If you’ve spent any time watching squirrels in your yard or local park, you’ve probably noticed their high-energy antics. One of the most entertaining and puzzling behaviours is when they chase each other in what looks like an endless game of tag. 

But why do squirrels chase each other? 

These seemingly playful dashes through tree branches and across lawns actually have important purposes. From staking their territory to mating rituals, squirrel chasing habits are a window into their fascinating world.

Let’s take a closer look at what motivates all this movement. Our excerpts on wildlife control in Mississauga will explain squirrel behaviour, explore why squirrels chase each other, and uncover how their chasing habits can impact your home or property.

By the end, you’ll see these little creatures in a whole new light.

Why Do Squirrels Chase Each Other?

Squirrel chasing may look like fun and games, but it’s not just about play. There are a few key reasons behind this energetic behaviour:

Establishing Territory

Squirrels can be quite territorial, especially when food is scarce. Chasing each other is one way squirrels protect their turf and ensure they have access to the resources they need. Whether it’s a favourite tree packed with acorns or an ideal nesting spot, squirrels don’t like to share their space with rivals. If you notice squirrels chasing each other, it could be their way of saying, “This is mine!”

Mating Season

Another reason why squirrels chase each other is related to reproduction. During mating season, male squirrels pursue females in intricate chases that can last for hours. It may appear chaotic, but it’s a critical part of squirrel behaviour. The female’s ability to evade her pursuer is her way of ensuring she’s selecting a strong, healthy mate.

Playful Practice

Young squirrels, much like human kids, love to play. Chasing habits in juveniles are often a form of practice for adulthood. They develop skills they’ll need later, like quick reflexes, climbing techniques, and even social hierarchies. This playful behaviour is essential for their growth and survival.

By understanding squirrel behaviour explained through their chasing patterns, we see how these actions connect to survival instincts and daily life.

What Does Squirrel Chasing Mean For Homeowners?

Squirrel chasing may be fun to watch, but when it happens too close to home, it can lead to problems. Here are a few ways squirrel behaviour can impact your property:

• Nesting in Your Home: Chased-away squirrels sometimes seek new shelters, and your attic or chimney might look appealing to them. Once inside, they’ll build nests, which can cause damage and create messes that are hard to clean.
• Chewing Damage: Squirrels need to gnaw to maintain their teeth, and some will chew on wood, wires, and insulation if they get into your home. This chewing can lead to expensive repairs or even safety risks like electrical fires.
• Loud Noises: The sound of squirrels chasing each other, scrambling across rooftops, or running in your walls can be disruptive. These sounds can make it hard to focus or sleep, leading to frustration for anyone living in the home.

We often hear from homeowners who’ve discovered squirrels nesting in their attics or causing damage to their property. While chasing is natural for squirrels, inviting them into your house definitely isn’t.

How Do Squirrels Communicate While Chasing?

Squirrels don’t just rely on physical chases to communicate intentions. They also use body language, sounds, and even scents. Here are some ways they signal each other:

• Tail Flicking: When a squirrel quickly flicks its bushy tail, it’s like sending a warning signal. This behaviour can show they feel annoyed, threatened, or want to assert dominance over others in the area.
• Chirping and Squeaks: Squirrels use chirps and squeaks to “talk” to one another. These sounds might warn of nearby predators or help them communicate with others in their group about safety or social boundaries.
• Scent Marking: By leaving their scent behind, squirrels mark their territory and send invisible messages to other squirrels. It’s their way of saying, “This spot is mine,” or of sharing important information about their environment.

Understanding these communication methods adds deeper context to their chasing habits. It’s not random chaos but a well-orchestrated form of interaction.

The Challenges Of Squirrel Chasing Near Homes

While squirrels chasing each other is part of their natural behaviour, it becomes trickier when they integrate your property into their routines:

• Targeting Homes for Nesting: Female squirrels searching for the perfect nesting spot sometimes break into attics to escape male pursuers. Once inside, they can quickly make themselves at home, bringing in nesting materials and causing a mess.
• Risk of Damage: Chases can involve scratching and clawing at exterior materials, leading to damage over time. This wear and tear may make your home more vulnerable to weather and future wildlife invasions.
• Seasonal Activity Surges: You’re more likely to see chasing during mating season, often in late winter or early spring, which can increase the risk of property issues. The spike in activity can be especially troubling as squirrels become more determined to secure a home base.

If squirrels are turning up at your home as part of their antics, it’s time to take action. Preventing access and addressing potential issues early is key.

What You Can Do About Squirrel Activity

To reduce the impact of squirrels chasing around your property, start by sealing up any gaps, cracks, or possible entryways they might use to get inside. It’s also a good idea to trim tree branches that hang over your roof, as this limits their access to your home. 

For a lasting and humane solution, our team at Skedaddle can help remove squirrels and ensure they don’t come back.

Why Skedaddle’s One-Way Doors Are The Best Choice

When squirrels move into areas where they shouldn’t be, like your attic, it’s essential to use a humane and effective approach. That’s where we come in. At Skedaddle, we use specially designed one-way doors that allow squirrels to leave safely but block them from returning. 

This ensures they’re out of your space while preventing harm to the animals. Our professional solutions make your home squirrel-free without risking your safety or theirs.

Nature’s High-Energy Performers

Squirrels bring energy and life to any neighbourhood with their playful antics and clever behaviour. Chasing each other is more than just entertainment. It’s a vital part of their survival, helping them establish territories, find mates, and develop skills needed for adulthood. Understanding why squirrels chase each other gives us a fascinating glimpse into their world, but it’s also important to ensure their activity doesn’t disrupt your home.

If you’ve noticed squirrels turning their chasing routes into unwanted visits inside your house, we can help. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Mississauga, we have the expertise to ensure these creatures stay outdoors where they belong.

Want to learn more about keeping your home safe from squirrel mischief? We’re here to help. Request an estimate today to see how we can handle squirrel activity around your home while keeping the animals safe.