Squirrels are busy creatures that are always on the move, especially when it comes to digging. They tend to dig most frequently during the fall, as they forage for food and bury nuts to prepare for the colder months. This activity is crucial for their survival during winter when food is scarce. You might notice them scurrying around your yard, enthusiastically digging little holes as they gather their supplies.
Throughout the year, squirrels dig for various reasons. In the spring and summer, they dig to search for food they buried earlier or to create nests. As the weather gets colder, their focus shifts to storing food, which means more digging in preparation for winter. By learning about their digging habits, you can gain a better understanding of these clever animals and their needs in your habitat.
Understanding the times when squirrels dig can help you manage their impact on your garden or lawn. Observing their behavior during the fall can be especially helpful if you want to protect your plants from potential digging damage. Keep an eye out this season, and you might just catch these energetic foragers in action!
Understanding Squirrel Behavior by Season
Squirrels show different behaviors throughout the year. This section explores their winter habits and how they forage and store food to prepare for the colder months.
Winter Habits and Hibernation
During winter, squirrel activity changes significantly. Unlike true hibernators, squirrels do not hibernate completely but have a period of reduced activity. Ground squirrels may enter a state of torpor, which helps them conserve energy.
Tree squirrels, like the grey squirrel and flying squirrel, remain somewhat active. They stay in their nests or dreys during cold spells but venture out at dawn and dusk to forage. This is when you can see them looking for food.
Even in winter, squirrels are busy foraging for nuts, seeds, and acorns. They often rely on their food caches, where they store items during the fall. This behavior is crucial for surviving harsh winters.
Foraging Patterns and Food Storage
In the fall, squirrels prepare by gathering food. They bury nuts and acorns in the ground, a behavior known as caching. This helps them create a winter food supply.
You might notice them digging in the ground, seeking spots where they hid their treasures. Each squirrel can bury thousands of nuts each season. Unlike other animals, they have great memories to find these hidden foods.
Some squirrels use nest boxes or dreys to store food during winter. They may bring back food to these safe spots. This unique food storage helps them have access to food even during winter’s coldest days.
Protecting Your Garden and Property
To keep squirrels from digging in your garden, it’s important to take preventive steps. You can also know when it’s time to call in the experts for squirrel removal. Here’s how you can protect your space effectively.
Preventive Measures Against Squirrel Digging
Start by using physical barriers to stop squirrels from digging. Chicken wire is an easy option. You can lay it flat over the soil and cover it with mulch, like gravel, which squirrels find unappealing.
You may also want to consider planting squirrel-repellent plants. For instance, daffodils are toxic to squirrels and can act as a natural deterrent.
Another option is to use squirrel feeders away from your garden. This can keep them distracted and away from your plants. Just be mindful not to feed them too much, as it may encourage them to dig in search of more food.
When to Seek Professional Squirrel Removal
If preventive measures do not work and you notice frequent digging, it may be time for professional help. These squirrel removal services have the tools and expertise to assess the situation quickly.
Look for services that use humane methods to remove squirrels safely from your property. They can help identify entry points and provide advice on keeping your space squirrel-free.
Remember, if you see signs of nesting or significant damage, call a professional right away to avoid more extensive repair costs later.
