Trapping and relocating squirrels might seem like a humane solution to a squirrel problem, but it is, in fact, harmful to the squirrels involved. Moving squirrels from one place to another is also against the law. If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation on your property, you should get professional help instead. Call Pest Control Kitchener for safe and humane squirrel removal.
There are several reasons why you should not trap and relocate squirrels. First, it is illegal in Canada to transport a wild animal any further than one kilometre without a permit. Second, it is inhumane to trap a squirrel. The squirrel could hurt itself while trying to escape and may suffer from dehydration or starvation while it waits to be rescued. Neighbourhood pets and predators could also harass the animal while it is trapped. Third, relocating a squirrel puts it at a serious disadvantage in its new environment. Contrary to popular belief, a squirrel will not thrive in whichever conservation area or park you bring it to. Squirrels have territories they know inside and out; bringing it to a new location means that it has to start all over again. It may also be welcomed with hostility from the local wildlife. Finally, trapping and relocating a squirrel risks leaving babies behind. One should always assume that an adult squirrel has babies in its nest.
What you should do instead of trapping and relocating squirrels is to evict them from your home and pest-proof your property to prevent them from coming back. If there are squirrels in your house, search the roof and outer walls of your house for the entry point the animals are using. Look for damaged roof vents or gaps between the drip edge and the framing of the house. Squirrels also commonly get into the attic through the soffits or chimneys of the house. Once you’ve found it, install a one-way door to the entrance of the nest. This will allow the squirrels to leave but prevent them from getting back in. If there are babies inside, put on a thick pair of gloves and carefully remove them from the nest. Place them in a cardboard box next to the entrance of the nest so the mother can come get them. Remove the one-way door, then fix the hole in the structure accordingly. You can also block other potential entry points with steel mesh and remove food sources from your property, like fallen fruit and bird feeders that are accessible to squirrels.
Trapping and removing squirrels is unfortunately an ineffective means of removal. There is a reason why squirrels are attracted to your property in the first place. It is better to make your home impenetrable and less attractive rather than relocate every pest that invades your home. The best thing you can do is hire a wildlife removal technician. He or she will remove the squirrels humanely and pest-proof your home so that they will stay in the neighbourhood but keep out of your home. For quality pest removal, call Pest Control Kitchener: 226-778-3098.