Squirrels are expert climbers and builders, and when they need a warm, safe place to live, they often move into homes. Instead of staying in trees, squirrels look for quiet spots like attics, eaves, or walls to make their nests. These areas provide protection from predators, bad weather, and easy access to food. For homeowners, this can quickly become a big problem.

So, why do squirrels choose your home as their nesting site? The answer is simple: it’s warm, quiet, and easy to get into. A squirrel nest might look like a messy pile of leaves, twigs, and soft materials like insulation or paper. Squirrels can build nests in trees, but homes provide even better shelter. From trees to eaves, they find their way inside through small gaps in roofs, vents, or siding.

In this blog, we’ll explain where squirrels nest, what their nests look like, and why they love to move into homes. You’ll also learn how things like food, trees, and unsealed entry points may be inviting them in. If you’re dealing with this issue, squirrel nest removal in Milwaukee requires careful handling, and Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has the experience to do it safely and effectively. Let’s explore why squirrels prefer homes over trees and what you need to know about keeping them out.

Why Do Squirrels Look for Nesting Sites?

Like any wildlife, squirrels prioritize safety. A sturdy roof, thick insulation, and walls provide more protection than even the sturdiest tree branches can offer. Out in the open, these animals are exposed to predators like hawks, owls, and even neighborhood cats. When the weather takes a nasty turn—whether it’s freezing cold or heavy rain—finding a dry and hidden shelter becomes critical. Homes offer conditions that align perfectly with these needs.

Warmth is another major factor. Tree branches or hollows may do the job in milder weather, but during harsh winters, they’ll seek something better insulated. A heated attic or an enclosed space in your eaves feels like a spa compared to enduring the elements outdoors. The coziness your home provides can sometimes be irresistible.

How Do Squirrels Pick Their Nesting Spots?

When looking for a safe place to settle, squirrels prefer areas that are warm, quiet, and easy to access. Homes often provide all of these things, making them perfect nesting spots. Here’s where they typically choose to build their nests and why:

• Attics and Eaves:
  Attics, eaves, and soffits are some of the most popular places for squirrels to settle. These areas are dry, warm, and undisturbed, which makes them ideal for raising their young or storing food. Once inside, they can stay hidden while remaining protected from bad weather and predators.
• Entry Points:
  Small gaps, holes, or weak spots in a roof, vent, or siding are like open doors for squirrels. These animals are excellent climbers and will take advantage of even the tiniest opening to squeeze their way in. Once inside, they use soft materials like insulation to make their nest.
• Nearby Trees:
  Branches hanging too close to a roof make it easy for squirrels to get onto a house. From there, they look for openings that lead to attics or other sheltered areas. Trimming tree branches can help reduce how easily they access your home.

Squirrels choose places that offer safety and comfort, and unfortunately, parts of your house can seem perfect to them. If you notice any signs of a nest or think you need removal services, it’s best to act quickly to prevent further problems.

Building the Perfect Shelter

If you’re wondering, “What does a squirrel nest look like?” the answer depends on whether it’s in a tree or inside a home. Outdoors, they weave together twigs, leaves, and moss to form round, cozy structures in high branches or tree hollows. But when they move into a house, the materials they use can change drastically.

Inside, they’ll recycle whatever soft and pliable materials they find. We’ve seen them tear apart insulation, cardboard, or even old clothing to create warm bedding for themselves and their young. Scraps of fabric or paper left in storage can quickly become part of their elaborate setup. These animals are remarkably thorough and will use a mix of both natural items and materials found indoors to make their nest as comfortable as possible.

Their resourcefulness is impressive, but it’s also destructive. Tearing apart insulation or chewing through walls isn’t just inconvenient—it can lead to costly repairs for homeowners.

Are You Inviting Squirrels into Your Home Without Knowing It?

Without realizing it, you may be creating an environment that makes it easy for squirrels to settle nearby or inside your home. Here are some common ways your home can attract these animals:

• Unsealed Entry Points: Small gaps in roofs, vents, or siding act like open doors. These openings allow animals to slip inside and find a safe spot to build their nest. If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a squirrel nest look like?” it’s often made from leaves, twigs, and soft materials like insulation once they get indoors.
• Cluttered Yards: Piles of wood, leaves, or other debris in the yard can attract animals looking for nesting materials. These materials are perfect for creating a cozy space and may encourage them to stick around your property.
• Overhanging Tree Branches: When branches are too close to the house, animals use them like a bridge to get onto the roof. Once there, they look for weak spots or openings that lead to sheltered spaces like attics or eaves.
• Accessible Food Sources: Food that is left out can easily attract unwanted animals. Bird feeders, uncovered garbage bins, and pet food left outdoors provide an easy meal, encouraging animals to come closer to your house.

Keeping your property clean, secure, and well-maintained can make it less inviting. If you already see signs of a nest, professional removal is the best way to handle the situation safely and effectively.

Why Professional Help Matters

Even though these animals are simply following their instincts, the damage they cause can be significant. Chewed wires, shredded insulation, and gnawed wood aren’t just messy—they can be dangerous. For instance, chewed electrical wiring increases the risk of fires in your home.

While it might be tempting to try handling the problem on your own, professional removal ensures the process is handled safely, effectively, and humanely. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Milwaukee, we focus on a one-way door system that encourages animals to leave on their own without harm. This approach also prevents them from getting back in.

Just as important, we seal all entry points to protect your home from a repeat invasion. We understand how unsettling it can be to deal with this kind of situation, which is why we prioritize long-term prevention. And since we only use humane methods, you can rest easy knowing we respect both your family and the wildlife we work with.

Homes Offer Safety, Warmth And Accessibility

From branches to rooflines, squirrels are experts at finding the perfect place to build their shelters. Our homes often offer the safety, warmth, and accessibility they’re seeking, especially during colder months. Loose siding, overhanging branches, and unsealed vents are common ways they find their way inside. Once settled, they carefully gather materials to create a space that’s protected and warm, often using insulation or household debris for bedding.

Because of the damage they can cause, it’s crucial to address any issues quickly—and to take steps to prevent wildlife from entering in the future. If you’ve noticed signs of animals moving into your attic or roofline, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our squirrel nest removal in Milwaukee is on your side. We specialize in humane removal and comprehensive prevention methods to keep your home and the animals safe.

Seeing signs of wildlife inside your house? Contact us today to request a quote or learn more about our services. Together, we’ll ensure your house stays your space—no furry visitors allowed.