Where Do Squirrels Go When It Rains?

Squirrels are cute creatures that most people enjoy seeing frolicking in their yard. While the animals can cause significant damage to the structure of your home if they take up residence in your attic, they don't pose a threat if they live in your yard. You may have noticed that you don't usually see squirrels when it's raining, and you may wonder where they go for shelter during inclement weather. Here are the most common places for squirrels to seek shelter during a rainstorm.

1. Your Home

Although your house is probably not a squirrel's first choice for shelter during a rainstorm, it is often the best option. Unlike a nest, your house won't blow away during heavy wind and won't be affected by a significant amount of rain. Squirrels may seek shelter in your attic if they can find any small point of entry and are too far away from their nests.

2. Their Nest

Squirrels are known to often have two or three nests within a single yard. These nests, also called dreys, are made of grass and other materials that squirrels can find around the yard. Baby squirrels will stay in the nest during any rainfall regardless of how heavy it is. Older squirrels may leave the nest during a light rainfall, but if they can get back to the dry during heavy rainfall, this is often their preferred type of shelter.

3. Trees

Hollow trees also provide places for squirrels to pick shelter when it is raining. When a squirrel burrows deep inside a tree, it is protected from most types of inclement weather. Trees make great places for squirrels to keep their babies hidden, so you will often find litters of squirrel kits inside hollow trees in your yard.

4. Other Man-Made Structures

Squirrels don't often stray too far from their nest, but if food is scarce, the creatures may venture further away to find food for their babies. If it starts to rain while the squirrel is foraging, it may take shelter in any man-made structure it can find. Female squirrels don't often stay in these structures long. They want to get back to the nest as quickly as possible to check on their kits. Male squirrels may stay inside sheds or lean-tos on your property for longer periods of time to stay dry during heavy rainfall.

When To Check for Squirrels In Your Home

Squirrels don't mind light rainfall. You may see these small creatures playing in your yard when it is sprinkling. If the rainfall is slightly heavier, you may occasionally see female squirrels searching for food for their babies. When this happens, squirrels often use their tails as umbrellas. However, during heavy rainfall, squirrels always try to seek shelter. You may need to check your attic to see if a squirrel has moved in after heavy rain if you notice any of the following signs:

• Droppings
• Gnaw marks around the house
• Scurrying noises
• A sudden drop in your water pressure

Call the Experts for Help With Squirrel Removal

While you may not mind sharing your yard with squirrels, you don't want them to take up residence in your home. If one of the creatures takes shelter from a rainstorm inside your home, it can be difficult to get it out without the help of an expert. Call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for help with wildlife control in Okanagan. Our technicians can remove a squirrel from your home humanely before closing  up any points of entry so that it cannot return. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for squirrel removal.