Where Do Squirrels Sleep During Winter?

Squirrels, like other mammals, want a warm dwelling to inhabit throughout winter. Where a squirrel sleeps is determined by the species because each has particular nesting instincts. When the season begins to change, these animals prepare to ride out the extreme conditions with activities such as food storage and den building. They also begin to fatten up because the extra pounds are needed to protect them from the cold. Squirrels are important little animals that play a big role in the process of forest regeneration. However, when they make their home in your attic, it is time to call on squirrel removal in Madison to implement humane wildlife control measures.

Do Squirrels Hibernate?

No. Most squirrel species do not hibernate, but they try to avoid being out in the cold. It’s true that they become increasingly inactive as winter sets in and primarily leave their nests to get food from their many caches. Squirrels are quite clever and industrious and use scatter-hoarding to spread out their stored food, so competitors won’t easily find their provisions. Squirrels will engage in nest building before winter arrives. A cavity den provides the protection and warmth they need to survive. The extra fat layers help them maintain plenty of energy reserves.

Why Do Squirrels Like To Den in Homes?

While squirrels are quite capable of building adequately warm nests, they will not turn down the invitation of a toasty attic. Their instinct is to find a suitable dwelling place that is easy to enter and away from the reach of predators. An attic space with plenty of entry points and numerous nest-building materials is a great place to sleep away the winter months. In fact, it could prove to be so cozy that a squirrel will decide to start a family there come spring.

What Types of Damage Do Squirrels Cause?

Squirrels have some amazing survival skills. Their ability to smell buried food under a foot of snow is remarkable. Another interesting thing is their front teeth never stop growing. These cool characteristics that are beneficial in the wild also make squirrels unfavorable houseguests. They love to make nests in soft materials. If you have clothing, bedding or even books stored in the attic, squirrels use these materials to make cozy resting places. To control the growth of their teeth and keep them sharp, they will chew on almost any materials inside your home, including electrical wires. This poses a serious safety issue, so it is important to use exclusion techniques to keep them away.

How to Tell If You Have a Rodent Problem

If you hear scratching in the walls, notice chewing sounds or see nests of paper, wood, leaves or other materials, it’s likely you have a rodent problem. You may also notice staining from urine or see waste droppings. This is the time to call the experts in humane squirrel removal in Madison.

Why Is Expert Humane Wildlife Control the Best Solution?

DIY solutions are typically harmful and traumatic experiences for wildlife. If animals are not removed carefully or are separated from their young, whole families are affected. This has the potential to harm local ecosystems because of the important jobs that animals do on a daily basis.

Call on the Professionals in Madison

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Madison, we are the specialists you need for humane wildlife control and removal. We are committed to the protection of animals and the health of the environment. Please contact us today to learn more about our services.