Our comprehensive 50 point home inspection is designed to determine squirrel entry points and home damage. The attic is a common den site for squirrels where they gain accessing by chewing holes or slipping in between building materials. We then use hands-on removal techniques to humanely evict the squirrels.
Squirrels are notorious for creating large, messy nests within their den site and causing damage through chewing. Skedaddle will thoroughly clear away any nesting material and debris from the den and clean up the mess left behind. We can also replace soiled insulation and damaged ductwork if required.
Our final step is making sure your home is protected, not only against the current intruders, but all the other squirrels in your neighbourhood. To keep them out we will secure the entry points we identified, as well any other potential vulnerabilities.
The two most common squirrel species in Ottawa are the gray squirrel and the red squirrel. Both of these rodents live in trees but have become quite adjusted to urban life. They are agile animals, with back legs that are double-jointed, allowing them to maneuver easily through tree branches. They are adept at finding their way into homes, using their teeth to chew through soffits, fascia and roofing tiles. Squirrels are clever. They understand that your attic provides a great location to build their nest. Unfortunately, once inside, they can cause significant damage and create health hazards. For help evicting squirrels from your home, enlist the services of our squirrel removal expert team in Ottawa.
These scampering rodents have a number of adaptations that help them survive the cold Ottawa winters. They do not hibernate, but their activity is greatly reduced. Instead, they enter into a related state called torpor. This state produces similar biological effects, but its duration is shorter. In torpor, squirrel metabolism slows way down, body temperature drops and heart rate lowers, all of which helps to conserve energy and reduce the need for calories.
If temperatures rise above freezing, squirrels awaken and head out in search of the food they’ve stashed during the warmer months. They know where to find their stores through a process called spatial chunking, where they bury similar types of items in similar locations. Squirrels prefer to build their winter nests in sheltered places, such as in tree cavities or your attic. These critters can do a lot of damage to wiring, insulation and storage boxes, all of which are good materials for squirrel nests.
Squirrels are not aggressive, and the chances that one will bite you are slim unless you attempt to handle them. They do not carry rabies, but they can transmit other diseases, most often through their feces and urine. Effective wildlife control measures for squirrels include safe and humane removal, proper cleaning and clearing of contaminated areas and exclusionary measures to prevent future visitors.
FACT:
Squirrels are rodents and, as such, their teeth never stop growing. They have a consistent need to chew hard surfaces to keep their teeth in good shape. Unfortunately, this can lead to a lot of structural damage to your home.
FACT:
The placement of squirrels’ eyes gives them a wide viewing range, and their peripheral vision is as keen as their front field of view. This trait allows them to see approaching predators or humans who are trying to sneak up on them.
FACT:
Unlike eastern grey squirrels that scatter-hoard their food in different locations, red squirrels are consider larder-hoarders meaning they stash their food in a central location. Conifer seeds, like those found in pine cones form the basis of their winter diet.
FACT:
Eastern grey squirrels are not particularly territorial when it comes to other squirrels. In urban areas their home ranges overlap and they will often share food sources and den sites.
FACT:
There are two species of flying squirrels in Ontario, the northern and southern flying squirrels. Their ranges overlap in the Ottawa area and both can be found in the region. Flying squirrels actually glide instead of fly. The only mammals that can truly fly are bats.
How Do Squirrels Stay Active In The Winter?
How Do Squirrels Survive Winter?
Are Squirrels The Most Intelligent Rodent?
Second Squirrel Litters: When Do They Arrive?
Red Squirrels: The Most Notorious Invaders