Squirrels have a very good sense of smell, which they use to find food and communicate with each other. Though there is very little data available on the subject, it is known that squirrels mark their territories and use their scents to give signals. If there are squirrels in your neighbourhood, you may have seen them chase after each other, possibly in response to a scent trail that one of them left behind. Be careful that these critters do not break into your home. Squirrel invasions can cause a significant amount of damage and risk making you sick. Call Squirrel Removal Toronto today if you suspect a squirrel invasion on your property.
Squirrels are arboreal, omnivorous rodents that can be found all across Ontario. The two most common species in Ontario are the red squirrel and the eastern grey. While the red squirrel is small and rusty red, the eastern grey is either fully black or grey-brown with a lighter belly. Both of these squirrels mark their territories for dominance and communication. Squirrels of any gender and age often rub their cheeks on branches to orient themselves within the habitat, while adult males will gnaw and urinate in the bark to mark their territories. Adult females will also leave scent trails to mark their territories and notify males when they are in heat.
Female squirrels often break into attics during mating season, in anticipation of a full nest of babies. Homes are also at risk of invasions in the fall before the temperature drops. Attics are attractive to squirrels because they are warm and up above the ground, like trees. Squirrels can also smell the food that is stored inside. To get in, they will chew their way through roof vents, broken shingles, soffits, and gaps along the roof’s edge. They can also climb down the chimney and nest in there. Once indoors, squirrels commonly nest in the insulation of the attic.
To avoid a squirrel invasion, start by making the home unattractive to squirrels. Switch to squirrel-proof bird feeders or remove them entirely, then make a habit of keeping the yard tidy. Mow the lawn on a regular basis and pick up after any fruit trees you may have. Protect your vegetables with row covers and use tightly lidded garbage cans. Then, examine your roof closely and repair any vulnerabilities you find. Seal small gaps with caulking and strengthen larger areas with steel mesh. Cover your roof vents, chimneys, and plumbing vent mats with mesh. A professional can pest-proof the structure for you.
Squirrels do mark their territories, though there is still much to learn about squirrel behaviour and communication. If there are squirrels living in your home, call a local pest removal company to remove them as quickly as possible. Professionals have the tools and experience to safely get rid of the animals and prevent them from coming back. Once removed, you can have them clean up after the animals and remove their scents to reduce the chance of this happening again. Call Squirrel Control (647-496-0815) for safe, reliable, and affordable pest control. Our squirrel-proofing services come with a 2-year warranty.