Toronto is no stranger to squirrels. These bushy-tailed acrobats are everywhere—darting across streets, raiding bird feeders, and sometimes making their way into attics and chimneys. Toronto’s squirrel population isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving. In fact, the city’s mix of urban living and natural greenery creates the perfect environment for these clever critters.
But here’s the thing—while squirrels may be adorable to watch from your kitchen window, you don’t want squirrels nesting in your home this winter. So, why are there so many squirrels in Toronto, and more importantly, how can you protect your home from becoming their winter hideout? Let’s break it all down.
Why Squirrels Love Toronto
Toronto isn’t just a city—it’s a squirrel paradise. Here’s why they’re thriving in such high numbers:
1. Unlimited Food Buffets
Toronto offers a constant supply of food for squirrels:
- Natural Food Sources: Nuts, berries, seeds, and fungi are everywhere, from the urban canopy to city parks.
- Human Leftovers: Unsecured garbage bins, compost piles, and bird feeders are irresistible snacks for squirrels. Some residents even feed them directly, unknowingly contributing to their growing population.
2. Plenty of Shelter Options
Squirrels need a warm, secure place to nest—especially in winter—and Toronto has plenty of options.
- Tree Nests: They build dreys using leaves and twigs in the abundant trees throughout the city.
- Urban Hideouts: Attics, chimneys, and even spaces under decks offer prime real estate for squirrels looking to stay warm.
3. High Reproductive Rates
Squirrels are prolific breeders. They have two litters a year, typically with 2–4 babies per litter. Thanks to Toronto’s mild winters and ample food, most of these babies survive to adulthood, leading to a population boom.
4. Urban Adaptability
Squirrels are masters of adaptation. They’re smart, resourceful, and not afraid to problem-solve their way into food and shelter. Whether it’s chewing through a soffit or figuring out a way to open a garbage bin, these critters have survival skills on lock.
Why Squirrels Enter Homes in Winter
Winter is tough, even for squirrels. As temperatures drop, they search for warmth, safety, and food. Unfortunately, that often means sneaking into your attic or chimney. Here’s why your home might look like the perfect winter getaway for them:
- It’s Warm: Your attic provides the perfect insulation against harsh Canadian winters.
- It’s Safe: No predators, no wind, no worries—your home is their fortress.
- It’s Near Food: With easy access to garbage bins and bird feeders, it’s like having takeout just a short scurry away.
How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Home This Winter
Here’s the good news: You don’t have to share your home with squirrels. With the right prevention steps and expert help from SOS Wildlife Control, you can squirrel-proof your property and keep them outside where they belong.
1. Seal All Entry Points
Start with a thorough inspection of your home. Look for:
- Gaps in your roof, soffits, vents, or chimneys.
- Signs of chewing or nesting materials.
Pro Tip: SOS Wildlife Control specializes in full home inspections. Their team identifies vulnerable areas and seals them with durable materials like steel mesh and hardware cloth to keep squirrels out for good.
2. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Squirrels are expert climbers and can leap from tree branches onto your roof. Trim branches so they’re at least 6–8 feet away from your home.
3. Secure Your Garbage and Compost
Use animal-proof bins with tight-fitting lids. Squirrels are persistent, so the tougher the container, the better.
4. Protect Bird Feeders
Switch to squirrel-proof bird feeders or place them far from trees and structures squirrels can climb. Clean up spilled birdseed regularly to avoid attracting them.
5. Install Squirrel Deterrents
- Repellents: Use natural options like hot pepper spray near entry points.
- Motion-Activated Devices: Lights or sprinklers can startle and deter squirrels.
- Ultrasonic Devices: These emit high-frequency sounds that squirrels dislike.
6. Call the Experts
If squirrels are already in your attic or walls, don’t panic—call SOS Wildlife Control. Their team specializes in humane squirrel removal and prevention. They’ll ensure every squirrel is safely evicted, nests are cleared, and entry points are sealed to prevent reentry.
Why Choose SOS Wildlife Control?
When it comes to wildlife removal, SOS Wildlife Control is your go-to solution in Toronto. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Thorough Inspections: They don’t just remove the squirrels—they inspect your entire home to identify and seal entry points.
- Humane Methods: Every removal is safe for the squirrels and compliant with Toronto’s wildlife protection laws.
- Prevention Focus: From securing vents to reinforcing weak spots, they make sure squirrels can’t return.
Why Humane Solutions Matter
You might be tempted to try DIY fixes like traps or poison, but these can lead to more harm than good:
- Stressful for Squirrels: Trapped animals often injure themselves or leave behind babies.
- Risky for Your Family: Poisons can harm pets, children, and non-target wildlife.
- Ineffective Long-Term: Without addressing the root cause, new squirrels will quickly take the place of the ones removed.
By choosing a humane, prevention-focused approach like the one offered by SOS Wildlife Control, you can protect your home while maintaining Toronto’s commitment to coexistence with urban wildlife.
The Bottom Line
Toronto’s squirrel population isn’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean they need to be part of your winter plans. By sealing entry points, managing attractants, and enlisting the help of professionals like SOS Wildlife Control, you can enjoy a squirrel-free home and a peaceful winter.
So, if you’ve got squirrels sneaking into your attic or just want to prevent a future invasion, don’t wait. Call SOS Wildlife Control today and take the first step toward protecting your home from these persistent (but undeniably clever) critters.