As the snow begins to melt and the sun begins to shine, you may have noticed an increase in squirrel activity in your Anoka County neighborhood. These little animals are known for their energetic behavior and playful antics, but they can also become a nuisance if they start invading your home or garden.
In this blog article, our experts at Skedaddle explore the reasons behind the surge in springtime activity and provide some tips on how to get rid of squirrels if they become unwanted guests. From identifying nests to understanding their feeding habits, we’ll arm you with the knowledge you need to take back your outdoor space and keep your home safe from damage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for ways to keep your property free of these animals, this article is a must-read for anyone living in Anoka County and dealing with squirrel removal.
Squirrels in Spring: A Wildlife Control Expert’s Guide
When the chilly winter ends and the warmer spring days begin to beckon, these animals come out of their cozy nests to brave the great outdoors again. But why does this result in more visible squirrel activity?
The answer lies in biology and ecology. As the temperatures rise, so does the availability of food resources, prompting them to leave their nests in search of sustenance. Securing enough food ensures their survival and prepares them for the upcoming mating season which takes place in the spring. With the increase in food availability, these animals seem more active as they are feeding, mating, and preparing new shelters – all at the same time.
While food availability plays a significant role, it’s also crucial to understand their behavior to comprehend the surge in their activity. They are diurnal animals, which means they’re most active during the day. When the day lengthens in spring, they have more daylight hours to hunt for food, which consequently makes them more visible to us.
Moreover, squirrels are incredibly territorial. Once they’ve found a reliable food source, such as your bird feeder or fruit tree, they will often return to it repeatedly, becoming a more recurring presence in your garden.
The mating season, which typically begins in January and can continue until June, also significantly contributes to increased spring activity. Maturing squirrels are on the move, searching for mates and securing territory. Once mated, females initiate nest building to provide a safe space for their offspring. This flurry of activity, coupled with the birth of babies, altogether makes spring a high-traffic time for these agile mammals.
Safeguarding Your Property From Increased Squirrel Activity in Spring
Now that you understand why your local squirrels are so active during spring, let’s explore some methods you can implement to protect your home and yard. It’s paramount to remember that any measure you take should be humane and respectful of these intelligent animals. Here at Skedaddle, we advocate a compassionate approach, always bearing in mind that these animals are only trying to survive.
Remove Food Sources
The attraction of an easy meal often draws animals to our properties. Bird feeders, overflowing trash bins, fruit trees, and gardens full of vegetables can transform your backyard into a squirrel’s paradise. Reducing the availability of food can significantly deter these agile mammals from raiding your outdoor space.
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders: By investing in specially designed bird feeders that prevent them from gaining access, you can keep feeding your feathered friends without attracting the local squirrel population.
- Secure your trash bins: Make sure your trash bins are securely closed to prevent any squirrel from rummaging through your waste and finding a meal.
- Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables promptly: Remove the temptation by regularly harvesting ripe produce. This action diminishes the attraction of your garden to foraging squirrels.
Limit Potential Nesting Sites
Squirrels need a safe place to build their nests, and your property might offer some attractive options like attics, chimneys, or hollow trees. Keeping these potential nesting sites off-limits is key to making your property less attractive to them.
Addressing a Squirrel Infestation: Practical Tips for Homeowners
It’s quite normal to spot a squirrel or two scurrying around. However, a sudden surge in their population can indicate that your property has become their chosen breeding ground. In such scenarios, it’s crucial to take prompt action. Yet, it’s equally important to do it in a way that is considerate to the animals. So what can you do if your home in Anoka County becomes the favored home for these animals? Let’s guide you through some practical steps.
- Inspect Your Property For Signs of Infestation – Squirrels are professionals at staying out of sight, so physical sightings might not be enough to confirm their presence. Look out for signs that indicate they’ve moved in, like chewing or scratching noises, droppings, fallen debris from trees, or holes around the roofline or eaves of your house.
- Identify Potential Access Points – Next, you need to determine how these energetic fellows are entering your property. Common entry points include uncapped chimneys, unscreened vents, and gaps in your home’s exterior. They can even chew their way through certain materials, so it’s essential to remain vigilant and act promptly.
- Seal off Entry Points – Minimizing access can prevent them from entering your property. Material choice is critical when sealing off entrances. Ensure you use a durable material, such as metal, which these animals cannot chew through.
- Contact the Experts – While preventative measures are useful, the effective removal of squirrels requires an experienced hand. Wildlife removal professionals understand their behavior, are equipped with the right tools, and are trained to handle any situation that might arise.
Humane Squirrel Removal in Anoka County with Skedaddle
At Skedaddle, our primary focus is ensuring the humane and effective removal of squirrels from your property. We understand the nature of these agile animals and have the training to handle the challenges that come with removing them from your premises. We have professionals who specialize in urban wildlife control and can help you regain your peaceful lifestyle.
How We Operate
Our process is simple and efficient, providing peace of mind and leaving your property squirrel-free.
- Initial Inspection: Our expert technicians will first conduct a thorough inspection of your property to derive a clear understanding of the extent of the activity.
- Removal Process: Once we’ve identified all signs of activity, we move on to the removal phase. We pride ourselves on using humane removal techniques that prioritize the welfare of wildlife.
- Prevention Measures: After removing the squirrels, we put prevention measures in place to reduce the odds of future infestations.
- Post-Removal Services: We provide post-removal services such as cleaning and disinfection to ensure that your home is back in its pristine condition.
Benefits of Using Skedaddle
Several things set Skedaddle apart in the business of wildlife control:
- Experience: With over three decades of experience overseeing squirrel conflicts, we have honed our skills to provide you with exceptional service.
- Sustainability: We use environmentally friendly methods to safeguard the future of wildlife.
- Humane Methods: Our methods are always ethical, ensuring that we never harm animals in the removal process.
- Guaranteed Results: We’re not just about providing an immediate solution, but a long-term one. To prove our confidence, we offer our clients a lifetime guarantee on all our repair work.
No matter the extent of squirrel activity on your property, at Skedaddle, we are always ready to help. Spring is a time to enjoy the beauty of nature without the nuisance of squirrels. This spring, let us help you take back control of your outdoor space while ensuring the humane and safe removal of these animals at your Anoka County home.
To get started, contact us today for a consultation. Our team of experts who control wildlife is standing by to help you reclaim your property this spring.