Squirrels may seem harmless and even adorable from a distance, but they can cause significant damage to homes and property if left unchecked. As a result, many homeowners turn to wildlife control professionals to tackle squirrel infestations in a safe, humane, and effective manner. Unlike traditional pest control methods that mainly rely on chemical treatments, wildlife removal services focus on understanding squirrel behavior and addressing structural problems to achieve long-lasting results. In this article, we will delve into the science of squirrel extermination and explore the innovative techniques employed by the wildlife control industry.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Effectively exterminating squirrels requires a comprehensive understanding of their behavior, habits, and preferences. Wildlife control professionals invest time in studying these small mammals to gain insight into how they invade homes, what attracts them to certain areas, and how they can be discouraged from returning. This knowledge enables experts to design targeted strategies to remove and prevent squirrel infestations.
Squirrel Feeding Habits
Squirrels are primarily herbivorous, consuming a diet that consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They are opportunistic feeders, attracted to easily accessible food sources such as bird feeders, pet food, and fruit trees. Squirrels are also known to raid gardens, consuming vegetables, and bulbs, which can cause damage to plants.
To deter squirrels from invading a property, wildlife control professionals recommend removing food sources or making them less accessible. For example, homeowners can switch to squirrel-proof bird feeders, store pet food indoors, and use protective fencing around gardens.
Squirrel Nesting Behavior
Squirrels typically build their nests, called dreys, in tree branches or tree cavities. However, they are also adept at finding their way into attics, eaves, and wall voids in search of safe, warm, and dry nesting sites. Understanding the preferred nesting locations of squirrels allows wildlife control experts to focus their extermination efforts in these areas.
Squirrels are known to use various materials to build their nests, including leaves, twigs, and insulation from homes. As they create their nests, they can cause structural damage, create fire hazards, and introduce health risks by leaving behind droppings and urine.
Squirrel Activity Patterns
Squirrels are diurnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. They use this time to forage for food, store food in caches for later use, and maintain their nests. By understanding these activity patterns, wildlife control professionals can better predict when and where squirrels are likely to be found on a property.
Squirrel Social Behavior
Squirrels exhibit complex social behavior, with different species demonstrating varying levels of sociality. Some species, such as the Eastern gray squirrel, are known to be more solitary, while others, like the American red squirrel, may exhibit more territorial behavior. Understanding the social dynamics of squirrels can help wildlife control experts determine the most effective extermination strategies for different squirrel species.
In conclusion, a deep understanding of squirrel behavior is crucial for effective squirrel extermination. By studying their feeding habits, nesting behavior, activity patterns, and social dynamics, wildlife control professionals can create targeted and effective strategies to remove and prevent squirrel infestations.
Addressing Structural Problems
A crucial aspect of squirrel extermination is identifying and repairing structural issues that allow squirrels to enter a property. Wildlife control professionals assess buildings for potential entry points, such as gaps in the roofline, damaged vents, or openings in the siding. Once these weak spots have been identified, experts recommend appropriate repairs and preventive measures to keep squirrels out.
For example, installing chimney caps, reinforcing soffits, and sealing gaps can help prevent squirrels from entering a home. Additionally, trimming tree branches that provide access to rooftops and using squirrel-proof bird feeders can discourage squirrels from invading your property.
Humane Squirrel Extermination and Exclusion Techniques
RF Wildlife, a leading wildlife control service, prioritizes humane squirrel extermination techniques that focus on capturing and relocating squirrels instead of killing them. This approach not only promotes the well-being of these small mammals but also ensures the safety of homeowners and the environment. Here, we explore the humane squirrel extermination and exclusion techniques employed by RF Wildlife.
Live Trapping Techniques
Live trapping is a common and effective method used by RF Wildlife to catch squirrels and remove them from a property. Professionals place baited traps strategically near entry points and known squirrel activity areas to capture them safely. The bait often includes peanut butter, nuts, seeds, or fruits, which are appealing to squirrels.
Traps are checked frequently to ensure the well-being of captured animals and to avoid unnecessary stress. RF Wildlife adheres to local regulations regarding trap placement, monitoring, and release distances to ensure that both homeowners and squirrels are treated fairly and humanely.
Relocation and Release
Once the squirrels are captured, RF Wildlife professionals typically relocate them to an appropriate habitat away from human dwellings. Ideal release locations include wooded areas on state owned land where squirrels can find shelter, food, and water. By choosing suitable release sites, RF Wildlife helps to minimize the chances of squirrels returning to the property and ensures they have the best opportunity to thrive in their new environment.
Exclusion Methods
After the removal process, RF Wildlife implements exclusion methods to prevent squirrels from re-entering the property. These techniques involve addressing structural weaknesses and installing one-way doors or barriers to keep squirrels out. Some examples of exclusion methods include:
- One-way doors: These devices allow squirrels to exit the property but prevent them from re-entering. Once all squirrels have been removed, the one-way door is replaced with a permanent barrier or cover.
- Vent and chimney covers: Installing protective covers on vents and chimneys can prevent squirrels from gaining access to the home through these entry points.
- Tree trimming: Cutting back tree branches that provide access to rooftops can help discourage squirrels from climbing onto the property.
- Gaps and openings: Sealing gaps in the roofline, siding, or foundation helps eliminate potential entry points for squirrels.
By employing a combination of humane extermination and exclusion techniques, RF Wildlife ensures that squirrels are removed from properties in a safe, effective, and responsible manner. This approach not only addresses the immediate issue of squirrel infestations but also focuses on long-term prevention, providing homeowners with peace of mind and a squirrel-free environment.
Call us for Squirrel Extermination at 860-510-6313
The science of squirrel extermination goes beyond merely eliminating these pesky critters from homes and properties. Wildlife control professionals focus on understanding squirrel behavior, addressing structural problems, and implementing humane extermination and exclusion techniques to ensure long-lasting results. By engaging the services of an experienced wildlife control company, homeowners can protect their property from squirrel invasions while also ensuring the safety and well-being of these small mammals.
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