Squirrel Mating Season is Here – What It Means for Your Home

Richard Neumayer • March 21, 2025

As winter fades and temperatures rise, squirrels enter their busiest season of the year: mating season. Homeowners often notice an increase in squirrel activity during this time, but few realize the risks that come with it. Understanding how squirrel removal fits into this seasonal shift can help prevent unwanted guests in your attic or walls.

When Do Squirrels Breed, and Why Should You Care?

Squirrels typically have two mating seasons each year. The first begins in late winter and peaks in March, while the second occurs in late summer. Female squirrels seek out safe, warm, and enclosed areas to give birth. Your attic, crawl spaces, and wall voids offer the perfect environment for them to nest.

Once settled, a female squirrel can give birth to up to five babies per litter. These young squirrels won’t leave the nest for nearly two months, which means if they take up residence in your home, they’ll be there for a while.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) notes that gray squirrels are adaptable and often nest in human structures. They mention that gray squirrels "make their homes in attics, chimneys and even the occasional barbecue grill"

A study on Abert's squirrels found that males expand their home ranges and increase movement during mating season to locate females. This heightened activity could lead them to explore urban areas, potentially entering homes in search of nesting sites.

How Do Squirrels Get Into Homes?

Squirrels are agile and persistent. If they find a small gap, loose vent, or weak soffit, they can squeeze through and start nesting inside. Some of their common entry points include:

Gaps in roofing or siding
Uncapped chimneys
Loose or damaged attic vents
Openings near gutters and fascia boards

If you hear scratching or scurrying in your attic, you may already have squirrels inside. Addressing the issue early with squirrel removal Cumming residents trust, can prevent long-term damage. Unchecked wildlife infestations can lead to costly home repairs and health risks.

What Damage Can Squirrels Cause?

While squirrels don’t mean to be destructive, their nesting habits can lead to expensive repairs. Here’s what they might do inside your home:

Chew Electrical Wiring – Squirrels constantly gnaw to keep their teeth sharp. Electrical wires are a common target, increasing fire hazards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that electrical wire or cable insulation was the item first ignited in one-third (33%) of home fires.
Tear Up Insulation – To create soft nests, squirrels shred insulation, reducing your home’s energy efficiency.
Damage Wooden Beams and Walls – Their chewing can weaken structural elements over time.
Leave Droppings and Urine – Accumulated waste creates unpleasant odors and potential health risks.

A study published in Urban Ecosystems found that seasonal shifts in squirrel behavior, particularly in spring and late winter, result in increased activity near human dwellings, reinforcing the importance of preventive measures.

How Can You Prevent Squirrels from Nesting in Your Home?

Being proactive can help keep squirrels outside where they belong. Here are a few steps to protect your home:

Seal Entry Points – Inspect your roof, vents, and siding for small openings and seal them with metal mesh or hardware cloth.
Trim Tree Branches – Keep branches at least six feet away from your roof to prevent squirrels from jumping onto your home.
Secure Chimneys and Vents – Use chimney caps and vent covers to block easy access points.
Avoid Leaving Food Sources – Bird feeders, pet food, and unsecured trash cans attract squirrels to your property.

A study from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources emphasizes that properly sealing entry points and reducing food sources are key measures in mitigating urban wildlife issues.

What to Do If Squirrels Are Already Inside

If you suspect squirrels have moved in, avoid trying to remove them yourself. DIY methods can cause stress to the animals and lead to damage inside your home. Instead, contact professionals who specialize in humane wildlife control.

Why Choose Catch A Critter for Squirrel Removal?

Our team understands squirrel behavior and the safest ways to remove them. We use humane techniques to relocate the animals and prevent re-entry. Don’t wait until a small problem turns into a major infestation. Contact Catch A Critter today to protect your home this squirrel mating season.

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Humane Methods to Permanently Remove Squirrels from Attics

By Richard Neumayer • February 20, 2025

Discover humane methods to remove squirrels from attics permanently. Learn effective, safe strategies to protect your home. Call today for expert help!

A squirrel is looking out of a wooden box in the snow.

Winter Squirrel Problems? Protect Your Home This January

By Richard Neumayer • January 29, 2025

Winter months bring more than just chilly weather. They can also bring squirrels seeking warmth into your home. If you're tired of dealing with noisy critters in your attic or walls, you're not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge in January, but don't worry, there are humane ways to handle squirrel removal . This post covers everything you need to know about keeping your home safe and squirrel-free this winter. Why Do Squirrels Invade Homes in Winter? When the temperature drops, squirrels search for cozy spaces to nest - spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities make perfect shelters. They’re looking for: Warmth: Squirrels can’t tolerate freezing temperatures and need a place to stay warm. Food Storage: They often bring nuts and seeds into their nesting areas. Safety: Indoor spaces protect them from predators. Unfortunately, their presence can lead to damage like chewed wires, insulation destruction, and unpleasant odors. Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem If squirrels have moved in, you’ll likely notice these signs: Scratching Sounds: Especially in the early morning or late evening. Droppings: Found near nesting or feeding spots. Chewed Entry Points: Damaged vents, soffits, or roof edges. Nesting Materials: Shredded insulation, leaves, or fabric. How to Protect Your Home from Squirrels This January Follow these tips to protect your home: 1. Seal Entry Points Inspect your home for openings where squirrels can sneak in. Focus on: Gaps in roofing or siding. Open chimneys (install caps for extra protection). Damaged vents or screens. A small gap the size of a quarter is enough for a squirrel to squeeze through. Use durable materials like wire mesh or metal flashing to cover these areas. 2. Keep Your Yard Tidy Squirrels are drawn to cluttered yards that provide food and shelter. To make your yard less appealing: Trim tree branches away from your roof. Rake fallen nuts and fruits. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house. This not only discourages squirrels but also other critters looking for a home. 3. Remove Food Sources Squirrels often invade homes in search of food. Take these precautions: Use sealed containers for pet food and birdseed. Avoid leaving food scraps outdoors. Keep garbage bins tightly closed. These simple steps can make your home far less attractive to wildlife. 4. Install Deterrents There are humane ways to discourage squirrels from settling near your home: Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but safe for humans and pets. Natural Repellents: Use scents like peppermint oil near entry points. Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can scare squirrels away from your yard. Why Humane Squirrel Removal Matters It’s tempting to resort to harmful methods, but they’re not necessary. Humane squirrel removal in Cumming , focuses on relocating squirrels without causing harm and preventing their return through exclusion techniques. This approach respects wildlife while protecting your property. According to the Humane Society, methods like one-way doors allow squirrels to exit safely but block re-entry. This minimizes stress on the animal and avoids unnecessary harm. When to Call for Professional Help Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If squirrels persist despite your efforts, it’s time to consider professional squirrel removal . A licensed wildlife removal service can: Safely trap and relocate squirrels. Repair damage and seal entry points. Provide advice on long-term prevention. Catch A Critter , with its eco-conscious and humane practices, is a trusted option for homeowners dealing with squirrel issues. FAQs About Squirrel Removal Can I Remove Squirrels Myself? You can try, but it’s tricky and may not be legal in some areas. Always check local regulations and prioritize humane methods. Do Squirrels Cause Fire Hazards? Yes. Squirrels often chew on electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires. This is one of the top reasons to address the issue quickly. How Long Does Squirrel Removal Take? It depends on the size of the infestation. Professionals often resolve the issue within a week. Why Choose Catch A Critter for Squirrel Removal At Catch A Critter , we understand how frustrating and overwhelming squirrel problems can be. That’s why we prioritize humane removal techniques that are effective and eco-friendly. Our team is passionate about protecting your home and wildlife, giving you peace of mind without harming the environment. Conclusion Winter squirrel problems don’t have to ruin the start of your year. From sealing entry points to calling a trusted wildlife removal service like Catch A Critter , there are many ways to protect your home. Squirrels can cause significant damage, but with the right steps, you can keep your property safe and cozy this winter. If you’re ready to take action, contact Catch A Critter today for compassionate, effective squirrel removal solutions.