Navigating Nature’s Acrobats: Understanding and Managing Squirrel Infestation

Introduction

Squirrels, with their nimble antics and bushy tails, are a common sight in many urban and suburban landscapes. While their playful behavior and acrobatics can be entertaining, squirrel infestations can bring about their share of challenges. Identifying the signs of a squirrel problem is essential for effective management. In this article, we’ll delve into the characteristics of squirrels, their behaviors, potential issues they can cause, and methods for control using live animal traps and suitable bait options.

Squirrel Facts and Characteristics of Adult Squirrels

Squirrels, belonging to various species, share traits such as sharp claws, strong teeth, and a keen ability to climb. They are agile creatures with a fondness for trees and a tendency to scurry along branches and power lines.

Diet of Squirrels

Squirrels are primarily herbivores, consuming a diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. Their foraging habits can lead them into yards and gardens.

Habitat and Behavior of Squirrels

Squirrels are versatile determined animals that adapt well to urban environments. They build nests, called dreys, in tree branches and seek shelter and gain entry in house attics or crawl spaces. Squirrels are diurnal creatures, active during daylight hours but not at night.

Potential Issues Caused by Squirrels

Squirrel infestations can result in various problems:

1. Structural Damage: Squirrels as pests might gnaw on wood, insulation, and wires, potentially causing fires or damage to structures.
2. Garden Disruption: Foraging squirrels can raid bird feeders, dig up flower bulbs, and strip trees of fruits and nuts.
3. Noise and Nuisance: Squirrels nesting in attics or walls can generate scratching and gnawing or chewing noises, creating disturbances.

Detecting Squirrel Presence

Recognizing squirrel activity requires attentive observation:

1.     Droppings: Adult squirrel’s feces are small and elongated, often found near nests or feeding areas.
2.     Gnaw Marks: Look for chewed openings in wood (entry point), plastic, or wires, indicating squirrel damage activity.
3.     Nest Sites: Notice squirrels living in trees, their natural habitat, or hidden in the house attic spaces, house wall cavities, often built with leaves, twigs, and other materials.
4. Sounds: Hearing strange sounds in your house may indicate squirrel activity.

Effective Squirrel Control: Traps and Baits

Sherman Trap # 5515AHD for Squirrel Live Capture

When addressing a squirrel infestation, using appropriate methods is crucial:

1.     Traps: Employ live capture traps designed to catch squirrels. Place them near nest sites, entry points, or areas with signs of activity. With live capture, you can remove squirrels from residential property and relocate them in the wild in non-residential areas.

2.     Baits: Choose bait options that squirrels find tempting:

• Nuts and Seeds: Squirrels are naturally attracted to and will eat nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
• Peanut Butter: Its strong scent and texture can be appealing to squirrels.

Preventing Future Encounters with Squirrels

After effectively managing a squirrel presence, take preventive measures:

1. Securing Entry Points: Seal gaps, holes, and openings that squirrels could use to access your home.
2. Prune Trees: Trim branches of nearby trees that provide easy access to structures, reducing potential entry points.
3. Use Squirrel-Proof Feeders: Choose bird feeders designed to deter squirrels while attracting birds.

Conclusion

Squirrels bring a touch of nature’s charm to our surroundings, but their presence can sometimes lead to complications. By recognizing the signs of squirrel activity and employing effective control methods like traps and suitable bait, you can manage squirrel intrusions in a humane and timely manner. Remember, finding a balance between appreciating their antics and preventing potential issues is key to coexisting with these agile and curious creatures.