HUMANE SQUIRREL REMOVAL IN TORONTO (GTA)
In Toronto (GTA) it is very common for homeowners to experience some sort of nuisance wildlife problems. One of the animals that has become a major pest for Torontonians is your common squirrel. Squirrels can be fun to watch, but you should be real concern if they have got in your attic. Remember: Squirrel removal should be performed by a professional wildlife control specialist. The process is usually more complicated than just closing a hole. Don't risk leaving any unattended babies in the attic by contacting the professionals.
Squirrels
Squirrels are part of the rodent family called the Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots, flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa. The most common squirrel in the GTA is the Eastern Grey Squirrel.
- commonly occurs in two colour phases, grey and black
- can lose its tail sheath and some bones to escape a predator’s grasp if necessary
- can reach speeds of up to 25 km per hour on the ground
- leaves tracks in the snow that often look like two exclamation marks (!!)
Fact: squirrels cannot digest cellulse and must rely on foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
Squirrels breed twice a year, in both February and August. Each of the mating periods lasts for about three weeks. Generally, only females over two years of age will breed in both seasons. Courtship behaviour begins when a receptive female begins to call continuously from a tree top with characteristic duck-like calls. Several males soon gather and some fighting may ensue to determine which is the dominant animal. As they congregate, the female becomes agitated and begins to race through the trees followed closely by all the males. When she is ready she will stop and allow the dominant male to mate with her. The male then has no further role in bringing up the young.
Gestation, or pregnancy, takes 40 to 44 days. An average of three young are born, although the litter size may range from one to six. The young are born blind, naked, and toothless. Litters in summer are usually larger than those of late winter. The female generally gives birth in a warm, sheltered nest that she has prepared in a cavity inside a hollow tree or an attic which resembles a hollow tree. Young squirrels in the nest are vulnerable to raccoons, and red squirrels. Numerous myths suggest that the red and the grey squirrels are bitter enemies and that the red will castrate the grey at every opportunity. In reality the even-tempered grey squirrel usually gives way to the more aggressive red in a confrontation, avoiding a fight.
Grey squirrels can become a nuisance when they invade an attic, destroy the insulation, chew the wiring, cause damage around the house, dig up bulbs in gardens or drive birds away from feeders.
Need squirrel removal services? Contact us today!
'BEWARE OF COMPANIES WHO JUST TRAP'
If a wildlife removal company in Toronto (GTA) ONLY suggests trapping for solving your squirrel problem, be sure to ask more questions. In Toronto by law, animals cannot be relocated more than 1.0 km. This is not enough distance and the squirrels will be back. If there are no prevention measures and the hole is open, then you will have this problem again sometime in the future. For more information on wildlife proofing your house, visit City of Toronto's website or click 360 Wildlife Control Inc.
