After having fed the squirrels in your area for a long time, the animals have gotten used to you and may even have become dependent. They see you as a reliable food source that will do no harm. So how can you deter them now that you won’t feed them? Start by refusing to give in to them and plan how you will pest-proof your home. If you have any squirrel issues that need solving, reach out to Pest Control Kitchener.
Squirrels are mammals that feed primarily on the products of trees: buds, nuts, seeds, and fruit. They are also known to eat fungi, caterpillars, lizards, snakes, and eggs. This omnivorous diet is what makes them happy to eat whatever scraps they find in the park. As you may already know, many wildlife experts warn that you should not feed squirrels yourself. The foods we give them may have very little nutritional value to them, they have a tendency to overeat, and the animals may become dependent. This dependency may also result in increased aggression and an imbalance in the neighbourhood’s ecosystem.
So, what do you do now that you know the consequences of feeding squirrels? Stop feeding them. This may feel obvious but is the right thing to do. If you feel bad, you can gradually decrease the amount of food you’ve been leaving out for them to encourage them to look elsewhere. Then, start making your property less attractive to them. Switch to hanging birdfeeders that you can set up far away from any branches or attach squirrel baffles to the poles of the feeders. These will prevent any squirrels from climbing them. Reduce the amount of thick vegetation there is around the yard, and consider planting flowers that squirrels don’t like, such as daffodils, geraniums, and hyacinths. You can also invest in some squirrel repellents that mimic the scent of predators and spray those on your lawn.
In addition to making your property less attractive, you may want to squirrel-proof the structure of your home to prevent any squirrel invasions. Have a good look at your roof and check for any gaps or cracks that squirrels could use to get inside. Roof edges, for example, sometimes warp over time and create gaps between the drip edge and the framing of the house. Squirrels also get in by chewing through the roof vents or climbing down the chimney. Consider capping any weak spots or vents with steel mesh to prevent any squirrels from getting through.
Squirrels are cute and fun to admire, but they should not be fed. Remember that they are better off without your help. If you’re struggling with a squirrel problem and need assistance in protecting your home, give Pest Control Kitchener a call. We will perform a thorough inspection of your property and block any potential entry-points with an impenetrable steel mesh. Call Pest Control Kitchener today: 226-778-3098.