If you’ve noticed more activity from your neighborhood squirrels lately, you’re not imagining things—spring is a busy time for these animals. Warmer days and blooming trees mean more food, more energy, and more movement. But all of that squirrel hustle and bustle doesn’t stop outside. Instead, it often leads straight into your house. Why? Because your home offers everything they’re looking for this time of year—a safe shelter, food, and easy entry points. Yes, squirrels are more likely to invade your home in the spring, and understanding this behavior is key to keeping your property protected.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Brookhaven, we’ve seen firsthand how common this issue is. Many homeowners call us each spring asking the same questions. What attracts squirrels the most? How do squirrels get into your house? And most importantly, how can you squirrel-proof your house? We’re here to answer those questions so you can enjoy the season without unwanted, furry visitors in your attic or walls.

Here’s what makes squirrels more active this time of year and why they may be targeting your home.

Increased Nesting Activity

Springtime marks the beginning of the breeding season for squirrels, and with it comes the need to create safe spaces for their young. This natural instinct drives them to search for secure, warm locations, making houses particularly appealing.

Squirrels often prefer areas that are sheltered, quiet, and away from predators or harsh elements. Attics, walls, and chimneys are common targets because they’re easy to access and offer protection from weather and predators. To build their nests, these animals gather materials like shredded insulation, twigs, leaves, paper, and even bits of fabric. These make their nests soft and insulated, perfect for their growing babies.

Once a squirrel chooses your home as its nesting ground, it can cause a surprising amount of damage. Insulation can be torn apart, wood structures may be chewed, and even electrical wiring is at risk. If you hear scratching or bumping noises coming from above, it’s often a sign that squirrels are busy setting up shop.

Preventing nesting activity involves addressing and sealing off potential entry points, which we’ll discuss further below. Timely action can save your property from the expensive repairs that unchecked nests can cause.

Abundance of Food Sources

Another major reason squirrels become more active around homes in the spring is their search for food. After the colder months, they’re ready to replenish their energy, and spring provides a variety of food options. Outside, budding trees and bushes offer fresh leaves, seeds, and nuts, which are all favorite snacks for squirrels.

Unfortunately for homeowners, food that humans leave out can be just as tempting. Bird feeders are a major attraction because they provide easy pickings—especially those that aren’t squirrel-resistant. Trash and recycling bins with loose lids or gaps are also prime targets. Compost piles can provide a buffet of scraps that squirrels can easily dig through. Outdoor pet food bowls left unattended are another source of nourishment for a hungry squirrel.

Additionally, these creatures are fantastic foragers and planners. Not only do they eat, but they also hoard food for leaner times. If squirrels discover an ample supply near your home, they’ll waste no time gathering and hiding food in various safe places—sometimes even inside your house.

To make your property less inviting, consider cleaning up fallen nuts or fruit from trees and securing trash bins with tight-fitting lids. Small changes can remove much of the temptation and keep scavenging squirrels at bay.

Easier Access to Entry Points

Getting into your home isn’t a random act for squirrels—it’s an intentional search for weaknesses. Spring, with new growth from trees and plants, makes it particularly easy for these nimble animals to find routes onto rooftops and into attics.

Tree branches that hang over your home act like natural highways for squirrels. They simply climb the tree, hop onto the roof, and encourage their explorations from there. Vine growth, such as ivy crawling up walls, allows them to scale buildings effortlessly. Utility wires and fences provide additional shortcuts to upper parts of your home.

Winter weather can also play a big role in providing easy entry. Strong winds, ice, and rain often leave behind cracked shingles, loose vents, and damaged soffits that squirrels are quick to exploit. These small openings may not seem like much, but remember, a determined squirrel only needs a hole about the size of a golf ball to squeeze through. Their strong, sharp teeth can turn a gap into a full-blown entryway in no time.

Preventing access takes a proactive approach. Trim back any overhanging tree branches and remove climbing plants from your home’s walls. Hiring professionals like us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control ensures all potential entry points are sealed tightly without blocking proper ventilation.

Natural Instincts to Expand Territory

Spring isn’t just about food and shelter for squirrels—it’s also a time for expansion. With more resources available, squirrel populations grow, and individuals start looking for new territories to claim. Your house might be in their sights, especially if it meets their needs for safety and convenience.

Squirrels have naturally curious and determined personalities. They’ll explore rooftops, chimneys, and vents to look for signs of shelter. Once they find a promising spot, they work tirelessly to gain access. Don’t be surprised if you see evidence of chewing or scratching along rooflines—this is often the result of a squirrel’s effort to create an entry point.

Urban areas like Brookhaven create the perfect mix for these explorative animals. There’s an abundance of food, limited predators, and plenty of buildings that offer protection. Squirrels don’t see the boundary between their natural habitat and human spaces; instead, they treat homes as part of their expanding range.

Territorial behavior can cause ongoing problems if left unchecked. That’s why it’s critical to address squirrel issues as soon as possible before their presence becomes a long-term battle.

Protection from Predators

Like all animals, squirrels have their share of natural enemies. Spring not only brings new life to prey like squirrels, but it also signals the peak activity of predators like hawks, owls, snakes, and even domestic pets in some cases. This increased threat makes squirrels actively seek refuge where predators can’t reach them.

Homes provide the perfect cover. Chimneys, attic corners, and wall spaces are nearly impossible for predators to access, offering squirrels a sense of safety. Communities such as Brookhaven, where natural greenery blends with urban areas, give squirrels the opportunity to forage while always having a safe spot nearby.

While this makes sense for them, it’s a problem for homeowners. These “hiding spots” often turn into long-term residences if the animals find ways to settle in. Urban areas unintentionally offer the perfect storm—plenty of food, minimal predators, and secure spaces. The result? Squirrels making themselves at home indoors.

Keeping predators out is easy, but keeping squirrels safe from feeling too welcome requires attention and preventative measures, like blocking access to chimneys with animal-proof covers.

Secure Your Home This Spring with Expert Squirrel Solutions

To protect your property and prevent damage, understanding why squirrels invade homes during the spring is crucial. It’s not just random behavior—they’re driven by a combination of their instincts and the opportunities our homes provide.

Here’s a quick recap of the main reasons these animals are more likely to target homes this season:

• Nesting behavior: They seek safe, warm spots to raise their young.
• Food availability: Seasonal foraging and human-provided food make your yard more inviting.
• Entry points: Spring growth and winter damage create easy ways to get inside.
• Territory expansion: Squirrels explore and claim new spaces as their population grows.
• Protection: Homes offer shelter from predators.

If you’re noticing signs of wildlife activity around your house, don’t wait to take action. A professional wildlife control team can help you safeguard your home before the problem escalates. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in removing animals like squirrels using humane, non-harmful methods. Our team also provides long-term prevention solutions to ensure your home stays secure.

For homeowners in Brookhaven, proper guidance and help are just a call away. Reach out to us today to discover how to squirrel-proof your house this spring. Don’t wait until a small problem turns into extensive damage—protect your space with expert care and proven methods.