Backyard Squirrels in Milwaukee: Part 1

Squirrels may be cuter and more attractive than most rodents, but they certainly rank right up there with the peskiest ones.  Wisconsin residents know all too well, the mischief that these little critters bring having had to deal with all of five tree squirrel species that frequent the state (the Gray Squirrel, The Fox Squirrel, the Red Squirrel and two species of flying squirrel- Northern and Southern). [caption id="attachment_15323" align="aligncenter" width="350"] It takes anywhere from 8 - 10 weeks for baby squirrels to grow enough to leave the den site.[/caption]

The Gray squirrel Basics

As the name indicates, this squirrel’s coat is typically a shade of gray with variations stretching between black and white. The adult version of this rodent is usually about 18-21 inches long. They are very popular, making appearances in both urban and rural areas with a preference for woodlands that provide an ample supply of their favorite food - acorns and nuts.

Habits of the Gray squirrel

The gray squirrel is usually a loner, but it is not unusual to find two or more mothers sharing a den during the cold season. This means that if you spot one squirrel on your property (especially on the inside) there’s possibly others as well. This squirrel prefers to settle into its nest for most of the day, coming out to forage and frolic in the early morning and late afternoon. Even though this squirrel is an acorn and nuts lover that doesn’t stop it from encroaching on human-occupied territory to forage for food. In fact, they forage at will or as they need to, assuming there is a steady source of food available.This accounts for their presence in many Milwaukee backyards and countless assaults on bird feeders.

Dealing with Squirrels - How to Cope

The key to dealing with squirrels lies in decoding their habits.  For instance, if squirrels keep raiding your bird feeder, you may want to find a way to mount it so that they cannot gain access to it. Since tree squirrels can glide, it may be a good idea to ensure that the bird feeder is mounted at greater distances from potential launching points. That way the birds still get to the feed but the squirrels struggle to do so. [caption id="attachment_15324" align="alignnone" width="350"] Roof vents are one of the main targets for squirrels, they are easy to get into and squirrels don't require a large opening to get into your attic.[/caption] But they will find other ways to get to your precious bird seeds (they are proficient jumpers and have specially designed tails that allow them to launch to amazing heights), or they may turn their attention to other areas such as your garbage or the stash of bird feed in your garage. Once squirrels find a foraging haven in your home, they will habitually return and the little critters are so sneaky and cunning that they elude most DIY attempts to capture or deter them. At this point, your hope for rescue lies in the best service for animal control Milwaukee has to offer.

Dealing with Squirrels Professionally

To effectively deal with a squirrel problem though, you really do need the assistance of experts. Thankfully, when it comes to animal control, Milwaukee has at its disposal a team of experts at Skedaddle who are trained and experienced in the art of squirrel removal and exclusion strategies. Skedaddle’s animal control technicians know the squirrel population of Milwaukee, including the gray squirrel, very well. They are able to use their knowledge of the animals along with their years of experience to remove any squirrel that may have taken up residence in your home. If you are proactive as you should be, and want to take steps to prevent a squirrel invasion before it occurs then we also have the perfect service for you. Contact Skedaddle today to ensure your home remains squirrel free. Jump to: Backyard Squirrels in Milwaukee Continued: Part 2