Should I Remove a Squirrel Nest from a Tree?

Squirrels are a common sight in neighborhoods, parks, and backyards. While they’re generally harmless, you may find a squirrel nest in one of the trees on your property and wonder if you should remove it. At Alpha Wildlife, we frequently get questions from homeowners about how to handle squirrels and their nests, and whether removal is the right option.

In this article, we’ll explore whether you should remove a squirrel nest from a tree, what risks and benefits are involved, and the humane ways to manage squirrel activity on your property.

What Is a Squirrel Nest?

Squirrels build two types of nests: dreys and dens. Dreys are made of leaves, twigs, and other natural materials, and they’re usually found in the branches of trees. These nests are used primarily during the warmer months. Dens, on the other hand, are built in tree cavities or sometimes in the attics of homes. Dens provide better protection during cold weather and for raising young squirrels.

Should You Remove a Squirrel Nest from a Tree?

In most cases, it’s best to leave squirrel nests alone, especially if the nest is not causing any direct harm to your property. Squirrels are an important part of the ecosystem, and their nests are typically temporary and harmless. Removing a nest without good reason can disturb the squirrels and may even result in separating baby squirrels from their mother, which can be inhumane.

Here are some factors to consider before deciding whether to remove a squirrel nest:

1. Is the Nest Causing Any Problems?

If the squirrel nest is not causing any damage or creating a hazard, it’s usually best to leave it undisturbed. Squirrels use their nests to shelter from predators, bad weather, and to raise their young. Removing a nest without good reason can disrupt their natural behavior.

2. Are There Baby Squirrels in the Nest?

Squirrels often build nests to care for their babies, especially in the spring and summer. If you notice a nest during these months, it’s likely that there are baby squirrels inside. Removing the nest could separate the babies from their mother, putting them at risk. If baby squirrels are left alone, they may not survive without their mother’s care.

3. Is the Nest Close to Your Home or Causing Damage?

In some cases, a squirrel nest may be too close to your home, power lines, or another area where it could pose a safety hazard. For example, if the nest is in a tree near your roof, it could give squirrels easy access to your attic, where they can cause damage by chewing on wires or nesting in insulation. If the nest is directly threatening your home or property, you may need to consider removal, but it’s best to consult with a professional first.

4. Are Squirrels Entering Your Home?

If squirrels are using a nest in a tree to access your attic or walls, you should address the issue promptly. Squirrels can cause significant damage once inside your home, including chewing through wiring, insulation, and drywall. In this case, removing the nest may help prevent further damage, but it’s also important to seal entry points to stop them from getting inside.

What to Do If You Need to Remove a Squirrel Nest

If you’ve determined that the nest poses a risk to your home or property and you need to remove it, it’s important to do so in a humane and safe way. Here’s what you should know:

1. Consult a Wildlife Professional

Before attempting to remove a nest, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional wildlife removal service like Alpha Wildlife. Our team can assess the situation and determine the safest and most humane way to handle the squirrels and their nest. We use non-invasive, humane methods to relocate squirrels when necessary and ensure that the animals are not harmed in the process.

2. Wait for the Nest to Be Vacant

If the nest contains baby squirrels, it’s best to wait until they have grown and left the nest on their own before removing it. Baby squirrels usually leave the nest after about 10-12 weeks, so if you can wait, this is the most humane option.

3. Seal Entry Points

If squirrels are accessing your home, simply removing the nest won’t solve the problem. You’ll need to identify and seal any entry points they’re using to get inside, such as holes in the roof, vents, or cracks in the foundation. Alpha Wildlife offers exclusion services to seal these openings and prevent squirrels from re-entering your home.

4. Relocate the Nest Safely

If the nest is causing a hazard and needs to be removed immediately, it’s crucial to handle the process carefully. Use gloves to protect yourself from bites and diseases, and place the nest in a safe, wooded area away from your home, where the squirrels can rebuild. However, we recommend letting professionals handle this process to ensure the squirrels are relocated safely and humanely.

How to Prevent Squirrels from Nesting in Your Trees

While squirrels are a natural part of your yard’s ecosystem, there are steps you can take to prevent them from nesting too close to your home or causing damage:

1. Trim Tree Branches

Trim back any tree branches that hang over your roof or come too close to your home. This will reduce the chances of squirrels jumping from trees onto your roof and gaining access to your attic.

2. Use Squirrel Deterrents

Squirrel repellents, such as motion-activated sprinklers or predator decoys, can help keep squirrels away from certain areas of your yard. However, keep in mind that these are temporary solutions, and squirrels may return once they get used to the deterrent.

3. Keep Your Yard Clean

Squirrels are attracted to easy food sources. To reduce their activity around your home, avoid leaving out birdseed, pet food, or unsecured trash. Cleaning up fallen fruit or nuts from trees can also make your yard less appealing to squirrels.

How Alpha Wildlife Can Help

If you’re dealing with a squirrel nest that’s too close to your home or creating a potential problem, Alpha Wildlife can help. We specialize in humane wildlife removal and can safely relocate the nest and squirrels without harm. Our team will also provide exclusion services to prevent squirrels from accessing your home in the future.

Contact Alpha Wildlife today for professional advice and squirrel removal services. We’re here to help you maintain a safe and squirrel-free property!