It's Mating Season for Squirrels in Milwaukee!

Some people think squirrels are absolutely adorable, while others look at them as rats with fluffy tails. Whichever camp you fall into, one thing is for sure: No one wants squirrels in their home. As we head into mating season for these critters, it’s a good idea to learn the basic facts about squirrels and squirrel removal in Milwaukee.

When Is Squirrel Mating Season?

Humans aren’t the only ones who can get amorous in February, but for squirrels, it’s more toward the end of the month rather than the 14th. Once mating season begins, it can go all the way to May, as squirrels typically have two litters a year. You’ll know it’s on because when the females start giving off a scent indicating they are ready to mate, the male squirrels begin to race after them, as well as to chase off the competition. The males also display an interesting behavior of slapping the bark of trees with their paws, making a loud noise. Once a pair has mated, the male goes off and the female will not mate with him again. Male squirrels do not play a part in the raising of the offspring.

Where Do Squirrels Nest?

Squirrels typically nest in trees, often building their home in high forks or using existing cavities in the tree. However, they also are known to nest in people’s houses, particularly in attics. Not only are these rooms up high where the rodents prefer to be, but they’re also usually warm and dry, as well as safe from predators. Often, you don’t see the squirrels or their nest at first; instead, you may notice noises coming from the roof or walls, droppings in your attic, or chew marks along your roof.

When Are the Babies Born?

Depending on the species, the gestation period can last anywhere from four to eight weeks. The bigger the species, the longer the gestation — for gray squirrels, it’s around eight weeks. The first litter is typically born at the end of spring and the second one around the end of summer. Litters can contain as few as two babies, called kittens, up to five or six little ones. They are hairless and just an inch long when born, and will depend on their mothers for a couple of months.

What if a Squirrel Nests in My House?

While some kind-hearted souls may be tempted to just let nesting squirrels stay, at least until the babies are born and they leave on their own, this is not a good idea. Squirrels can chew wiring and cause other damage to your home. Because of the way their teeth keep growing, they have to chew constantly. Juvenile squirrels in particular can also get stuck places, dying and causing a foul odor. If a squirrel has decided to build a nest in your house, it’s important to get it out before it gives birth to a litter, if possible.

Do You Need a Professional for Squirrel Removal in Milwaukee?

It’s best to have professionals remove squirrels from your home. As cute as these critters can be, they carry fleas and ticks, which, in turn, can carry diseases. You want to make sure you are not in a position to get bitten by a squirrel, and you also don’t want their parasites jumping on you as you try to get the nest itself out. Give Skedadle Humane Wildlife Control a call to find out how we can help you get those squirrels scampering out of your house. Our professionals can remove the animals in a way that is safe for you and them, as well as help you with squirrel-proofing so they can’t come back.