Squirrels are often seen busily foraging for food, but did you know they have a unique and fascinating method of storing it? Their food-storage techniques are critical for their survival, ensuring they have enough to eat during times when food is less readily available, whether it's in the colder months or during other lean periods. While this behavior can sometimes lead squirrels to seek shelter in places you'd rather they avoid—like your property—it’s a clever survival strategy that’s worth understanding.
In this article, we’ll explore how squirrels store food and why your home might become a target for their hidden stashes.
How Squirrels Store Food
Squirrels are known for their caching behavior, which involves collecting food and hiding it in various locations to ensure they have enough to eat when resources become scarce. This food-storage strategy is vital, as squirrels do not store fat for long-term energy like other animals, meaning they must rely on the food they gather and hide.
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Foraging: Squirrels begin by gathering a wide variety of food items, including nuts, seeds, berries, and fungi. Acorns are a favorite, but the
y’ll take whatever is available depending on the season. Their sharp teeth allow them to open nuts and seeds, making them a reliable food source.
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Hiding Food: Once squirrels have gathered enough food, they hide it in different spots. These “caches” can be buried in the ground, tucked away in tree crevices, or hidden under loose bark. Squirrels are strategic about where they hide their food, often choosing spots that are difficult for other animals to access.
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Memory and Smell: Squirrels have a remarkable ability to remember where they’ve hidden their food. Their keen sense of smell helps them track down their caches, even when they are buried under layers of snow or debris. Additionally, squirrels use spatial memory to pinpoint the exact locations of their food, ensuring they can retrieve it later.
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Multiple Caching Locations: Rather than relying on a single stash, squirrels spread their food across several locations. This increases their chances that at least some of the caches will remain intact and accessible, even if others are disturbed or eaten by other animals.
Why Squirrels Might Choose Your Property for Food Storage
Squirrels may choose your home for food storage because it offers warmth, protection from predators, and hidden spaces. Attics and basements are warmer than the outdoors, making them attractive for storing food. Squirrels also seek secure, high locations to avoid predators, and your home’s nooks and crannies provide ideal spots for hiding food. Small gaps around vents or chimneys give squirrels easy access to these areas, making your property a prime target.
What to Do If Squirrels Are Storing Food in Your Home
If you’ve discovered that squirrels are storing food in your home, it’s important to take action to prevent further intrusion. Here’s what you can do:
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Seal Entry Points: Carefully inspect your home for potential entry points. Check for gaps around vents, chimneys, and roof eaves where squirrels may have gained access. Sealing these openings will help prevent future entries.
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Remove Food Sources: If you have bird feeders, nut trees, or easily accessible food on your property, consider relocating them to less accessible areas. This will help minimize the attraction to your home.
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Consult a Professional: If squirrels have already made themselves comfortable on your property or in your home, it’s best to contact a professional pest control service. Critter Control of Green Bay specializes in safely removing squirrels and ensuring they don’t return.
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Remove Existing Caches: If squirrels have already stored food in your home, carefully remove it. Be sure to do this when the squirrels are not present to avoid causing harm to them. It’s important to clean up any remnants of food to discourage them from returning.
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Prevent Re-entry: Once the squirrels have been removed, take steps to ensure they don’t return. Install chimney caps, repair roof holes, and maintain any trees or shrubs near your home that provide easy access.
By understanding how squirrels store food and why they might be drawn to your home, you can take the necessary steps to protect your property from these persistent critters. Contact us today if you need expert assistance!