Wildlife Removal Company

Squirrels: Understanding Their Habitat and What to Do If They Enter Your Home

Squirrels are one of the most recognizable and common small mammals seen across many parts of the world. Known for their energetic personalities and fluffy tails, these agile creatures are a fascinating part of the animal kingdom. However, despite their appeal, squirrels can sometimes cause challenges when they move from their natural habitat to human spaces. In this article, we will explore their natural habitat, what attracts them to homes, and the proper steps to take if they get inside.

Squirrel Habitat and Behavior

Squirrels belong to the family Sciuridae, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. Their natural habitats vary depending on the species, but they are commonly found in:

• Woodlands and Forests: Tree squirrels thrive in forested areas where they can easily move from tree to tree. Oak, pine, and hickory forests are particularly attractive due to the abundance of nuts.

• Urban Areas and Parks: Many species of squirrels, particularly gray squirrels, have adapted well to urban environments, finding food in parks, backyards, and even city streets.

• Suburban Gardens and Backyards: As a result of deforestation and urban expansion, squirrels are often seen in suburban gardens, where they dig for food or nest in tree canopies, attics, or chimneys.

Squirrels are primarily herbivores, with a diet consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, and plants. However, they are opportunistic feeders and will sometimes eat insects, small animals, or even bird eggs if other food sources are scarce.

Why Do Squirrels Enter Homes?

There are several reasons why squirrels might enter a home, including:

• Nesting: During colder months, squirrels look for warm, safe places to create nests. If your attic or chimney provides shelter, they may move in.

• Food: Squirrels have an excellent sense of smell and can detect food within homes, particularly in kitchens, pantries, or trash cans.

• Damage to Entry Points: Squirrels are notorious for their sharp teeth and strong claws, and they can chew through wood, plastic, or even weaker portions of metal to gain entry.

What to Do If a Squirrel Enters Your Home

If a squirrel has entered your home, it is essential to act calmly and cautiously. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance: Squirrels are generally not aggressive, but a cornered or scared animal might panic. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises.

2. Try to Guide the Squirrel Out: The best option is to give the squirrel an escape route. Open any doors or windows that lead outside. If possible, close off other rooms to prevent the squirrel from wandering further into the house.

3. Turn Off Lights in the Room: Squirrels are naturally drawn to light, so turning off indoor lights and leaving outdoor light sources on can help coax the animal toward the exit.

4. Use a Box or Blanket for Capture: If the squirrel isn’t finding its way out, you can carefully use a large box or blanket to gently guide it toward the door or trap it, and then release it outside.

5. Call a Professional: If you cannot remove the squirrel safely or if it has nested, it’s best to call wildlife control professionals who specialize in humane removal.

What Not to Do If a Squirrel Enters Your Home

1. Do Not Attempt to Handle the Squirrel Directly: Squirrels, like many wild animals, can carry diseases such as rabies or parasites. Handling them without proper protection could lead to injury or illness.

2. Do Not Corner or Trap the Animal Aggressively: A trapped animal will be more likely to bite or injure itself. Aggressive movements can escalate the situation, leading to damage or harm to both the squirrel and your home.

3. Do Not Use Poison or Harmful Traps: Poison is a cruel and inhumane method of dealing with squirrels. It can also lead to unintended consequences, such as harming other pets or wildlife. Additionally, a poisoned squirrel might die inside your walls, creating health hazards and odor problems.

4. Do Not Ignore Signs of Squirrel Entry: If you notice signs of squirrels in your attic or other areas of your home, do not delay addressing the issue. Squirrels can cause damage to insulation, wiring (increasing the risk of fire), and structural components of your home.

How to Prevent Squirrels from Entering Your Home

To reduce the risk of squirrels invading your home, consider taking these preventive measures:

• Seal Entry Points: Check for any gaps, holes, or weak spots in your roof, attic, and exterior walls. Squirrels can fit through surprisingly small spaces, so ensure everything is tightly sealed.

• Use Squirrel-Proof Chimney Caps: Install caps over chimneys to prevent squirrels from climbing in.

• Trim Overhanging Trees: Squirrels use tree branches to access rooftops, so keeping branches trimmed at least 6-8 feet away from your home can make it harder for them to reach entry points.

• Secure Trash and Food Sources: Store trash in squirrel-proof containers and avoid leaving food, birdseed, or pet food outside that may attract them.

Conclusion

Squirrels are an important part of the natural ecosystem, helping with seed dispersal and providing food for predators. While they may be charming to watch in parks and gardens, their presence inside your home can be problematic. By understanding their behavior, taking preventive steps, and knowing how to handle an unexpected visitor, you can minimize any negative encounters with these furry creatures. Always prioritize humane removal methods, and when in doubt, seek professional assistance.