Understanding squirrel behavior is essential, especially as the colder months approach. Many people hold misconceptions about where squirrels go in the winter and how they survive the harsh conditions. Clearing up these myths can help you better understand these animals and why they may end up on your property. 

Squirrels are resourceful creatures that seek out warm places to wait out the cold, often finding their way into attics and other secluded areas. Knowing how to keep squirrels away from your home will ensure that you aren’t dealing with unexpected guests during winter. 

By the end of this blog post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of where squirrels go in the winter, how they behave, and why professional wildlife control services, like those offered by Skedaddle, are essential for managing these lively animals.

Do Squirrels Hibernate?

A common myth is that squirrels hibernate throughout the winter months. Unlike some other animals, squirrels do not actually hibernate. Instead, they engage in a behavior known as “torpor.” Torpor is a state of reduced activity and metabolic rate that allows squirrels to conserve energy. This means that while they do sleep more during the winter, they don’t fall into a deep hibernation like bears or groundhogs.

Squirrels still need to eat even during the cold months. They have an excellent memory and often rely on the food caches they created during the fall. These little animals are known to bury nuts and seeds in multiple locations, which they dig up and consume throughout the winter. This behavior helps them survive the harsh weather when food sources are scarce.

However, their activity is significantly reduced, and they tend to stay close to their nests. You may notice less squirrel activity in your yard, but rest assured, they are still around, just conserving energy and staying warm.

Where Do Squirrels Go in the Winter?

Another common question homeowners have is, “Where do squirrels go in the winter?” Many believe that squirrels migrate to warmer areas or find a new habitat altogether. In reality, squirrels stay relatively close to their original home territory, usually within a few acres.

Squirrels build nests, known as dreys, high up in trees. These nests are made from twigs, leaves, and other natural materials, providing insulation against the cold. Some squirrels also take advantage of tree cavities or even the attics of homes to seek shelter. These dens offer better protection from the elements compared to dreys.

If there’s a sudden drop in temperature or a snowstorm, squirrels may seek refuge in these more secure locations. This is why it’s crucial to ensure your home is squirrel-proof, as they can cause significant damage if they get inside. 

Do Squirrels Share Their Nests?

There’s a widespread belief that squirrels are solitary creatures that only live alone. While it’s true that squirrels are generally solitary, there are exceptions, especially during the winter. Squirrels may share their nests with other family members to keep warm. 

Juvenile squirrels often stay with their mother for several months before venturing out on their own. During particularly cold weather, it’s not uncommon to find a mother squirrel and her young sharing the same nest. This behavior ensures that they’re all warm and protected, increasing their chances of survival.

Additionally, during extreme cold snaps, unrelated squirrels might temporarily share a nest. This communal living is purely for survival and doesn’t last beyond the immediate threat of freezing temperatures.

How to Keep Squirrels Away from Your Home

Many homeowners struggle with keeping squirrels away from their properties, especially during the colder months. While some might consider DIY methods, it’s important to understand that professional wildlife control is the most effective solution. Squirrels are persistent and clever animals, capable of finding their way back even after being relocated several miles away.

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in humane and effective squirrel removal. Our experts understand squirrel behavior and know how to prevent them from causing damage to your property. Using exclusion techniques, we ensure that squirrels are safely removed and can’t re-enter your home.

DIY methods often fall short because they don’t address the root of the problem. Squirrels can easily chew through materials and create new entry points. Professional services like Skedaddle offer a comprehensive solution that includes identifying and sealing entry points, ensuring your home remains squirrel-free.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Control in Maple Grove

At Skedaddle, we pride ourselves on providing humane and effective wildlife control services. Our team of experts is trained to handle squirrel removal with the utmost care and professionalism. We don’t use traps or relocation methods, which can be stressful and harmful to the animals.

Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your property to identify potential entry points and nesting areas. We then use exclusion techniques to remove squirrels safely and humanely. Afterward, we seal all entry points to prevent future intrusions.

What sets Skedaddle apart is our commitment to customer satisfaction. We understand the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy home environment and strive to provide the best solutions tailored to your needs. With years of experience in wildlife control, you can trust Skedaddle to handle any squirrel problem efficiently.

Our approach ensures that not only are the squirrels removed safely, but your home is also protected against future invasions. We use high-quality materials and time-tested methods to seal potential entry points and repair any damages caused by the squirrels. This comprehensive solution not only addresses the immediate problem but also prevents recurrence, giving homeowners peace of mind.

Another factor that makes Skedaddle the preferred choice for wildlife control is our dedication to humane practices. We recognize the importance of treating all wildlife with respect and care. Unlike other methods that can cause harm or distress, our exclusion techniques are designed to allow squirrels and other animals to exit your home safely while preventing re-entry.

Customer education is also a critical component of our service. We take the time to explain our process, the reasons behind our methods, and offer tips on how to maintain a squirrel-free home environment. This way, homeowners are well-informed and can take proactive steps to avoid future wildlife issues.

Lastly, the reliability and expertise of our team cannot be overstated. All our technicians are highly trained, experienced, and committed to delivering exceptional service. At Skedaddle, we stand by the quality of our work and offer warranties on our services to ensure your satisfaction. When you choose Skedaddle, you’re choosing a company that values professionalism, reliability, and a service-oriented approach to wildlife control.

Contact Us Today

Squirrels are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors, especially during the winter months. By debunking common myths about their winter behavior, we hope to provide homeowners with a better understanding of these animals. Remember, squirrels don’t hibernate; they seek out food and shelter to survive the cold.

If you’re dealing with squirrels in your home, it’s essential to seek professional help. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers expert services to ensure your home remains safe and squirrel-free. Our humane methods and commitment to customer satisfaction make us the best choice for wildlife control.

Ready to protect your home from squirrels? Contact Skedaddle today and schedule your consultation with our expert team. Let’s keep your home safe and secure this winter season.