Homeowners Urged to Humanely Remove Baby Squirrels from Homes

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the weather warms, squirrels are becoming more active and seeking shelter to raise their young, leading to an increase in encounters between homeowners and baby squirrels. Experts advise against relocating squirrels, as the mortality rate is high, and instead recommend sealing potential entry points to prevent future issues.

Why it matters

Increased development and habitat loss are driving squirrels closer to human populations, leading to more frequent encounters, particularly as they search for safe nesting sites. Protecting squirrels is important due to their ecological role in seed dispersal and tree growth.

The details

Homeowners in areas like Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Calvert counties in Maryland are particularly likely to experience this issue. Humane wildlife control services like Skedaddle Maryland emphasize a non-lethal approach, focusing on preventing entry and encouraging the animals to move on their own. They utilize specialized sealants to effectively close potential entry points, as common DIY solutions like spray foam are often ineffective.

• As the weather warms, squirrel activity and breeding season increases.
• Last week, Skedaddle Maryland responded to a call from a Stevensville homeowner who discovered a squirrel nest under a solar panel.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The team at Skedaddle Maryland installed a one-way door, allowing the mother squirrel to leave but preventing her return. The babies were then placed in a heated box with nesting material near the exit, and the mother successfully retrieved them and relocated them.