In this blog post, we will take a closer look at squirrel behaviour patterns in the snow and discuss how this impacts squirrel removal in Ottawa. Additionally, we will provide some helpful tips on how to get rid of squirrels and prevent them from making your home their winter sanctuary. Understanding the behaviour of squirrels in winter is the first step in successful wildlife removal. So, let’s dive in and learn more about our bushy-tailed neighbours.
Squirrels are notorious climbers and chewers, and when winter comes, they frequently seek refuge indoors where it is warm. For homeowners in Ottawa, this can lead to significant problems as these furry rodents can cause damage to walls, roofs, and electrical wiring. As snow covers the ground, it can be difficult to spot the signs of a squirrel infestation. In this blog post, we will explore squirrel behaviour patterns in the snow and discuss proven methods for squirrel removal in Ottawa.
By understanding squirrel habits during the winter months, you can take the necessary steps to ensure your home remains safe and secure. So, if you’re wondering how to get rid of squirrels in your attic, this is the post for you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about squirrel removal.
Snowy Hideouts: Where Squirrels Seek Shelter During Winter
Squirrels are not fans of the cold, which is why they often seek out warm, protected spaces during the harsh Ottawa winters. Common places they may use as their winter hideouts include tree cavities and underground burrows. If these are not readily available, they may turn their attention to your home, using spaces like attics, walls, crawlspaces, and chimneys for nesting.
Tree Cavities
Squirrels will often choose tree cavities for their winter hideouts. These naturally occurring holes in trees provide excellent protection from weather elements and predators. They are already insulated with the tree’s wood and often have a small entrance that keeps the cold air from penetrating. If a squirrel has established a den inside a tree cavity, it can be very difficult to evict, as these hideouts are often quite high up and hard to reach.
Underground burrows
Surprisingly, some species of squirrels, such as ground squirrels, will dig and live in underground burrows. These burrows can be quite complex, with multiple entrances and tunnels for easy escape from predators. During the winter, they will often block the entrances with looser soil or leaves, which act as insulation to keep the frost out.
Squirrels in Your Home
Squirrels are opportunistic animals and will take advantage of any hideout that provides warmth and protection from predators. If your attic or walls have small gaps or holes, squirrels can easily chew through these areas and build nests inside your home. This can lead to severe property damage, and potentially a fire risk if they chew on electrical wires. It is crucial to ensure all potential entry points are adequately sealed or covered.
Remember, squirrels are quick, and they are excellent at hiding, especially in the snow. Successfully evicting them requires a good understanding of their behaviour patterns and a strategic approach.
Squirrel-Proofing Your Property: Effective Measures for Snowy Seasons
When it comes to squirrel-proofing your property, proactive measures are always better than reactive ones. Once the squirrels find their way into your home, it may be challenging to get them out. However, with some preventive actions, you can make your home less inviting to these agile rodents.
Sealing Entry Points
The first step in squirrel-proofing your home is identifying and sealing off all potential points of entry. This can include gaps in the siding, openings around pipes and vents, and holes in the roof or eaves. Don’t disregard even smaller openings – squirrels can fit through surprisingly little spaces!
Effective sealing can involve various materials, including metal flashing, wire mesh, or even durable hardware cloth to prevent the squirrels from chewing through. Keep in mind that routine inspections are essential to ensure new openings do not present themselves over time.
Trimming Overhanging Branches
Squirrels are excellent climbers and often use overhanging tree branches as a bridge to reach your home. Trimming these branches can reduce squirrel access to your roof, so make sure there’s at least a 6-8-foot gap between any tree branches and your house.
Using Squirrel Repellents
There are various squirrel repellents available, which work by creating an unpleasant odour or taste that discourages squirrels from approaching or chewing on treated areas. These can be an effective additional line of defence when used along with physical preventive measures. Remember to use these products responsibly to prevent any harm to the local wildlife or your pets.
Limit Access to Food Sources
Squirrels are primarily attracted to readily accessible food sources. By ensuring all potential food sources – such as bird seeds, pet food or organic waste – are properly stored and secured, you make your property less enticing. It’s also a good practice to clean up fallen fruits or nuts from trees in your yard, as they can act as a squirrel magnet.
Install Squirrel Baffles
If you have bird feeders or similar structures that might attract squirrels, consider installing a squirrel baffle. This is a device that can be attached to the pole of a bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up. It’s a simple, humane, and quite effective way to keep squirrels at bay.
Please note: In some regions, it’s illegal to trap and relocate wildlife without a license, including squirrels. Always check local regulations prior to committing to DIY wildlife removal, and consider seeking professional assistance instead.
The Importance of Timely Action
Observing and intervening in squirrel behaviour early on can make a significant difference. Squirrels can cause extensive damage if they manage to infiltrate your home, chewing through wires, insulation, and wooden structures. Beyond the physical damage, they carry various parasites and diseases that can pose health risks to humans and pets.
Therefore, adopting a proactive approach and implementing the above measures before the snow starts to fall can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Remember, proofing your home against squirrels doesn’t just safeguard your property; it also contributes to the well-being of your local wildlife by encouraging squirrels to remain in their natural habitat.
Working with Professionals: Hiring Skedaddle’s Services for Squirrel Removal in Ottawa
Engaging our professional squirrel removal services in Ottawa is often the most reliable method to tackle a squirrel infestation, especially in the winter season. Our professionals are trained in handling such situations and can manage squirrels in a safe and humane way, ensuring minimal intervention in their life cycle and the local wildlife.
Experience and Expertise
Our experts understand the behavioural patterns of squirrels, their nesting habits, and the strategies they use to access shelter. With their intimate knowledge of squirrel behaviour, they can assess the situation quickly and devise an effective approach to remove the squirrels from your property.
Safety
Squirrels can become quite aggressive if cornered or threatened, posing a risk of bites or scratches. Our professionals are equipped with the right protective gear and handling techniques to deal with these situations, decreasing the risk of harm to both you and the animal. Additionally, we ensure the removal process is conducted under humane conditions, adhering to Ottawa’s wildlife regulations.
A Humane and Safe Solution to Your Squirrel Problem
As winter sets in, squirrels may turn toward your home for shelter which might lead to an array of problems. Don’t let your property fall victim to these unwanted guests. Act now and protect your home by partnering with Skedaddle, the leader in wildlife removal in Ottawa. We promise you a safe and humane approach to resolving your squirrel concern. So why wait until the snow piles up? Contact us today and let us take care of removing the squirrels burdening your snowy days.
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