What to Do If You Disturb a Squirrel Nest
If you come across a squirrel’s nest and are concerned that you may have disturbed it, you can help the baby by wearing gloves and putting the squirrel in a box with ventilation holes. The box should be lined with newspaper or a towel. Do not feed the squirrel food or water, as it could cause more harm than good. Instead, leave the baby squirrel in the box. It is best to keep it in a secure location out of reach of children and pets.
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Keep a squirrel’s drey warm
The temperature of a squirrel’s drey is 20 to 30 degrees warmer than the air temperature outside. A study by Erkki Pulliainen in northern Lapland in 1971 found that Red squirrels were able to keep their drey warm at 25 degrees during a -5 degree day by using body heat as insulation. Keeping the drey warm can be a simple, yet effective, way to keep the kittens warm.
To build a drey, squirrels use natural materials, such as leaves and twigs. They also build an outer shell from moss, leaves, and other organic materials. Once the outer shell is complete, squirrels fill the inside with grass, moss, and bark. If they’re nesting in a tree, they may use a tree fork as a sturdy base.
Prevent a squirrel from disturbing a nest
If you want to keep a squirrel away from a nest, it’s best to locate the nest mid-day. You can then gently tap away at the nest, and place a radio a minimum of six feet away from the nest. If you want to get closer, soak rags in ammonia and toss them near the nest. Don’t disturb the babies, as the mother might try to protect them.
Using a small radio near the nest is a good way to scare a squirrel away. You don’t have to turn it up too loudly, so it will be heard in the loft. You can also try combining it with bright lights to spook a squirrel away. This method works best when you’re dealing with a particularly wild squirrel, but it won’t work well if the squirrel is used to people.
Protect your home from a squirrel
If you happen to disturb a nest of squirrels, it’s important to take steps to keep them out. Squirrels like human homes because they provide shelter from predators and are probably close to a reliable source of food. To keep them out, you need to seal off any entry points they may use. However, this is easier said than done. Here are some tips to help you seal off the entry points.
o Cut back branches near your home’s roof. Place a mesh guard on your chimney, and make sure there are no holes in your home where squirrels can enter. If a squirrel gets trapped in your home, it needs a way to escape. You can tie a rope to the chimney or put a live trap through the chimney. You should contact a professional if you notice squirrel droppings or other signs of infestation.
Protect your property from damage caused by a squirrel invasion
Whether you have a dog, cat, or bird, a squirrel infestation is not something you should take lightly. These rodents may look cute in their natural habitat, but they can be quite destructive and pose health risks. When they attack your property, they may ruin landscaping, eat your vegetation, and even carry diseases. The good news is that there are several simple remedies to protect your property from the damage they can cause. The trick is to be persistent, though, and learn how to deal with them once you find them.
First, you should understand why a squirrel might invade your property. These rodents are often quite opportunistic – they will often chew open holes in your roof or attic to gain access to your home. This can lead to significant damage if they get stuck in a building, as they will try to escape through damaged areas. They may also chew through electrical wires or wiring, so you must make sure you have the necessary safety precautions in place.

Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.