in their area. If you’re noticing an increase in squirrel activity around your home, it’s essential to address the issue promptly. 

Skedaddle’s professional wildlife removal services can provide reliable and humane solutions to manage and mitigate the presence of grey squirrels effectively. By seeking our expert help, you ensure the safety of both your property and the local wildlife.

Facts About Grey Squirrels

Grey squirrels are known for their bushy tails and agile movements. These adaptable creatures have found ways to thrive in urban and suburban environments, making them a common presence in many backyards. Understanding their habits and behaviours can help homeowners appreciate these animals while also recognizing potential issues they may cause.

Grey squirrels are part of the rodent family and are native to North America. They have a keen sense of smell and excellent eyesight, which helps them find food and avoid predators. Their diet mainly consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and fungi, but they have been known to eat bird eggs and even small insects.

Despite their cute appearance, grey squirrels can cause significant damage to homes and gardens. They have strong teeth that can chew through wood, vinyl, and even metal. This chewing behaviour can lead to structural damage and create entry points for other pests.

Unique Characteristics of Grey Squirrels

Grey squirrels have several unique characteristics that set them apart from other wildlife. One of the most notable is their ability to climb trees with ease. Their sharp claws and strong hind legs allow them to maneuver through branches effortlessly, making them excellent climbers.

Another interesting trait is their communication methods. Grey squirrels use a combination of vocalizations and tail movements to communicate with each other. They make a variety of sounds, including warning calls, mating calls, and distress signals. Their tails serve as a signal flag, helping them convey messages to other squirrels.

Grey squirrels are also known for their impressive memory. They have the ability to remember the locations of hundreds of food caches. This skill is crucial for their survival, especially during the winter months when food is scarce. They use landmarks and scent markers to locate their hidden food stores.

Do Grey Squirrels Mate For Life?

When it comes to mating, grey squirrels do not mate for life. Instead, they have a more opportunistic breeding strategy. Female grey squirrels can mate with multiple males during the breeding season, which occurs twice a year—once in late winter and again in mid-summer.

After mating, the female will build a nest, known as a drey, high up in the trees. She will give birth to a litter of two to eight young, which she will care for until they are old enough to fend for themselves. The mother squirrel is very protective of her young and will defend her nest against potential threats.

Male grey squirrels, on the other hand, do not participate in raising the young. Once the mating process is complete, they move on and do not form lasting bonds with the female or the offspring. This behaviour ensures that the strongest genes are passed on to the next generation.

How Long Do Grey Squirrels Live?

The lifespan of grey squirrels can vary depending on several factors, including predation, food availability, and environmental conditions. In the wild, grey squirrels typically live up to six years, although some individuals have been known to reach 12 years of age. In urban and suburban areas, their lifespan can be shorter due to increased risks from cars, predators, and human activity.

Young grey squirrels face numerous challenges during their early months of life. Predators such as hawks, owls, and snakes pose significant threats to their survival. Additionally, harsh weather conditions and competition for food can impact their chances of reaching adulthood.

Once they reach adulthood, grey squirrels continue to face dangers, but their ingenuity and adaptability help them thrive in various environments. Their ability to store food for the winter and their keen senses play crucial roles in their survival.

Why Grey Squirrels Enter Homes

Grey squirrels are resourceful animals that seek shelter and food wherever they can find it. Unfortunately, this often leads them to enter homes, attics, and crawl spaces. There are several reasons why grey squirrels may choose to invade your home.

One primary reason is the search for a safe and warm nesting site. Attics and crawl spaces provide an ideal environment for squirrels to build their nests, especially during the colder months. These areas offer protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.

Another reason is the availability of food. Bird feeders, pet food, and unsecured trash cans can attract squirrels to your property. Once they find a reliable food source, they may attempt to access your home to store their finds.

Lastly, they may enter homes in search of shelter during extreme weather events such as storms or heavy rain. Their natural instinct is to seek refuge in a safe and dry place, and your home may provide the perfect solution.

The Risks of DIY Squirrel Removal

When faced with a squirrel invasion, some homeowners may consider attempting DIY removal methods. However, this approach can be risky and ineffective. Grey squirrels are agile and intelligent animals, making them challenging to capture and remove without professional assistance.

Attempting to handle the situation on your own can lead to several issues. First, DIY methods may not address the root cause of the problem, allowing squirrels to return. Second, improper handling of wildlife can result in injuries to both the homeowner and the animal. Lastly, DIY removal often lacks the humane practices necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the squirrels.

For these reasons, it is always best to seek the help of professional wildlife removal services like Skedaddle. Our experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools to handle squirrel invasions effectively and humanely.

Skedaddle’s Humane Approach to Wildlife Removal

At Skedaddle, we pride ourselves on our commitment to humane wildlife removal practices. Our goal is to resolve wildlife conflicts in a manner that prioritizes the safety and well-being of both the animals and our clients. We understand the importance of coexisting with wildlife and aim to provide solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your property to identify entry points and assess the extent of the infestation. Once we have a clear understanding of the situation, we develop a customized removal plan tailored to your specific needs.

Our removal techniques focus on humane methods such as one-way doors and exclusion devices. These tools allow squirrels to exit your home but prevent them from re-entering. After the removal is complete, we take steps to seal entry points and provide recommendations for preventing future infestations.

Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Removal

Choosing Skedaddle for your squirrel removal needs offers several benefits. First and foremost, our expertise ensures that the removal process is handled efficiently and effectively. Our team is trained to deal with various wildlife situations, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

Additionally, our humane approach reflects our commitment to ethical practices. We prioritize the well-being of the animals we handle, ensuring that they are treated with care and respect throughout the removal process.

Finally, our comprehensive service includes not only removal but also prevention. By sealing entry points and providing advice on deterring squirrels from your property, we help prevent future infestations and protect your home from further damage.

Ready for Professional Help?

Grey squirrels are fascinating creatures that play an important role in our ecosystem. However, when they invade homes, they can cause significant damage and inconvenience. Understanding their behaviours and taking preventive measures can help homeowners coexist with these animals while protecting their properties.

When dealing with a squirrel infestation, it is always best to seek professional help. Skedaddle’s humane removal practices and comprehensive service make us the top choice for resolving wildlife conflicts. Our team of experts is here to ensure that your home is squirrel-free and protected from future invasions.

Don’t wait until the problem becomes unmanageable. Contact Skedaddle today and experience the peace of mind that comes with professional wildlife removal.