When the air begins to crisp up and the foliage in places like Denver’s City Park trades its summer green for vibrant shades of red and orange, one thing is for sure–squirrel season is in full swing. Watching their energetic antics might seem like lighthearted fun, but there’s serious purpose behind it. Squirrels’ fall preparation is a fascinating mix of survival tactics and instinct that readies them for the freezing months ahead. From their caching techniques to the changes in behavior in autumn, these resourceful little animals leave no stone unturned. Today, we’ll explore how squirrels store food for winter and why those preparations are vital for their survival.

If you’re a homeowner, understanding these habits can give you insights not only into nature but also into why these animals might occasionally cause some challenges in your home. Read on for a deep look at the incredible survival strategies squirrels use to thrive in fall.

Squirrels’ Fall Preparation

The cooler months mean survival mode is in full swing for squirrels. These industrious animals don’t hibernate, so they need to actively prepare for the challenges of cold weather. This preparation includes everything from stockpiling food to reinforcing nests.

Here’s what they focus on during fall:

• Food Storage

Perhaps the most critical aspect of their readiness plan, they meticulously gather an assortment of nuts, seeds, and even fungi and strategically hide them in various locations. Experts call this “caching,” and it’s a strategy that ensures they’ll have enough snacks tucked away to last through the harshest winter days.

• Nest Reinforcement

Using leaves, twigs, and other materials, squirrels reinforce their nests to block out cold drafts and keep themselves cozy. Families of squirrels may even share dens to share body heat during especially frigid nights.

• Eating to Bulk Up

Squirrels in autumn increase their calorie intake dramatically. This quick weight gain helps insulate their bodies and gives them an extra energy reserve.

While these behaviors make them fascinating creatures to observe, they also cause problems when squirrels view attics and homes as optimal storage or nesting sites. For instance, a squirrel might chew through soft materials like wood, fascia, or even plastic in its quest to access your cozy home.

Squirrel Behavior in Autumn

Autumn brings about a noticeable shift in behavior. They’re busier, more visible, and appear to approach everything with a sense of urgency.

Why Do We See More Squirrels in Fall?  

The increase in activity is largely due to the need to forage and cache food. Squirrels work almost non-stop during the day to locate and hide food. Each squirrel might manage hundreds of individual caches, strategically placing nuts in different locations to ensure survival. This process often results in determined squirrels rooting through gardens, flower pots, and even poorly sealed outdoor storage areas.

Fascinating Autumn Facts About Squirrels  

• Deceptive Caching

Squirrels are sneakier than you’d think. Studies reveal that squirrels sometimes pretend to bury food to throw off other squirrels (or predators) that may be watching. They’ll create a convincing fake digging spot and only store their food once they feel safe.  

• Organized Caches

Squirrels don’t just randomly bury their food. They “chunk” it by type, keeping one cache full of acorns and another for other seeds. This organizational behavior helps them remember where everything is stored.

How Squirrels’ Behavior Impacts Homes  

Squirrels near urban areas like Denver frequently come in close contact with homes. They can be seen darting along power lines or the edges of roofs. Occasionally, this leads to a squirrel deciding that your attic is the perfect fall retreat. The chewing of entry points, gnawed wires, and ruined insulation are common signs that a squirrel has gained access.

How Squirrels Store Food For Winter

Caching food is one of the most distinctive traits of a squirrel preparing for winter. But how do squirrels manage to keep track of so many hidden stashes in what seems like a chaotic system?

Strategic Placement  

Squirrels are highly selective about where they bury their food. Open spaces give predators a clear line of sight, but they also make food more challenging for rival squirrels to access. Balancing these risks takes careful calculation.

Use of Senses  

Memory isn’t the only tool squirrels use. Their keen sense of smell can help them locate nuts and acorns even under layers of snow or soil.

Social Learning  

Squirrels also learn from observing others. Studies have shown that squirrels can watch their peers bury food and remember the locations to retrieve it later. This behavior highlights their ability to adapt and take advantage of social cues, further enhancing their resourcefulness in securing food supplies.

What Happens If They Can’t Find Stored Food?  

Not every cache gets found again. Research estimates that squirrels forget about 25% of their massive hoarded food supply. Leftover nuts and seeds often sprout into new plants, playing an essential role in forest growth.

One interesting trait is cache discrimination. When unburying food, a squirrel almost always opts to eat the highest-quality pieces first, leaving less desirable food for emergencies.

Impact on Humans  

Unfortunately, homes can sometimes double as “squirrel pantries.” If a squirrel finds a way into your property to cache food, you may notice buried nuts in insulation, air ducts, or other areas.

Denver’s Unique Context

Denver’s outdoorsy vibe and abundance of tree-lined neighborhoods contribute to high squirrel activity levels. Iconic spots like Washington Park become hot zones for squirrel watching every fall as the animals scramble to prepare. While Denver’s landscape offers immense benefits for wildlife, homeowners here also need to remain vigilant.

For example:

• Homes near large trees often have branches close enough to act as squirrel highways onto roofs.
• Squirrels that find attic access points might nest indoors throughout the entire cold season, causing potential damage and disruptions.

Building Awareness and Preventing Intrusion

It’s important for homeowners to appreciate squirrels’ ingenuity while also protecting their homes. Follow these tips to minimize the potential for squirrel-related issues:

• Inspect Your Home Regularly

Look for small holes, damaged soffits, or loose vents that might give squirrels an easy entry point.

• Trim Tree Branches Near Your Roof

Keep a buffer zone of at least 6-8 feet to make it more challenging for squirrels to access high points of your home.

• Secure Outdoor Food Sources

If you have bird feeders, consider options that discourage squirrels from raiding them, such as baffles or squirrel-resistant designs.

• Keep Outdoor Areas Clear

Clear fallen nuts or acorns from around your yard. While squirrels will appreciate the abundance, it’s better to limit temptation.

• Consult Experts When Needed

If a squirrel does make its way into your home, professional help can ensure it’s safely and humanely relocated while securing your property.

Take Action This Fall

Squirrels are determined, resourceful, and downright impressive in their preparations for fall and winter. By understanding their behaviors, such as food caching and autumn nesting, homeowners can strike the perfect balance between appreciating these fascinating animals and safeguarding their homes.

If you’ve noticed increased squirrel activity around your home, give us a call at Skedaddle. We specialize in offering humane, efficient solutions to keep homes squirrel-free while protecting these clever animals. Reach out today to learn how we can help you prepare your home for the season!