Throughout fall, you can see squirrels exploring their surroundings and collecting seeds, acorns, and nuts for the upcoming winter.
They’re also looking at places they can stay during the winter. Common hiding areas for squirrels include tree cavities, nest boxes, attics, garages, chimneys, dryer vents, etc.
Below, you will learn where squirrels stay during winter and how they stay warm, so let’s dive right in.
Where Do Squirrels Go in the Winter?
Some squirrels spend the winter in tree cavities or other hiding places outdoors. Others invade people’s attics, chimneys, garages, and other indoor spaces.
Here’s a breakdown of where you can find squirrels in the winder.
Tree Cavities
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, most wild squirrels spend the winter in tree cavities.
Moreover, most wild squirrels prefer live trees, but some can make nests in the remains of dead trees or snags. Woodpeckers or other birds create these cavities in trees, and once they move out, wild squirrels, such as gray squirrels, move in and create nests inside the trees.
If you have trees with cavities near your home, you can see a tree squirrel coming out during the winter season for food. A grey squirrel can also enter your home to survive the cold.
Nest Boxes
Animal lovers install nest boxes throughout urban areas for birds, squirrels, and bats.
Most birds will craft their nests in early spring, while squirrels look for safe spaces where they can build their nests for mating season in late January, so they occupy these boxes before the birds.
Yards
Ground squirrels dig burrows in people’s yards. They build nests underground, whereas others use tunnels and holes to spend the winter.
When searching for winter homes, most squirrels use existing caves, tunnels, and holes made by dogs, moles, or other animals.
Moreover, they won’t create their nest near other animals because they’re wary of other squirrels and predators.
Garages
Garages make great winter homes for squirrels and other rodents because they’re safe and protected against snow, rain, wind, and cold.
Furthermore, most garages have many places where squirrels can hide their nests, like storage boxes, shelving, equipment, yard tools, etc.
You can prevent squirrels from entering your garage by blocking small holes and cracks through which they could enter.
If you see a squirrel in your garage, you should check your insulation, exposed wires, or boxes for damage because these rodents love chewing things.
Attics
Like garages, most attics make good hiding spots for squirrels; they’re less frequented by people and protect against the elements.
Squirrels enter people’s attics through small holes or cracks in their siding or roof. They chew through the material until they’ve made a big enough opening.
You can prevent squirrels from invading your attic by inspecting your home regularly for compromised areas.
Also, explore your attic during the day with the lights off. The sunlight will shine through possible holes and cracks that need repairing.
Chimneys
Some squirrels mistake open chimneys for winter homes. However, they don’t know the dangers of dwelling inside open vents, such as getting stuck behind a closed flue.
If you suspect a squirrel in your chimney, open the flue and catch the squirrel, or lower a weighted rope down and wait. Lastly, you could get a disease if bitten by the squirrel, so stay cautious or call local pest control professionals.
You can prevent similar incidents in the future by installing a squirrel-proof chimney cap.
Decks or Crawl Spaces
Sometimes, squirrels remain under decks or crawl spaces. These places keep squirrels protected against the elements, competitors, and predators.
Squirrels will enter these places the same as attics or garages. You can prevent this by blocking all entry points and repairing gaps on time.
However, before fixing the gaps, you should examine the area thoroughly to ensure you don’t accidentally trap squirrels under your home.
Under the Hood of Cars
Typically, squirrels enter cars through small holes in the underside. They create nests in the passages and enjoy winter without worrying about the cold weather.
Unfortunately, you can’t trust squirrels under your car’s hood, as they can chew through wires and cords. Moreover, squirrels build their nests with dried twigs and leaves, which can cause a fire.
So, call local pest control experts when you notice squirrels under your car’s hood. You can remove their nests by yourself. However, you might get bitten by the squirrels.
Dryer Vents
Some squirrels inhibit dryer vents because they lead directly to the outside. These small rodents can make their nests in the duct or behind your dryer for extra privacy.
Moreover, squirrels like dryer vents because of the large amounts of dryer lint. They use dryer lint as nesting material.
You can prevent squirrels from invading your dryer vents by ensuring your vent cap is in place and not compromised.
How Do Squirrels Stay Warm in the Winter?
Squirrels prepare for the cold months by building nests, collecting supplies, and building fat reserves.
In tall trees, these rodents make nests out of dried leaves, twigs, and moss. Sometimes, they nest in people’s attics, garages, cars, etc.
Moreover, tree squirrels store their food in clever ways.
Instead of keeping all their food in one place, tree squirrels spread their findings around their nests (scatter hoarding). They also bury similar foods in similar areas for quick and easy identification (spatial chunking).
Lastly, when squirrels prepare for the winter, they store body fat reserves.
The layer of fat helps squirrels remain warm when the temperature drops and provides energy when there’s a food shortage.
Do Squirrels Hibernate in the Winter?
Some squirrels hibernate, while others don’t. For instance, ground squirrels make caves where they hide during the winter and hibernate. Richardson’s ground squirrel can hibernate for over nine months.
On the other hand, tree squirrels and flying squirrels don’t hibernate. They usually make nests in tree trunks or enter people’s homes during the cold winter.
Closing Thoughts
While squirrel species like ground squirrels hibernate, most stay in their nests together in winter.
Not all squirrels hibernate. Most grey squirrels, red squirrels, and other types of tree squirrels and flying squirrels survive the cold in their nests and emerge at midday for food.
Squirrels live in trees, garages, dryer vents, attics, chimneys, under hoods, and crawl spaces, among other places.
Wild squirrels typically stay in their burrows and tree cavities, but urban squirrels usually enter people’s homes. If you suspect there’s a squirrel family in your garage or attic, call pest control experts for help.
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