Squirrels are resourceful animals known for finding innovative ways to secure shelter and survive throughout the seasons. If you’ve found yourself pondering “What does a squirrel nest look like?” or “How many squirrels live in a nest?” there’s a good chance you’re experiencing a squirrel problem firsthand. Homeowners often discover these nests in attics or walls, leading to concerns about damage and the need for squirrel nest removal. 

Understanding how squirrels choose their nesting spots is crucial for preventing issues and recognizing when professional wildlife control services, like those offered by our team at Skedaddle in Hennepin County, are necessary.

How Squirrels Use Instinct to Nest

Squirrel nests, often called “dreys,” typically resemble bundles of twigs, leaves, and grass. These structures may seem inconspicuous when nestled in trees, but the moment they invade a home, the dynamics—and the risks—change drastically. When building or choosing a nest, squirrels rely on instinct, prioritizing security, warmth, and proximity to food sources. While trees are their natural habitat, houses often become attractive alternatives due to ample warmth, stable shelter, and fewer predators.

For squirrels, the goal of nesting is simple—survival. Nest placement is influenced by environmental factors such as climate, season, and access to resources. For instance, during harsher winter months, squirrels are more inclined to seek out enclosed spaces like attics, which offer insulation against cold weather. Their sharp teeth and nimble climbing abilities allow them to create entry points by chewing through materials like wood, aluminum, or even rigid plastic. Once inside, they’ll scout for quiet and isolated spaces to set up their nests. These nests may range in size depending on the number of squirrels present, but they often measure a couple of feet in dimension.

The behavior becomes even more challenging to manage during mating season, which occurs twice a year—in late winter and late summer. Female squirrels are particularly aggressive when choosing a nesting spot during these periods, as the safety of their offspring is paramount. A mother squirrel may go to great lengths to ensure her young are well-protected, using layers of leaves, insulation, and other materials to fortify her nest.

However, this natural behavior creates significant risks for homeowners. Squirrels gnaw through wiring, damage insulation, and create hazardous conditions with their droppings and urine. Identifying their nesting behavior early is key to minimizing damage.

Signs and Risks of Squirrels Nesting in Homes

Squirrels are opportunistic and extremely adaptable; they often use their versatility to exploit vulnerabilities in homes. While their nesting habits may seem harmless in nature, the story changes entirely once they take up residence indoors. Many homeowners unwittingly provide the ideal conditions for nesting squirrels, especially in attics, wall cavities, and roof voids.

One of the earliest and most obvious signs of squirrel nesting is the sound of scampering or scratching, which is most noticeable during dawn and dusk when squirrels are actively leaving or returning to their nests. Another clear indicator is visible entry points—small holes chewed into soffits, fascia boards, or vents. These areas provide easy access for squirrels, and sometimes you may even notice chewed wood, wires, or exterior materials.

Inside the home, nests are typically built from anything the squirrels can gather, ranging from leaves and grass to shredded insulation or personal items. Over time, these makeshift nests become sites of damage. The accumulation of dry nesting materials, combined with chewed wiring, creates a heightened risk of fire hazards. Similarly, insulation contaminated with droppings and urine poses health risks, as these can carry parasites and bacteria that impact indoor air quality.

Another major challenge arises when baby squirrels are present. Mothers can be exceptionally determined to protect their young, often leading to further damage as they become aggressive about maintaining their nesting site. Even trapping the adult squirrel improperly doesn’t solve the problem—the babies remain stuck inside, further complicating removal efforts.

The risks extend beyond damage and health concerns. Ignoring the presence of nesting squirrels allows them to establish long-term residences. Squirrels often return to the same nesting sites year after year if preventive measures are not taken. This makes timely removal and prevention even more critical for homeowners.

What Does a Squirrel Nest Look Like?

Squirrel nests are fascinating in their design but problematic when built in inappropriate locations, such as your attic or walls. When constructed outdoors, they’re usually spherical, lightweight structures found high in trees, crafted from twigs, leaves, grass, and bark. These outdoor nests shield squirrels from predators and weather conditions, functioning as safe havens for resting and raising young.

• Indoor squirrel nests often use materials like insulation, fabric, paper, and other household items.  
• The size of the nest varies depending on the squirrel family.  
• A typical nest houses 3 to 6 squirrels during baby season, usually an adult female and her young.  
• Attractive indoor spaces may lead to more squirrels nearby, resulting in multiple nests in one home.

The problem isn’t just their presence—it’s how they manipulate their environment. A squirrel nesting in your attic might chew through beams and walls to expand its space. Over time, these nests become increasingly hazardous, blocking vents, littering insulation with debris, and leaving droppings that can attract insects. Left unchecked, squirrel nests can grow to several feet in size, sometimes spreading across large areas of the attic. 

Clearly identifying a squirrel nest and its occupants is crucial for effective removal. But this process is not something homeowners should take on themselves. Without the right expertise, handling squirrels and their nests can be dangerous for both the homeowner and the animals involved.

The Importance of Professional Squirrel Nest Removal

When dealing with nesting squirrels, professional assistance is essential to ensure a humane, safe, and thorough solution. Attempting DIY removal often leads to incomplete results or unintended harm—either to yourself or the wildlife. At Skedaddle, we prioritize humane removal methods designed to respect the animals while protecting your home.

Our process always starts with a detailed assessment of your property. Our experienced technicians identify all entry points, nesting areas, and signs of damage to offer a comprehensive approach to removal. Using humane techniques, we carefully remove adult squirrels and relocate babies using specially designed reunion boxes, allowing the mother to safely retrieve her young from outside the home.

But removal is only one half of the equation. We also focus on prevention to ensure squirrels don’t return. Once the squirrels are removed, we secure all potential entry points using durable materials that withstand future attempts to re-enter. Additionally, we clean and sanitize nesting sites to address health risks posed by contaminated insulation and materials.

With over 30 years of experience, Skedaddle offers unparalleled expertise in squirrel removal. Our humane and effective process not only ensures the animals are treated ethically but also provides long-lasting peace of mind for homeowners.

Take Back Your Home Today

When squirrels choose your home as their nesting site, the impact can be both costly and stressful. By recognizing the signs early and seeking professional help, you can prevent further damage while ensuring a safe resolution. If you suspect squirrels are nesting in your home, don’t wait until the problem worsens—call Skedaddle in Hennepin County for expert guidance and comprehensive removal services. With our proven process and commitment to humane practices, we’ll ensure your home remains secure, clean, and squirrel-free.