Do Squirrels Hibernate in Your Attic In The Winter?

As winter approaches and the temperatures begin to drop, many animals will begin to hibernate, including amphibians, reptiles, insects and many mammals. You may look outside this winter and notice you don’t see as many squirrels and wonder if squirrels hibernate. Keep reading to find out what squirrel do in the winter months.

Do Squirrels Hibernate?

Although you may not notice squirrels out and about as much during the winter months, some species of squirrels do not hibernate. While most ground squirrels hibernate, such as the chipmunk, tree squirrels do not. The two most common tree squirrel species in the Charlotte area include the Flying Squirrel and the Gray Squirrel. Although they do not hibernate, they do however, burrow down in a nice, warm place for themselves and their young. Other than nests made out of dried leaves and twigs, can you imagine what their other favorite place is? You guessed it…your home and attic.

Why Do Squirrels Like Attics?

As previously stated, squirrels search for safe shelters to live in and raise their young. Although the natural source for a shelter is typically trees, brush and other natural cover, they are also always searching for better areas. These areas need to offer warmth and protection from the elements and from predators. Attics and homes strike off all of these requirements, making them the perfect candidate for a squirrel infestation. Additionally, you may be wondering how squirrels even gain access to your attic or crawl space? Keep reading to see how!

How Do Squirrels Get In Your Attic?

It is important to note that squirrels are very clever and agile creatures. They can access a hole or crack that is only 1″ in diameter. There are many spaces around your roofline that meet that criteria such as construction gaps behind your gutters and gaps where your rooflines change direction! Some of the main ways that squirrels gain access into your home is by the use of overhanging tree limbs, but they can just use your downspouts as well. Read this article to learn more about what makes your home more susceptible to squirrels gaining access.

When To Call a Wildlife Removal Specialist?

Now that you know whether or not squirrels hibernate and why squirrels like your attic, it is important to note that if you have squirrels living in your home this winter, it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible in order to avoid squirrel damage. This damage includes everything from chewed electrical wires to insulation damage. Varmint Gone evicts any existing squirrels, seals all potential entry points and repairs squirrel damage, as well as cleans and disinfects interior attic areas of squirrel feces and nesting materials.