With spring fast approaching and the warm weather returning we are on the cusp of another seasonal change that you might not have on your radar: squirrel baby season! Spring is the prime time for squirrels to start looking for the perfect place to create a nest for their soon-to-arrive babies and many times, your home will sit at the top of their list. Your home provides many things that squirrels need to feel comfortable so taking steps to secure it is a wise move this spring.
Baby season comes twice a year
A squirrels’ mating season happens twice a year, in early spring and early fall. Prior to having their babies, a squirrel will look for a safe space to create their nest. Squirrels look for three things when hunting for a nesting space:
Quiet – Loud noises will scare a squirrel and her babies and create havoc in their nest so finding somewhere quiet is essential for the mom to be.
Warm – A squirrel likes warm spaces to build their nest because it is the safest environment for their new babies. These babies will have to stay in their nest for a few weeks while their mother leaves to get food so warmth is important for them to survive.
Hidden – If the space they choose is well hidden like your attic or under your deck, they are less likely to be found out and sent packing before they are ready.
Seal the entry points to prevent problems
If you suspect that a squirrel may be tempted to create a nest on your property, the first step to take is to seal off any possible entry points to your basement, attic, shed and deck. After you’ve ensured there are not yet any babies in these hiding spots you can add wire mesh, wood boards, fencing and vent covers to any potential access points.
If you don’t take the time to seal up these entry points before a squirrel enters your home and has their babies you could face a variety of problems:
Ripped apart electrical wires
Squirrels will often chew on and pull at any electrical wires in their space. This can lead to significant damage to the electrical system of your home and cause a potential fire hazard.
Torn insulation
One of the more popular nesting items in your attic is the soft insulation lining the walls. Squirrels will tear this out to create their nest, leaving you quite the mess to clean up once they’re gone.
Fire hazards
A squirrels’ teeth never stop growing and because of this they are always looking for things to chew to help sharpen them. Wood beams and wires in your attic are often prime targets, especially if they get into your attic. When an animal chews up wires and the damage goes unnoticed, the risk of an electrical fire is greatly increased and dry nesting materials like insulation and wood chips will provide the perfect fuel.
A mess to clean up
Squirrels will leave urine and feces in any space that they inhabit. While a squirrels’ excrement isn’t directly a health concern, it will be quite the job to clean up, especially if the space is hard to get into.
Entry Prevention is the easiest path
When dealing with the possibilities of a squirrel infestation in your home or backyard the easiest way to deal with them is to prevent their entry in the first place. Once a squirrel has gotten themselves comfortable somewhere and has had their babies, they become much more difficult to remove. After babies have been born, you’ll have to ensure that none are left in the nest before you seal up the entry points, which may require the help of a professional pest removal company.
