As temperatures climb and the days stretch longer, nature kicks into high gear—and that includes squirrels. While many people think of these furry acrobats as mostly harmless park dwellers or backyard visitors, the reality is far more complex, especially during the summer months. Increasingly, homeowners across the country are finding themselves face-to-face with an unexpected nuisance: summer squirrel nests.
At Wildlife X Team, we’ve seen a marked uptick in calls related to squirrel activity in the warmer months. Here’s what’s going on—and why it’s becoming a bigger problem than most people realize.
The Rise of Summer Nesting
Squirrels are typically known for nesting in the late fall to prepare for winter, but in recent years, summer nesting has become more common. With milder winters and longer warm seasons, squirrels are extending their breeding cycles. Most species—especially the common Eastern Gray Squirrel—now have two litters per year: one in early spring and another in late summer.
To house their growing families, squirrels seek out safe, dry spaces—often turning to attics, chimneys, garages, and even crawl spaces as prime real estate. Unlike winter nests, which tend to be tucked high in tree branches or dense foliage, summer nests often creep closer to human structures, leading to a sharp rise in home invasions.
The Hidden Dangers of Summer Squirrel Nests
While squirrels may seem cute, their nests can pose real threats to your home and health:
Fire Hazards: Squirrels love to chew—especially on wires. Their constant gnawing can strip insulation from electrical wiring, creating serious fire risks.
Structural Damage: Nesting squirrels can tear through insulation, wood beams, and drywall, causing extensive and expensive damage over time.
Health Concerns: Squirrels can carry parasites like fleas and ticks, as well as diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella. Their urine and droppings can also lead to unsanitary conditions, especially in ventilation systems.
Noise and Disruption: From scratching in the attic to scampering inside walls, the sounds of an active nest can be loud and unsettling—especially at night.
Why the Problem Is Growing
Several factors are contributing to the surge in squirrel-related calls during the summer:
Urban Expansion: As cities grow and trees are cleared, squirrels are pushed closer to human habitats.
Climate Change: Warmer weather is extending breeding seasons and creating more favorable conditions for year-round activity.
Lack of Natural Predators: In suburban and urban areas, natural squirrel predators—like hawks and foxes—are less common, allowing squirrel populations to thrive unchecked.
What You Can Do
If you suspect that squirrels have taken up residence in your home, it’s important to act quickly and cautiously. Start by inspecting your property for common signs such as droppings, gnawed wood, damaged insulation, or strange noises—especially in the attic or walls. Pay close attention to areas like rooflines, eaves, and vents where squirrels often find entry points. While it may be tempting to handle the problem yourself, do-it-yourself solutions can be risky. Squirrels are wild animals and can become aggressive when protecting their nests. Additionally, many areas have laws governing the removal and relocation of wildlife, making unlicensed trapping potentially illegal. The safest and most effective solution is to contact professionals. Experienced technicians can humanely remove the squirrels, identify how they got in, repair any damage, and secure your home against future intrusions.
Prevention Is Key
The best way to avoid squirrel problems during the summer is to take proactive steps before they become an issue. Start by trimming tree branches so they are at least six to eight feet away from your roof, reducing easy access to your home. Install chimney caps and mesh screens over vents to block common entry points. Be mindful about food sources—store pet food, bird seed, and trash in sealed containers to avoid attracting unwanted wildlife. Finally, consider scheduling a seasonal home inspection with Wildlife X Team. Our experts can identify vulnerabilities around your property and offer tailored solutions to keep squirrels and other critters from moving in.
Final Thoughts
Squirrels might seem like harmless summertime visitors, but when it comes to nesting, they can quickly become destructive houseguests. As the climate shifts and squirrel populations adapt, summer nests are more than just a seasonal quirk—they’re a growing concern for homeowners everywhere.
If you hear something scampering above your ceiling this summer, don’t ignore it. Call Wildlife X Team and let us help restore peace and safety to your home—before the squirrels go wild.