Squirrels 101

Squirrels may be fun to watch with their crazy antics and fun jumping maneuvers, but boy can they be a major pain if they find their way into your home! Fall can be an especially trying time for homeowners plagued by a horde of squirrels because this is the time that these critters are stocking up on food and looking for a safe place to spend the winter. The combination can lead to headaches for homeowners, so here is our quick guide on squirrels to help you out.

What do squirrels eat?

Squirrels are omnivores, which means that they eat both meat and plants. Many homeowners long believed that their garbage was safe because there were no nuts hiding inside the barrels. Once you have seen a squirrel climb up a tree with a piece of pizza between their front teeth you will know that your garbage is fair game. Keep your garbage, pet food, and grill drippings clean and secure.

Where do Squirrels nest?

Most of the time, these frisky creatures live in tree cavities where they can easily access the food and water in their environment. Unfortunately, during the colder winter months, they sometimes attempt to enter structures that can provide higher levels of protection and warmth. Inspect your home annually to ensure that there are not access points for these critters to enter your home, including the chimney cap, vents, soffits, and gaps in the siding.

What are common squirrel behaviors?

Squirrels are tricky in that they can outsmart many animals and even seem unafraid of humans. They are, however afraid of owls, so some homeowners attempt prevention by placing a plastic owl around the yard. In addition, squirrels give birth to their young about once or twice each year. The number of newborns can vary depending on the species. If you begin to notice droppings, chew marks, and messes in your attic, garage, or crawl spaces, then you may have a squirrel problem. Do you have a squirrel problem that you need fixed? Call Pest-End Exterminators at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321.