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Squirrels are one of the most common critters in the GTA. Whether you live in the suburbs of Mississauga or in the downtown core of Toronto, you’ve likely run into squirrels dozens of times.

Some of the features that make squirrels so unique are the same features that help them make a home in your attic or other areas of your home.

Their Diet

A single squirrel needs to eat about 1 pound of food every week. In your garden, you may want to attract birds with a nice bird bath, and a bird feeder full of seed. Although your intention is to attract birds, you’ll really be attracting squirrels. These furry critters love to feed on any and all nuts and seeds, and they see your bird feeder as a bottomless buffet.

If squirrels are constantly coming to your yard to feed, they might start thinking about moving in.

Their Teeth

Squirrels have four front teeth that never stop growing. Their teeth can grow at a rate of about 6 inches a year. So imagine them as a baby, that never stops teething. The constant growth of their teeth drives them to constantly chew.  Squirrels have been known to chew, and destroy, electrical wires to the point where multiple blocks lose power.

A squirrel won’t even think twice about chewing their way into your home, especially when they’re nesting. Once they get inside, the damage doesn’t stop. Squirrels will continue to chew, tearing up bits of your home’s insulation for their nests and doing a number on your electrical work.

Their Habitat

Squirrels are commonly found in wooded areas, but as these areas decrease they are forced to find other places to live. Mother squirrels are very protective of their babies and build their nests in safe places. Baby squirrels, kittens, are born blind and rely entirely on their mother for the first weeks of their lives.  Squirrels may also have a second set of babies in the fall. Come the end of summer squirrels will be looking for a new place to nest, and your attic sure does look like a good option!

Their Attitude

Squirrels won’t quit until they have a nice, cozy place to call home and an abundant food source. Oftentimes when squirrels find nuts, they’ll burry them in ground for safe keeping until winter. But these sneaky creatures are well aware someone could be watching. Squirrels have been known to pretend to burry nuts to throw off other squirrels. But that doesn’t mean they’re always on their A-game. Squirrels tend to forget about what they’ve buried, resulting in hundreds of accidental tree plantings.

When it comes to winter, a squirrel will dig through a foot of snow to get to food they buried earlier in the year. These critters will apply the same determination and perseverance when it comes to getting into your home.

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No matter where you are in the GTA, your home is susceptible to squirrels. You may already have squirrels living in your attic, or you may just want to make it clear they are unwelcome.  The experts at ICE Wildlife and Pest Control can keep your home safe from the destructive habits of squirrels.