Large Nests in Your Trees? Those Are From Squirrels!

  Is that a birds nest you spy in that tree on your property or is that the handy-work of a squirrel? This is a common question that follows after sighting a clump of leaves in a tree. Many people actually mistakenly identify squirrels’ nests as birds’ nests thereby missing out on the opportunity to solve a budding wildlife problem. Prompt recognition of these nests will go a long way in ensuring that squirrel control measures are applied in a timely manner to ensure that Milwaukee properties are safe from intrusion.

A Closer Look at Squirrels’ Nests

It is easy for the untrained eye to wrongly identify a squirrel’s nest for a bird’s nest. First of all very few people expect that squirrels’ build their nests in trees. Most people assume that squirrels nest inside of the trees or underground. It is true that some squirrels build their nests in holes underground but many squirrel species prefer to build dreys in the trees high above the ground. Their favorite trees for building nests are the poplar, hickory, oak and beech which provide the foragers with a wonderful buffet of tasty meals. To build their nests in trees, squirrels weave twigs and leaves together. When squirrels build their nests in trees they choose spots where several branches converge or at existing holes in the tree. The nests begin with interwoven twigs which are then laced with leaves and topped with another layer of interwoven twigs. Tree dens offer squirrels the advantage of added protection from the elements.

Challenges Squirrels Bring to Property Owners

While squirrels bring nothing but joy to some people (especially those who enjoy watching their shenanigans), they frustrate others. They are notorious for raiding birdfeeders and gardens. Bird feeders provide squirrels with delicious nuts and seeds and despite the many efforts to keep them away (including elevating the feeders or changing the design) they always seem to find a way to get what they want. Gardens or other cultivated areas that boast plant buds, seedlings, fruits, and berries are often raided by squirrels as a part of their foraging activities. If squirrels get inside the home they can wreak havoc. They damage the building by chewing on anything their teeth can manage and this could lead to very expensive repair bills. They chew on electrical wiring, creating a potential fire hazard. In many homes with a squirrel intrusion, insulation and siding suffer from damage.

Keeping Squirrels Away

Squirrels are very crafty and will look to find any possible entrance into your home. It never hurts to complete regular walkarounds of your property to search for any such openings. Rotting wood around your roof will begin to deteriorate, leaving open holes. Vents which are not properly covered can also allow squirrels into your home. If you notice any such areas around your home, have an expert squirrel control company come out to install humane exclusion methods. Squirrels are very determined foragers, which is why sometimes all efforts to control them fail. When this happens you need the help of experts. You need trained and experienced wildlife experts who are familiar with the behavior of the animals and can apply effective humane squirrel control methods to rid your Milwaukee property of the animals.