If you live in Pasadena and are dealing with pesky squirrels on your property, you’re not alone. These furry creatures have a habit of making themselves at home in our attics, gardens, and even our garbage cans. As the cold season approaches, it’s important to understand the habits and behaviors of these rodents so that you can effectively remove them from your property.
This blog post takes a closer look at the winter habits of squirrels, exploring their nesting behaviors, food sources, and movement patterns during colder months. We’ll also provide some useful tips on how to get rid of squirrels, including DIY solutions and professional squirrel removal services in Pasadena. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of these fascinating creatures and be well-equipped to deal with any wildlife issues in your neighborhood.
Understanding Squirrels: A Closer Look At Their Behavior In Winter
During winter, squirrels are all about survival. As the temperature drops and food become scarcer, they will resort to some interesting behaviors to get by.
Winter Homes
One major concern is finding a suitable home. Many people notice an increase in wildlife activities around their homes during the colder months. This is not a coincidence. Squirrels have a sharp eye for warm, enclosed spaces like attics or sheds, where they can make a cozy home for the winter. The problem? This can lead to serious property damage if left unchecked.
Feasting Before Freezing
Food is another major concern in winter. Throughout the fall, squirrels are remarkably busy creatures. They gather and store nuts, seeds, and other tasty morsels to see them through the winter months. This stored food will be a lifesaver when snow blankets the ground and food is hard to come by. But be aware, they are not shy about rummaging through garbage cans or bird feeders when desperate.
Hibernation: Fact Or Fiction?
Here’s a fun fact that might surprise you: squirrels do not hibernate. While it’s a common misconception, the truth is that they remain somewhat active throughout the winter. True, their energy levels and outdoor activities do diminish due to colder temperatures, shorter days, and scarce food supply. But, instead of going into complete hibernation, squirrels spend the chilly months in a state of torpor.
Now, if you’re wondering what torpor is, it’s a way for animals to conserve energy when the going gets tough. During these rest periods, a squirrel’s body temperature drops, and its heart rate slows down considerably. But don’t be fooled, it’s not the same as hibernation. Why? Because they can easily wake from this state if they need to search for food.
The Cycle of Torpor: A Temporary Hibernation
Different squirrels have different cycles of torpor. While some might experience torpor only for a few hours, others might stay in this state for several days. The thing is, unlike hibernation, which lasts an entire winter, torpor is more like temporary hibernation. It depends on the severity of the weather and the availability of stored food. Once the weather warms up a bit, or if the squirrel’s internal food clock alarms, they snap out of torpor and get back to work.
This ability significantly sets them apart. Their adaptability enables them to bear freezing temperatures without needing to sleep away during the winter season. It’s another reason why they can become a perennial issue for homeowners. Squirrels are never truly gone – they are always thinking about their next meal or ideal nesting place.
Not All Squirrels Are the Same: A Peek Into Their Winter Behavior
It’s also important to note that not all squirrels exhibit the same behaviors. Ground squirrels, for instance, are more likely to enter prolonged periods of torpor compared to tree squirrels. This is because ground squirrels live in burrows, which provide better insulation and protection from predators. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, are better adapted for activity throughout the colder months, thanks to their thick fur.
In short, while these rodents don’t technically hibernate, they sure know how to weather a cold winter. Understanding these behaviors helps us comprehend the challenges and nuisances they can pose.
Preventing Infestations: Tips And Tricks For Homeowners
It’s no secret that squirrels can be cute little visitors in your garden or even an occasional guest at your bird feeder. However, when they take the step from casual visitors to permanent residents at your expense, it’s time to take action. In this section, we will look at some practical ways for homeowners to prevent a wildlife infestation and the necessity of a call to the pros for wildlife control.
Sealing Entry Points: The First Line of Defense
If your aim is to prevent squirrels from invading your home, your first task is to block their potential points of entry. They can squeeze into surprisingly small spaces. Even places that look impenetrable to you might just be a door wide open for them. Therefore, carrying out a detailed inspection around your homes for any gaps or cracks, especially around vents, windows, and eaves is paramount. Once identified, seal them up using heavy-duty materials.
Keeping Your Garden Less Attractive
One indirect way of discouraging squirrels is to make your garden less appealing to them. Squirrels, like us, are attracted to places where meals are readily available. Avoid feeding them or leaving food for other wildlife in your garden, including bird feed. Use squirrel baffles for bird feeders and store your pet food indoors.
Trimming Overhanging Branches
Did you know a tree branch could serve as a bridge for squirrels to your house? Trimming branches that overhang and provide easy access to your roof or windows will help curb their mobility and keep them at bay.
Regular Maintenance and Home Inspections
Regular home maintenance and timely inspections are key to keeping wildlife out. Keep your home’s conditions unfavorable for rodents. Clearing out old junk where they may hide, ensuring your home’s insulation is intact, and checking for signs of infestation frequently can make all the difference.
Everyone loves observing playful squirrels from a distance, but when it comes to a potential infestation, it’s essential to be proactive in keeping these charming yet intrusive animals out of your home.
When To Call The Pros At Skedaddle For Wildlife Removal In Pasadena
When squirrels turn your attic into their cozy home, they can cause substantial damage. From chewing through wiring, leading to potential electrical hazards, to tearing up insulation, affecting energy efficiency, the furry intruders are more than just a nuisance.
Moreover, they can carry ticks, fleas, and other parasites into your house, posing health risks. Handling wild animals can also expose you to diseases, such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and even rabies. Therefore, it’s generally not advised to attempt wildlife removal on your own.
Skedaddle: Expertise Matters
That’s where Skedaddle comes in. Our wildlife control specialists possess the knowledge and skills needed to resolve infestations the right way. We abide by humane and environmentally friendly methods to deal with them. Here’s how we can help:
- Thorough Inspection: We inspect your property meticulously, identifying all access points and their nesting sites.
- Effective Removal: We safely and humanely remove all squirrels and their babies, ensuring no animal is left behind.
- Complete Exclusion: We seal all entry points and make necessary modifications to prevent future infestations.
- Clean-up and Decontamination: We clean up the mess left behind, sanitize the area, and restore it as closely to its original state as possible.
At Skedaddle Wildlife Control, the safety and satisfaction of our clients are our topmost priorities. Trust us to handle your wildlife problems with precision, ensuring a peaceful co-existence with Pasadena’s wildlife.
If you’ve noticed signs of squirrel activity like gnawing noises, scratching sounds, or damage to your home’s exterior, it’s time to call in the professionals. When it comes to your property’s integrity and your family’s health, you can’t afford to wait.
Don’t let wildlife turn your home into their winter resort! Contact Skedaddle today for expert squirrel removal in Pasadena.
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