With eastern gray squirrels entering their second nesting season of the year, late summer often brings more activity around Virginia homes. Attics provide the warmth and protection mother squirrels need to raise their young, making this an important time for homeowners to recognize the signs of an intrusion and know what to do next.
If you suspect you have a squirrels inside your attic, call Summit Wildlife Removal today at 703-884-2124 or complete our contact form to schedule a professional inspection.
When Do Squirrels Have Babies?
Eastern gray squirrels generally breed twice a year, once during the winter and again in late spring or early summer. After a gestation period of about six weeks, their litters are typically born in early spring and the other in late summer.
A typical litter consists of three or four babies, called pups or kits, although litter sizes can vary. By about 8 to 10 weeks old, young squirrels are typically weaned and becoming independent.
Where Do Squirrels Have Babies?
A mother squirrel typically chooses a warm, quiet nesting site that provides protection from predators. They commonly will build large, messy nests from twigs, leaves, and bark. These nests are often built 20 to 40 feet above the ground in the forks of trees or inside hollow tree cavities.
However, they don’t exclusively use trees as nesting sites. They also build nests inside attics, wall voids, sheds, and other sheltered parts of a building. Attics offer warmth, shelter from predators, and a quiet place to raise young, making them an appealing substitute.
Signs a Mother Squirrel May Be Hiding in Your Attic
Squirrels, despite their small size, can make a big mess in attics. If they find a weak spot or opening along the roofline, squirrels may enlarge it by chewing through wood, siding, vents, or flashing. They can also enlarge weak spots or damaged areas until the opening is large enough to enter.
In addition to visible entry damage, homeowners may notice several other signs of a squirrel family in the attic:
- Repeated activity along the roofline
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in the attic
- Noises that are most noticeable during the day
- Small droppings scattered around the space
If you’re noticing these signs of squirrel activity, it might be time to get a professional inspection. Don’t wait until costly damage is done to your home before acting.
Removing Squirrels From Your Attic
Wildlife removal should always be handled carefully, especially when babies may be present. A professional will inspect the attic and entry points to determine whether the squirrel is caring for a litter. The removal process should account for both the mother and her young before the openings are permanently sealed. This helps prevent babies from being separated from their mother or trapped inside the home.
How To Prevent Squirrels From Getting Into Your Attic
Certain conditions around a property can make it easier for squirrels and other wildlife to reach the home. Tree branches that extend to the roof can act as a bridge to the home. Because squirrels can jump several feet horizontally, tree limbs should ideally be trimmed at least eight feet away from the roof whenever possible.
Another way to deter a curious squirrel is to remove nearby food sources. Bird feeders can attract squirrels and other wildlife, so taking them down or switching to a squirrel-resistant design can help cut down on activity. Securing trash cans and avoiding leaving pet food outside will also help.
Professional Squirrel Removal
If you’re noticing increased squirrel activity near your home or suspect that a squirrel family is living in your attic, reach out to Summit Wildlife Removal for a free estimate! Give us a call at 703-884-2124 or fill out our contact form to get started.
Watch us conduct a squirrel removal inspection in a client’s attic:
