Squirrel nests (drey) are effective in keeping squirrels and their offspring warm and dry. One problem with a squirrel infestation is when a mother squirrel builds a nest in your house.
What Do Squirrel Nests Look Like?
A squirrel’s nest looks like a large clump of twigs and leaves. The interior is hollow and measures eight inches in diameter on average. Nesting materials are typically lined with leaves, grass, moss, and shreds of bark. The exterior shell of the nest is woven together with sticks and leaves for insulation.
A squirrel nest in your home can be a squirrel problem.
Where Do Squirrels Build Nests?
Squirrel nests are typically built high between strong tree branches, inside tree cavities, or near the base of the trunk. Oaks, beeches, elms, and maples are common homes for both grey squirrels and red squirrels.
Squirrels are excellent climbers and can gain access to attics and chimneys. Typical entry points include eaves, gables, and soffits.
Once inside your home, common nesting areas include chimneys, attics, and wall cavities. A squirrel infestation is a threat to the structural integrity of your property. Squirrel nests and gnawed electrical wiring present a fire hazard. In addition to causing building damage, squirrels are capable of spreading disease through their waste.
When Do Squirrels Build Nests?
Squirrels build nests for shelter from winter weather and as a safe place for their litter. Squirrels typically have two breeding seasons early spring and late summer.
Squirrels do not hibernate, but they do need shelter during the winter months. Looking for warmth in late fall and winter, squirrels often nest in attics and exterior walls, using insulation as nesting material.
Squirrel Removal
Prevent squirrels from nesting on your property by limiting food sources like bird feeders and acorns.
If a squirrel has built a nest in your home, you need to remove the squirrel and its nest. . Live trapping and one-way excluder valves are effective squirrel control measures. Once all squirrels are gone, clean-up and nest removal can be accomplished.
