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HABITAT: Squirrels are opportunistic wildlife, thriving in a diversity of habitats throughout most continents. Although adaptable to almost any environments, the squirrel prefers an urban habitat where they can easily take advantage of abundant food and shelter associated with people and urbanization.
DEN SITES: Squirrels living in both wild and urban setting will build large nests in trees using twigs and leaves for nesting material. In urban surroundings, chimneys, attics, walls, garages, shed roofs and other off the ground areas are usually preferred. Urban nests are made of a wide variety of available materials such as cardboard, newspaper, cloth and even attic insulation. Squirrels nesting in attics will primarily make use of the abundance of fiberglass insulation for nesting. Although insulation fibers are extremely irritable to human skin, the hairless skin of newborn squirrels does not seem to be adversely affected. As a point of interest, research is now considering fiberglass (the same as asbestos) as a possible cause of lung disease in people. The constant inhaling of fiberglass particles could theoretically shorten the life span of wildlife denning in attics.
REPRODUCTION: In late winter and late summer a string of male squirrels may be seen pursuing sexually mature female squirrels in a noisy, energetic chase through the treetops, on rooftops and on the ground. This chasing behavior is thought to be a vital phase of squirrel courtship. During the mating process the male squirrel excretes a wax plug that obstructs the female’s vagina and prevents further mating by other males.
Twice a year, about 42 days after mating, the female gives birth to a litter of 1 to 7 young with the average urban litter being 5 or 6 youngsters. Baby squirrels do not open their eyes until 32 days after birth. Squirrels born in the spring are forced to fend for themselves at the age of 10 to 12 weeks. However, baby squirrels born in the fall usually stay with their mother until late winter when she breeds again.
LIFE SPAN: Approximately 3 to 6 years.
DIET: An adult squirrel requires approximately 1 kilogram of food per week consisting of seeds, buds, flowers, maple sap, nuts, fruits, fungi, insects, bird eggs, and occasionally bird nestlings. As autumn approaches, squirrels will bury food in the ground in anticipation of a scarcity of food during the winter months. Relying on their excellent sense of smell rather than their memory, they will retrieve nuts buried by other squirrels as well as some of their own. Since not all of the buried nuts and seeds will be retrieved, squirrels do significantly contribute to reforestation. Although their habit of burying food continues in urban surroundings, the need to do so declines as people often supply food in the form of birdseed and other handouts.
PUBLIC HEALTH: Squirrels may contract the rabies virus but documented cases are rare. A more concerning aspect of public health stems from squirrels establishing nesting sites inside of chimneys and attics. Chimneys blocked by nesting material may lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in buildings and homes. The electrical wiring in attics is also vulnerable to squirrel behavior as their continual gnawing poses a potential fire hazard. To avoid adverse health and safety consequences, situations requiring hands-on removal of squirrels should only be undertaken by an urban wildlife professional.
To Wildlife-Proof Your Home We Suggest You Consider the Following Areas.
Roof Vents
Constructed of light weight aluminum or plastic, they are no obstacle for animals seeking entry into attics.
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Chimneys
If not screened properly, they make suitable living quaters for raccoons and squirrels. Birds often fall into open chimneys and become stuck at the bottom. Sometimes these animals even enter the "living space" of the home.
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Plumbing Vent Pipes
If left unprotected, they are an invitation to animals seeking den sites inside of the house. Once inside the pipe, wildlife often become stuck and obstructs the normal function of the buildings plumbing system.
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Stove & Bathroom Exhaust Vents
If unsecured, they make ideal nesting sites for birds and sometimes squirrels. This results in noticeable sounds, odours and insects.
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Roof and Fascia Spaces
If not properly constructed or due to deterioration, they offer an opportunity for wildlife to chew on the free edge of the wood and gain entry into the attic.
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Roof - Soffit Intersection
If left unscreened, they can be easily manipulated by an animal from the outside in order to establish a den site inside the attic space.
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Control
Call ideal pest control to eliminate them from your home and business
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