Squirrels are polarizing. Some people think they’re cute with their twitchy fluffy tails and will feed them in the park. Some find them to just be rats with a bushy tail and never want to be near them. Although we think we can all agree – you don’t want them in your home. No matter what you think of them, the more you know about them the better you’ll be able to deal with them.
Why Are Squirrels Important
Squirrels have an important ecological role, especially in forest ecosystems. While they can be a pain in the butt to humans, they are important to the environment around them. Their biggest contribution to the forest is in shaping plant composition. They have a peculiar habit of taking seeds, which are their main source of nutrients, and burying them. They bury them throughout the environment, and often, when they go back and look for them, they forget where they are. When that happens, they are effectively planting seeds. Not only does that help pollinate and propagate that plant, but it’s also so cute that they forget. It’s like when you walk into the kitchen and forgot why you went in there. Or when you look for your glasses that you put on top of your head. Just us?
Why Are Squirrels So Cute
Well, this one is a matter of opinion, but we can tell you why we think they’re cute. The bushy, twitchy tails for one. Their little paws that pick up nuts and run away with them – also very cute. Have you ever seen a squirrel pack their little cheeks full of walnuts? Tell me two things: 1. That’s not cute. 2. You’ve never wanted to do that with marshmallows. Squirrels could be our spirit animal! What about Sandy on SpongeBob? Super smart, super cute. Some more cute facts about squirrels that you may not know. If you see a squirrel rubbing its face on an acorn, that’s the squirrel marking the seed with its scent, increasing the chances it will find it later. But still, they may forget. Ever see one squirrel in hot pursuit of another squirrel? That’s a mating chase. They’ll also tell you off. If you’re in your backyard you might hear a rolling, chirping noise as rapidly flick their tails over their heads. That’s squirrel for, “back off.” Like a kitten hissing – not all that scary but certainly cute. And have you even seen a flying squirrel? Those little guys are stupid cute.
Why Are Squirrels So Fast
Well, first of all, their chirping and flicking defense strategy isn’t exactly fool proof. So, being fast is pretty important. And fast they are! How fast can a squirrel run? Squirrels can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour for a distance of 2-4 miles. Their low weight, distinct anatomy, and powerful legs make it possible. Such an astonishing rate of speed has secured them a place as one of nature’s fastest creatures! That’s got to count for something, right?
Why Are Squirrels So Twitchy
Human beings aren’t the only ones that experience anxiety. Squirrels do, too, mostly because they live at the bottom of the food chain and hardly defend themselves. In the wild, squirrels are preyed upon by birds of prey, snakes, and other mammals. As a result, they have developed a natural wariness of anything that moves quickly or makes sudden movements. This wariness helps them to avoid being caught and eaten. They have keen eyesight and amazing hearing ability. Their extraordinary peripheral vision allows them to see what’s above or beside them without necessarily turning their heads. So, they know what’s around and what to evade. Even when they come face to face with a squirrel-like figure, they approach with caution. Some squirrels will fight each other because it’s a competition for the food around it – survival of the fittest in all its glory!
Why Are Squirrels Bad
Bad is a loose term, really. Out in nature, remember, they are natural gardener and help spread many important plants. But they can be bad where they don’t belong – like in a house or attic. Like rats, squirrels’ teeth never stop growing. So, their constant gnawing is intentional and purposeful. That doesn’t make it any less annoying when it’s inside your home! Squirrels will gnaw at wires, which could create a fire hazard. They will also gnaw at insulation and use it to urinate and defecate. Once that insulation gets squirrel poop and pee on it, it’s contaminated. Not only can that cost you a lot of money to replace, once the urine and feces break down, it can contaminate the air you’re breathing. As if that’s not enough, they can also damage walls and sheetrock and keep you up at night with their noisy scurrying in the attic. And if you try to take care of them yourself, they can become aggressive when they feel frightened or threatened. While people should be cautious year-round, squirrels tend to be more of an issue in fall and winter as the weather becomes colder and they look for a place to stay warm. During these months, homes and businesses become an ideal shelter for squirrels.
These rodents with bushy tails can do some pricey damage! But we’ve also established that they’re downright cute. So, you have to take the good with the bad at this point, right? You just don’t have to take it in your house. Make sure if you think you have one of these scurrying, shifty-eyed little rodents in your attic, you call in a professional to get rid of the squirrel for you. You’re not looking for a squirrel exterminator here – just someone that can get the squirrel out of your attic, wall, garage – anywhere they have taken up residence. Squirrel pest control is all about removing the squirrel. The best way to get rid of squirrels is humanely, safely, but also QUICKLY! Before they make a nest…