Where Do Squirrels Go At Night
Have you ever wondered, “Where do squirrels go at night?” You’re not alone! Those energetic, acrobatic critters we see darting through the trees during the day have a surprising nighttime routine. As the sun sets, squirrels retreat to their nests—often tucked away in trees or, sometimes, in your attic. These cozy hideaways provide a safe space for them to rest and recharge for another busy day.
At Alta Pest Control, we understand that while squirrels are fascinating, they can become a problem when they invade your home. If you’re dealing with squirrels in your attic, we can guide you on the best steps to remove them safely and humanely. Our team is here to help you keep your home squirrel-free while respecting these animals’ natural habits.
Let’s dive into the hidden lives of squirrels at night and learn more about how they find comfort and shelter after the sun goes down!
The Mystery Revealed: Where Do Squirrels Actually Sleep At Night?
Dreys
Tree squirrels construct nests called dreys in the branches of tall trees. These nests are typically built in the forks or crooks of tree branches. Dreys are made from twigs, leaves, grass, and moss. They provide a secure and well-insulated sleeping space for squirrels, protecting them from the elements and predators.
Tree Cavities
Squirrels may seek out natural tree cavities or take advantage of woodpecker-created holes in trees. These cavities provide squirrels with a ready-made sheltered sleeping spot. They offer additional protection and insulation, making them ideal for squirrels to rest comfortably at night.
Ground Burrows
Ground squirrels, such as chipmunks and some tree squirrels, dig burrows in the ground. These burrows are intricate tunnel systems that serve as their homes, providing not only sleeping quarters but also protection from predators and adverse weather conditions.
Attics and Roof Spaces
Squirrels often find their way into attics and roof spaces, particularly in residential areas. These spaces provide a secluded and warm environment similar to the hollow tree cavities they naturally prefer. Once inside, squirrels may use insulation, stored items, or other materials to build nests for resting and sleeping. At Alta Pest Control, we take a humane approach to addressing squirrels in roofs. Our methods include guiding squirrels out of attics and roof spaces, sealing entry points to prevent their return, and ensuring your home is protected against future invasions.
Nest Boxes
In some cases, squirrels may also seek shelter in man-made nest boxes. Typically installed in trees or on poles, these boxes mimic natural tree cavities and provide a suitable sleeping place for squirrels.
Understanding Squirrel Sleep Patterns: How Long Do Squirrels Sleep?
Squirrels sleep for several hours a day, with the exact duration varying depending on the season and species. For instance, ground squirrels may hibernate during winter, effectively sleeping for several months at a time! However, tree squirrels’ sleeping hours remain relatively consistent throughout the year, except for minor adjustments due to weather conditions and food availability.
What Time Do Squirrels Wake Up?
Squirrels typically wake up at the crack of dawn to begin their day. Their activities predominantly include foraging for food, grooming, and maintaining or building their nests, like tree squirrels.
The precise wake-up time may shift slightly with the changing seasons, as squirrels are crepuscular creatures, most active during dawn and dusk.
When Do Squirrels Sleep? Daytime Slumber and Nocturnal Activities
Contrary to popular belief, squirrels don’t just sleep at night. They are diurnal creatures, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night, much like humans. However, they take several naps during the day to conserve energy.
In terms of nocturnal activities, squirrels are not typically active at night. However, they might occasionally venture out after dark to gather food or navigate their surroundings, especially in urban settings with abundant artificial lighting.
What to Do If You Have Squirrels in Your Home
The presence of squirrels in your home can lead to several issues, from structural damage to potential health risks. It’s essential to act swiftly upon noticing any signs of a squirrel infestation.
1. Identify and Confirm Their Presence
The first step is to confirm the presence of squirrels in your home. Signs of their presence may include:
- Noises of scampering or scratching within the walls or attic.
- Physical evidence like droppings or nests in the attic or within the walls.
- Damage to your property, such as chewed wires, torn insulation, or structural damage to your roof or walls.
- Signs outside your home like damaged plants in your garden or small holes and chew marks on the exterior of your house.
2. Determine the Scope of Infestation
Once you’ve confirmed the presence of squirrels, try to determine the extent of the infestation. Are there just a couple of squirrels or an entire family? Is there only one entry point, or are there multiple ways they enter your home? Have they been there for a while, causing significant damage, or is the issue relatively new?
3. Seek Professional Help
Addressing squirrel infestations can be challenging and potentially risky, so professional assistance is strongly recommended. At Alta Pest Control, we specialize in humane and effective solutions for squirrel invasions. Our certified professionals guide squirrels out of attics and roof spaces using proven techniques that prioritize their well-being while protecting your home.
After safely removing the squirrels, we seal all entry points to prevent future infestations and clean up the attic space. We focus on resolving the infestation and implementing preventive measures to protect your home against future invasions.
Trust Alta Pest Control to provide comprehensive and professional solutions for squirrel removal. Contact us today for reliable help with squirrels in your attic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels
Do squirrels go around at night?
Squirrels are primarily diurnal creatures, which means they are most active during the day. While they may occasionally venture out at night, especially in urban areas with abundant artificial lighting, their nocturnal activity is generally limited.
Do squirrels sleep or hibernate?
Squirrels do sleep, but their sleep patterns can vary depending on the species and the seasons. Tree squirrels, for example, are diurnal and sleep at night, usually taking short naps during the day. Ground squirrels, on the other hand, may enter a state of hibernation during the winter months, where they sleep for extended periods to conserve energy.
What is the sleeping position of a squirrel?
When squirrels sleep, they often curl up in a ball-like position. They tuck their heads and tails close to their bodies, seeking warmth and comfort in their sleeping spots, such as dreys, tree cavities, or burrows.
Do squirrels have rabies?
While squirrels can contract rabies, the incidence is extremely rare. Squirrels are not common virus carriers, and the risk of transmission to humans is extremely low. It is always advisable to avoid contact with any wild animal, including squirrels, to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Do squirrels glow at night?
No, squirrels do not glow at night. They do not possess any natural bioluminescent properties. Their ability to navigate and function at night primarily relies on their well-developed senses, including excellent night vision.
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