Squirrel infestation in your London home? Now what? It's time for Pest Control
When fall days are getting colder and shorter many rodents such as squirrels know that it is time to start preparing food and look for a shelter for the winter months. Squirrels do not hibernate during the winter and the warmth and security of your attic make your home the perfect winter shelter. While ideal for them, for you it means damage to your home and health risk for your family.
In this blog, we will look at how squirrels get into your London property, the damage they can pose and the health risk they cause. And of course, how Archers Pest Control can help you get squirrels out of your house.
In this blog, we will look at how squirrels get into your London property, the damage they can pose and the health risk they cause. And of course, how Archers Pest Control can help you get squirrels out of your house.
Squirrel Behaviour
Squirrels don't hibernate in the winter season, but they still need a safe place to sleep. And when the temperatures are low, they will stay in their cosy shelter for days at a time, only venturing out midday when the temperatures are warmest. If you are hearing squeaking sounds coming from your walls or attic, that cosy den might be your home.
Breeding Season
In late winter, grey squirrels may be seen running around, one or more, males chasing females across the ground or through trees. Females are using the winter seasons to breed. Usually, grey squirrels give birth after a six week gestation period in February or March and perhaps, again in August/September. One female grey squirrel can have 3 babies.
During the winter period and especially in February, the team members of Archers Pest Control are noticing an increase in calls from people having issues with grey squirrels. Many customers are reporting weird noises coming from their attic or scratching behind the walls.
Fattening Up For Winter Season
Food is in short supply for squirrels during the winter season, so they prepare by burying nuts and eating large amounts of seeds, fruits or nuts. In fact, a squirrel can eat its own body weight in food. The fat reserves will help them to survive the cold months. Squirrels can stash food in different locations, and sometimes they can forget where they buried them earlier. Some of the forgotten seeds can germinate and grow into trees or shrubs. These critters have the amazing ability to smell and detect their stashes through a foot of snow.
Making Your Attic Their Home
If a squirrel can gain access to your home, they have found the perfect shelter to survive the winter season. Squirrels can build their nests and store their winter food supplies in their new cosy and safe space. They also can birth and raise their babies there.
Breeding Season
In late winter, grey squirrels may be seen running around, one or more, males chasing females across the ground or through trees. Females are using the winter seasons to breed. Usually, grey squirrels give birth after a six week gestation period in February or March and perhaps, again in August/September. One female grey squirrel can have 3 babies.
During the winter period and especially in February, the team members of Archers Pest Control are noticing an increase in calls from people having issues with grey squirrels. Many customers are reporting weird noises coming from their attic or scratching behind the walls.
Fattening Up For Winter Season
Food is in short supply for squirrels during the winter season, so they prepare by burying nuts and eating large amounts of seeds, fruits or nuts. In fact, a squirrel can eat its own body weight in food. The fat reserves will help them to survive the cold months. Squirrels can stash food in different locations, and sometimes they can forget where they buried them earlier. Some of the forgotten seeds can germinate and grow into trees or shrubs. These critters have the amazing ability to smell and detect their stashes through a foot of snow.
Making Your Attic Their Home
If a squirrel can gain access to your home, they have found the perfect shelter to survive the winter season. Squirrels can build their nests and store their winter food supplies in their new cosy and safe space. They also can birth and raise their babies there.
