What are Red Squirrels?
Red squirrels are less commonly found in Ottawa as compared with their gray squirrel cousins and can be distinguished by their reddish fur and smaller size. They’re diet consists primarily of seeds found in conifer trees and that means that tend live in areas of the city with dense concentrations of coniferous, or evergreen trees. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has been serving the greater Ottawa region since 1993 and in recent years we have noticed a distinct increase in customer calls related to red squirrels. They seem to be popping up in areas of the city where they weren’t before and in places without dense coniferous forest. It’s as though red squirrels, like many urban wildlife species, have adapted and changed their diets in order to expand their range.
Getting Rid of Red Squirrels
Dealing with red squirrels is often more difficult than solving a gray squirrel infestation. Red squirrels are similar in size to chipmunks and are able to tuck into much smaller holes and gaps and often leave behind little chewing evidence. Once inside the attic, red squirrels use the space to store the pine cones that form the basis of their diet. They can also do extensive damage to insulation, vapour barriers and electrical wiring.
