How to Act Like A Squirrel: Becoming a Winter Warrior
I have always been fascinated by the squirrel. They’re very cute animals and scurry up and down a tree like nobody’s business. They always seem to be in a hurry. But why do they stop in the middle of the road?
Squirrels, those agile and adorable creatures we often see darting about in the trees, have a lot to teach us about preparing for winter. These little woodland acrobats may seem in a hurry, but there’s a method to their madness. Join us as we delve into the world of squirrels and their remarkable winter preparations, and discover how you can adapt their strategies to ensure a warm and comfortable winter for your home.
The Eastern Gray Squirrel: Nature’s Planner
The eastern gray squirrel, known scientifically as “Sciurus carolinensis,” is the most common squirrel you’ll find in Delaware (DE), Pennsylvania (PA), and Maryland (MD). It’s a tree squirrel, which lives high above the ground, unlike ground-dwelling or rock-dwelling species. Native to the Northeast, these furry creatures are known for meticulously preparing for the harsh winter months.
Summer and Fall: The Season of Preparation
While we bask in the warmth of summer and the vibrant colors of fall, squirrels are busy gathering and storing food for the frigid months ahead. They forage for nuts, seeds, buds, and flowers of trees, stashing away their treasures in hidden locations. Some stashes serve as “fast food,” while others are carefully preserved for the long winter haul. It’s estimated that each squirrel creates several thousand stashes annually. They rely on their incredible memory and an uncanny sense of smell that can pierce through a foot of snow to locate their hidden troves.
Additionally, squirrels pack on the pounds during this season. They increase their food consumption and body mass to ensure they have enough fat reserves to endure the winter. In essence, they “bulk up” for the cold season.
Squirrels: Winter Survivors, Not Hibernators
Contrary to popular belief, gray squirrels do not hibernate during the winter. Instead, they rely on their pre-planned food reserves and stored fat to sustain them through the bitter cold. As long as the temperatures remain above freezing (typically not below 30 degrees Fahrenheit), squirrels continue their foraging activities or pilfer from their hidden caches.
However, when winter’s frosty grip tightens, squirrels seek refuge in cozy dens or nests. These shelters are strategically positioned high in the trees, providing insulation from the biting cold. Squirrels often huddle together to keep warm, utilizing a form of heat transfer known as conduction, which helps maintain stable body temperatures.
During milder spells, they venture out to replenish their energy from the food they diligently stored during the bountiful months of summer and fall. Remarkably, a single squirrel can hoard enough food for up to three years!
The Wise Choice: Stock Up on Heating Oil Early in Fall
As the summer warmth wanes and the leaves start to change, it’s not just squirrels that begin preparing for the impending winter chill. Savvy homeowners know early fall is the perfect time to jump on the season and ensure their homes stay warm without breaking the bank. Here’s why stocking up on heating oil in early fall is a smart move:
1. Beat the Price Surge
Much like the squirrel’s keen instinct to hoard food before the onset of winter, early fall is your opportunity to secure heating oil at a more reasonable price. Prices follow suit as the demand for heating oil increases with the dropping temperatures. Taking action before the autumn chill can lock in a more favorable rate, saving you money in the long run. It’s a bit like filling your pantry with groceries when they’re on sale – you’re ensuring you have what you need and doing it at a lower cost.
2. Ensure a Steady Supply
Just as squirrels meticulously hide away their food stores, ensuring they won’t go hungry during the winter, stocking up on heating oil early ensures a steady supply when you need it most. Unpredictable weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand during the peak of winter can sometimes lead to delivery delays. By preparing in advance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you won’t run out of heating oil, even during the coldest days.
3. Weather the Storm with Confidence
Squirrels don’t rely solely on their memory and sense of smell; they also plan for unforeseen circumstances. Similarly, having an ample supply of heating oil early in the season provides a safety net. In an unexpected cold snap or an unusually harsh winter, you’ll have the fuel to keep your home warm and comfortable without worry. It’s akin to having an emergency kit on hand – you hope you won’t need it, but you’re grateful to have it when you do.
4. Budget-Friendly Peace of Mind
Stocking heating oil early in the fall can also be a smart budgeting move. Spreading out the cost of fuel purchases over several months can help you manage your winter heating expenses more effectively. Instead of facing large, unpredictable bills during the colder months, you’ll have a more consistent and manageable budget throughout the season. It’s like saving money in your “winter fund” to ensure you’re financially prepared for the season.
In essence, stocking up on heating oil in early fall is akin to adopting the wisdom of the squirrel. Just as these furry creatures ensure their survival through careful preparation, you can ensure your home remains warm, comfortable, and cost-efficient throughout winter. Take advantage of this opportunity to secure your heating oil supply, beat the price increases, and embrace the peace of mind that comes with being as prepared as a squirrel readying for winter.
To start your early fall heating oil preparations and explore our budget-friendly options, contact Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling at 302-738-4144 (DE & PA) or 410-398-2146 (MD). We’re here to help you stay warm and worry-free all season long.
Other Ways to Prepare for Winter with Confidence
Just as these diligent eastern gray squirrels make ready for the upcoming winter with determination, you too can take proactive measures to ensure a warm and stress-free season:
Select one of our comprehensive Worry-Free Winter packages. We’ll ensure your heating system operates at peak efficiency and guarantee you’ll never run out of heating oil.
Winters in Delaware (DE), Pennsylvania (PA), and Maryland (MD) can be unforgivingly cold, and the prospect of bitter winters can weigh heavily on our minds. Questions like, “How much heating oil do we have left? Is our heating system draining our resources? How will I manage the inevitable surge in heating bills?” are all too common in the Northeast.
This is precisely why Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling has developed our Worry-Free Winter Packages. We understand these concerns, and our packages are designed to address them head-on. With us, you won’t need to fret about your heating system or fuel supply, and you’ll have the option to spread out heating oil costs.
Just as squirrels plan for winter’s arrival, so can you. At Hillside Oil Heating & Cooling, our Worry-Free Winter Packages are thoughtfully crafted to care for your heating system, ensure you never face a fuel shortage, and effectively manage your heating expenses. Don’t let winter take you by surprise – be as well-prepared as a squirrel gathering supplies for the season ahead!
