Squirrels darting through the trees and playing in the open is a common and often fun thing to see in rural places. These quick animals are important to the environment and add a touch of nature’s beauty to the places we live. But, just like with other animals, it’s important to find a balance with squirrels if you want to live together in peace. In this article, we’ll talk about how to live with squirrels in rural areas while being respectful of their presence, keeping your property safe, and protecting the natural environment.
Know What Role They Play in the Ecosystem:
Squirrels are very important to the growth of new trees in forests. As a way to store food, they bury nuts and other seeds. By doing this, they unintentionally help seeds spread and new trees grow. Understanding and appreciating what these furry friends do for the ecosystem can help people feel good about them.
Give them food from nature:
Encourage squirrels to find their own food so they don’t become too dependent on the food people give them. If you plant a variety of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers on your rural land, squirrels will have a wide range of nuts, seeds, and fruits to eat all year long.
Use bird feeders that keep squirrels out:
If you like to feed birds in a country area, you can keep squirrels from getting to the food by using bird feeders that squirrels can’t get into. These special bird feeders have mechanisms that close off entry when they sense the weight of a squirrel. This lets the birds eat without being bothered.
Provide feeding stations for squirrels:
Set up a place for squirrels to eat that is different from the bird feeders. Give them food they like, like peanuts, sunflower seeds, or corn. So, you can watch squirrels and feed them without affecting the area where birds eat.
Protect Gardens and Growing Areas:
Squirrels can rarely raid vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Set up barriers like wire mesh or fencing around your yard to keep animals out but still let plants grow. Consider planting extra crops just for squirrels to make your main yard less appealing to them.
Protect Your House:
Since squirrels like to climb and chew, it’s important to protect your home from possible damage. Cut back tree branches from your roof and fix any holes or gaps in your attic, crawl space, and eaves to keep squirrels from getting into your home.
Have Fun Seeing Squirrels:
Take the time to watch and enjoy squirrels where they live in the wild. Enjoy watching squirrels from a distance, using binoculars if you need to so you don’t change how they normally act.
Be aware of breeding times:
During the times when squirrels are breeding, they may act more territorial. Pay attention to these times and give squirrels more space when they might be nesting or raising their young.
If you need to, get help from a professional:
If you have problems with squirrels that keep coming back and could hurt your property or people, you might want to call a professional wildlife removal service for advice or help. They can help you find solutions that are kind and fit your situation.
In rural areas, living with squirrels is a rewarding experience that brings you closer to nature. By understanding their role in the ecosystem, giving them natural food sources, using bird feeders that squirrels can’t get into, keeping your garden and property safe, and not using harmful chemical repellents, you can make a place where squirrels and other wildlife can live together in peace. If you are aware of and respectful of these curious animals, you can enjoy the beauty of living in the country while protecting your property and keeping the natural balance in your rural community.