Wondering what attracts squirrels to your home in Anoka County? If you’ve noticed scratching noises above your ceiling or chewed-up bits of insulation around your property, it’s clear you might have some uninvited guests. Squirrels are experts at adapting to whatever the changing seasons throw at them. 

How do squirrels get into your house? But this adaptability often means they set their sights on our properties. Protecting your space means staying one step ahead of their seasonal habits. How do you adjust your defenses as the year unfolds? The answer lies in understanding their behavior and being proactive.

From building nests in spring to preparing for the winter ahead, squirrels are constantly in survival mode. These shifts in behavior impact how they approach neighborhoods and properties, including yours. Luckily, with some practical changes and regular inspections, you can prevent these animals from turning your space into theirs. Here’s what you need to know, season by season, and how you can keep nature at bay while still respecting it.

Spring: Mating and Nesting Season

Spring is perhaps the busiest season for these animals, as they’re focused on creating safe spaces for their growing families. Attics, wall cavities, and eaves become prime real estate because they’re warm, sheltered, and far from predators. Twigs, leaves, and even scraps of cardboard are often used to construct a cozy nest. And how do they get in? Tree branches that touch or hang close to roofs are essentially highways to your property, while cracks in siding, unsecured vents, or gaps in roofing provide easy access to the interior.

To keep them out during this active time, it’s important to inspect your property thoroughly. Walk around the exterior of your building, looking for holes or weaknesses in siding, vents, or roofing that may act as entry points. Pay close attention to tree branches near your roofline—if they’re within jumping distance, trimming them back can make a big difference. Removing leftover leaves or nest materials from previous months around your yard is another great way to reduce the appeal of your space. By acting early in spring, you help ensure these determined animals search for alternatives elsewhere.

Summer: Foraging and Feeding

By summer, squirrels are raising their spring offspring and spending their days actively searching for food while preparing for the cooler seasons ahead. This is the time of year when they chew—frequently. Whether it’s gnawing on garden plants, wooden siding, or even wires, they aren’t just foraging for food but often sharpening their teeth in the process. Additionally, unsecured garbage bins or bird feeders placed too close to homes can significantly increase the chances of an unwelcome visit.

To discourage these gnawing habits, ensure any outdoor garbage bins are sealed tightly and secured. If you enjoy birdwatching, consider moving feeders farther away from your property or adding baffles to prevent easy access. Spend time in your yard searching for signs of chewing, and address damage promptly to prevent further issues. Summer is your chance to keep these determined animals away from your property altogether by staying consistent with preventative maintenance.

Fall: Preparing for Winter

Just like us, these creatures know that cooler weather means preparing for the months ahead. During autumn, their focus shifts toward stockpiling food to tide them through the winter while hunting for warm, dry places to settle. Basements, garages, and attics are frequently targeted because of their insulation and quietness. And because days are shorter and colder, they’re more motivated than ever to find a space where they can avoid the chill.

This is your final opportunity each year to seal off potential entry points before the winter snow begins to fall. Check your vents and install sturdy covers if needed. A chimney cap is another important deterrent, as these can be especially vulnerable come fall. Walk around your property’s perimeter and look for gaps in the siding or even your home’s foundation. Filling these gaps can stop animals in their tracks before they make themselves comfortable. A little diligence now can mean a lot less stress down the road.

Winter: Shelter and Survival

Winter is all about staying warm and safe. For these creatures, that often means doubling down on finding shelter. Garages, crawl spaces, and attics present an ideal escape from the harshness of winter weather. Unfortunately, sharing these areas with them can lead to extensive damage. Droppings, chewed wires, and torn insulation not only create messes but can also lead to health or safety risks.

Regular inspections are your first line of defense in winter, ensuring no creature has found their way inside. Look for signs of activity like droppings, chewed materials, or other disturbances in your attic or storeroom areas. Be thorough, as even the smallest hole could serve as an entry point. Firewood or debris piles near your property should also be cleared away since they can draw animals close that may later attempt to sneak into your space. Extra vigilance during winter months keeps your home secure and unharmed.

Why Homes Attract These Animals

You may wonder, what attracts squirrels and similar wildlife to certain properties? It generally boils down to three things—food, nesting materials, and access. Unsecured garbage, birdseed, or accessible gardens provide easy pickings for a hungry animal. Meanwhile, materials like fallen leaves, cardboard, or even soft insulation offer everything they need to craft a warm and cozy nesting spot. Combine these with an unnoticed gap in siding or vents, and it’s almost an invitation to set up shop.

To prevent this, keeping your property well-maintained and free of obvious attractants is critical. Clean up lawn debris regularly, secure food sources tightly, and block common entry points. It’s a proactive step toward avoiding greater issues like property damage or health concerns.

How We Can Help

If you’re facing a wildlife issue or want advice to stay ahead of one, our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Anoka County offers reliable, humane support. Our approach focuses on long-term solutions, using specialized one-way doors that allow animals to safely leave without re-entry. Plus, we go the extra mile by sealing entry points and reinforcing weaknesses to ensure your property is protected year-round.

We’re passionate about providing effective, humane methods to clear out wildlife safely and respectfully. Whether you’re dealing with active activity or just want peace of mind for the future, we’re ready to help.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• These creatures adapt their behavior as seasons change, impacting how they interact with our homes.
• Spring is the most important season for preventative action due to increased nesting activity.
• Adjust your prevention methods throughout the year to stay ahead of potential damage.

If you’re worried about wildlife on your property or just want a professional opinion, reach out to Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Anoka County. We’re here to deliver safe, effective solutions and keep your space secure throughout the year.

We have ways to get rid of squirrels for good! Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about protecting your home, no matter the season!