Squirrels have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to find food and communicate with other squirrels. Very little research has been conducted on the subject, but squirrels are known to mark their territories and use their scent glands to give signals. They leave scent trails to orient themselves around the neighbourhood, like an invisible map. Fascinating stuff! Just be careful that you do not let these animals make your home a part of their network. Squirrels are destructive creatures that are better left outside. If you are worried about the squirrels in your area, give us a call.
The most common squirrels in Ontario are the red squirrel and the eastern grey. While the red squirrel is small and rusty in colour, the eastern grey is either fully black or grey, with a white belly. Both species mark their territories for dominance and communication. Males, for example, gnaw and urinate on the barks of trees to mark their territories. Females mark their territories as well and leave scent trails to announce when they are in heat. Squirrels also rub their cheeks on tree branches to keep track of their location. Leaving scent trails helps them orient themselves within the habitat.
Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrel invasions are common in the spring, when females need a safe place to nurse their young, and fall, when temperatures drop. Like trees, attics are high above the ground. They are also much warmer and relatively safe from predators. Squirrels get inside by chewing their way through roof vents, shingles, soffits, or gaps along the roof’s edge. They can chew through practically anything and squeeze through gaps only an inch and a half wide. Once indoors, they build nests in the insulation. If there are squirrels in your attic, you may be able to hear them scratching, squealing, or thumping around.
You can avoid a squirrel invasion by making your property a little less attractive to squirrels. Switch to squirrel-proof bird feeders or get rid of them entirely. Then, tidy up the yard and be sure to mow the lawn on a regular basis. Pick up fruit as soon as they have fallen to the ground and consider protecting your vegetable garden with row covers. Trim tree branches a few feet away from the roof. You can also keep squirrels out physically by covering roof vents and chimneys with galvanized steel mesh. Examine your roof closely for gaps and seal them with mesh or caulking.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Wildlife Remover
If you suspect that a squirrel has made your attic their home, or if you are interested in keeping your attic safe from wildlife, give us a call. Our technicians conduct detailed inspections to find entry points and all other vulnerabilities that could lead to another invasion. We remove squirrels humanely and offer guaranteed exclusion services that keep animals out. Our services are safe, effective, and affordable. Call us today for squirrel removal services in Peterborough.