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Squirrels
.
Squirrels
are common in
North America
.
FACTS
Squirrels belong to the animal order Rodentia. Like all rodents,
they have two upper and two lower incisors. These are flat, open
rooted front teeth, used for gnawing. These front teeth grow
continuously and are worn down by the squirrels' constant gnawing.
The Sciuridae family has several identifying characteristics. They
have four toes on their front feet and five on their back feet.
The Sciuridae (squirrel) family name comes from the Greek word
skiouros. This means shade tail - a most appropriate name for an
animal with a bushy tail that keeps it warm during cold nights.
Most squirrel species are active during daylight hours (diurnal),
except flying squirrels which are active at night (nocturnal).
Squirrels live in a variety of habitats. Some, like the Grey
squirrel prefer mature
woodlots while the fox squirrel is content with smaller woodlots.
Both species are nut eaters. They will eat anything available
including strawberries, grapes, apples, thornapples,
serviceberries, raspberries, and cherries. Corn, sunflower seeds
and even insects may be included in their daily diet. Squirrels
will chew on any animal bones available which provides a source of
calcium and minerals.
LIFE
AS A SQUIRREL
Courtship season begins in early January. This is a time of much
chasing between the sexes and much purring, barking, and other
noises from both sexes. Young are born approximately 44 days after
mating. The father leaves the scene leaving all responsibility for
the young up to the female. Most squirrels give birth to three to
four young at a time and may raise two litters a season.
Repellents
Several repellents are registered for
squirrels . Repellents are relatively expensive and provide only
short-term protection. Precipitation and plant growth often
require reapplication of the repellent to maintain effectiveness.
Be sure to read label directions before applying repellents to
plants destined for consumption. When foods are in short supply,
such as in winter, repellent efficacy usually declines. Avoid
using electronic repellent devices or moth balls as their
effectiveness on repelling squirrels has not been demonstrated.
Trapping
Sometimes trapping is the only
cost-effective way to control squirrel damage. Trapping involves a
major time commitment. Traps must be checked daily. The best time
to check the traps is in the morning. However, checking twice a
day (morning and evening) is recommended as it allows you to
release any non-target animals caught during the day.
Set
traps where squirrels frequent, preferably in areas away from
public view and shielded from direct sun to reduce capture stress.
Make sure traps rest on level ground to avoid premature triggering
due to wobbling as the animal enters. Secure a disposable,
towel-like cloth that is large enough to cover the top and sides
of at least 50 percent of the trap. This cloth will protect the
animal and bait from the elements and shield you from potential
skunk spray if a skunk is captured. Never place traps on or within
12 inches of anything you consider valuable. Trapped animals will
often reach through the mesh, grab and destroy anything they can
reach, including, siding, shingles, wires, and grass. Placing the
trap in the middle of a sheet of 1/4-inch wire mesh that is 12
inches larger than the trap’s footprint will protect grass from
significant damage. Staking or anchoring a trap will also prevent
the squirrel from being able to move the trap by crawling.
Effective baits include are peanuts and acorns. Traps set on the
ground run the risk of capturing skunks.
Improve
trapping success by increasing the number of traps used. Vary the
baits used with your traps to increase the likelihood of the
animal finding an appealing meal. Some trappers recommend covering
the trap floor with grass and soil to reduce an animal’s
apprehension when entering the cage.
The Cottage key is dedicated to making your
leisure life easier. Below you will find a list of products
focusing on repelling animals or humanely trapping and removal of
un-wanted Rodents, Small Mammals, Insects and Snakes.
Repellents
|
Application |
Pest Solution |
|
Repels woodchucks, gophers,
groundhogs |
|
|
Repels skunks, groundhogs,
squirrels, raccoons, dogs and cats |
|
|
Repels Skunks, Groundhogs,
Squirrels, Raccoon, Dogs & Cats |
|
|
Repels Skunks, Groundhogs,
Squirrels, Raccoon, Dogs & Cats |
|
|
Birdscapes Critter Ridder |
|
|
birdfeeders, garbage cans,
and other surfaces against nuisance animals such as dogs,
cats, groundhogs, squirrels, raccoons, and skunks |
|
Humane
Live Traps
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