Introduction to Squirrels Nests
Squirrels are everywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, darting through backyards, climbing fences and raiding bird feeders. Squirrels build leaf nests using twigs, leaves, moss, and bits of garbage to create cozy and insulated shelters. Sizes and materials vary among species. While these little critters seem harmless at first glance, squirrels can quickly become unwelcome backyard pests when they start nesting near or in your home. At Affordable Wildlife Control we understand the unique challenges the squirrel species can bring to homeowners and we’re here to help.
A Squirrel Leaf Nest Constructed in a Tree is Called a Squirrel Drey
A tree squirrel nest, also known as a squirrel drey, is made of twigs, leaves and other natural materials. The inner nest cavities are important as they provide space and insulation for the squirrels. A squirrel’s nest is often mistaken for a typical bird nest but they are larger, bulkier and hidden high in the treetops or tucked inside tree cavities. A well constructed squirrel drey can be a warm and safe place for a squirrel.
Tree Cavities and Other Nesting Sites
Squirrels build their dreys or leaf nests in tree cavities which provide extra shelter during the winter. Breeding season is when nest building is most important as squirrels typically build their nests during this time.
Other tree cavity dens are backup options when a squirrel feels threatened or when environmental conditions force a move. A natural hideout, such as a tree cavity den, helps tree squirrels raise their young. Young squirrels leave the nest permanently between 10 to 12 weeks old after receiving survival training from their mom.
The “Squirrel Nest Timeline”
Squirrel nest building generally follows the seasons, with nest building peaking in late summer, to build shelter for the winter, and again in early spring, to get ready for having babies. The squirrel nest-building activity increases greatly at certain times, with them often construct second and even third nests near their primary den for various purposes such as evading predators, storing extra food and providing temporary resting spots during their daily activities, a sort of squirrel vacation home. Squirrels during these times spend more time building and it only increases more as female squirrels turn to creating safe, sheltered spots for their babies.
These nests are often in close proximity to their primary home, serving as additional hiding spots and storage areas. After the mother squirrel teaches them the basics to survive, the young squirrels venture out on their own, generally between 10-12 weeks of age. Because the squirrel nest constructed for the winter is so strong, they have been known to re-use old nests as well.
How Many Squirrel Nests Does one Squirrel Build?
How many nests does one squirrel have? It’s a common question. Red squirrels for example build their dreys with different materials and often in coniferous trees for winter shelter, showing their adaptability and the importance of these nests for their survival.
Both male and female squirrels often build additional squirrel nests, known as squirrel vacation homes, as temporary shelters or emergency escape spots. This behaviour shows how resourceful and adaptable squirrels can be in urban and suburban areas.
Squirrel Species in the GTA
In the GTA the most common squirrel species is the Eastern Grey squirrel but you can also see gray squirrels with darker or lighter fur. We also have ground squirrels and flying squirrels. While the species may vary in colour, their nesting behaviour and seasonal habits are quite similar. In the fall gray squirrels are busy collecting material to build robust nests to withstand winter. Few wild animals are as busy or as bold as squirrels when it comes to securing nesting spots. Secure nests are essential for their survival through the winter so they have a safe and warm place to get through the cold months.
Eastern Grey Squirrel Habits and Nesting Behaviour
Some of the squirrel behavioural habits include gathering twigs, leaves and other soft materials for their nests, often stealing from nearby bird nests. They are very active in the fall preparing for the colder months ahead and their nesting instincts kick in again in the spring when squirrels create a home for the babies.
How Eastern Grey Squirrels Interact with Bird Feeders
Squirrels are notorious for eating bird seed, often frustrating homeowners who want to feed birds in peace. But it’s important to recognize the squirrel benefits for the environment as these animals are a big part of the local ecosystem. Installing a squirrel resistant feeder or adding a squirrel baffle to poles can help limit squirrel access. Many backyard enthusiasts also experiment with natural deterrents, offering foods and scents that squirrels dislike to discourage them from invading feeders.
Protecting Wild Birds and the Environment
An excessive number of squirrels occupying backyard bird feeders can discourage many wild birds from visiting, disrupting natural feeding patterns and depleting essential food supplies. These unwanted pests often consume large quantities of bird seed intended for local bird populations, leaving fewer resources available — particularly during critical periods such as winter and early spring.
While squirrels contribute to forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds, eating insects like tree infesting beetles, and helping improve soil health as squirrels aerate the ground through their foraging and digging behavior, their increasing presence in residential areas often displaces other forms of wildlife. Without effective deterrents and well-designed feeder protections in place, squirrels can overwhelm backyard feeding stations, limiting the ability of native birds to access safe and reliable feeding spots.
Managing Eastern Grey Squirrels and Other Unwanted Backyard Pests
Like other backyard pests squirrels visiting your property can cause major damage if left unchecked, especially if they decide to make your home, their home. They can gnaw on structures, creating entry points in your wood or vent caps to get into your roof, disturbing insulation, invading attics and having babies.
Limit a squirrel’s ability to access bird feeders to protect bird seed. Be aware of signs of a nesting squirrel especially in spring when most young squirrels are born. Affordable Wildlife Control has humane and effective solutions to keep squirrel problems under control before they get out of hand. Call us and mention squirrels, and we’ll explain what we can do and give you pricing estimates over the phone
Tips to Deter Squirrels
There are several safe and reliable ways homeowners can use as a squirrel deterrent. Squirrels live in many environments often nesting in trees or attics so understanding their nesting behavior is key to effective deterrence.
Items like squirrel resistant feeders and spicy bird seed blends that squirrels hate are great ways to keep feeders safe for birds. You can also use products you might have in your fridge or cupboard, some citrus peel sprinkled around, some cayenne pepper mixed with water to make a paste, or apple cider vinegar soaked in rags or old towels. Knowing the right deterrents and keeping an eye out for squirrel nest activity can help limit future issues.
Conclusion
Understanding gray squirrel nest behaviour and seasonal habits is key to preventing conflicts in residential areas. Whether you have active nests or just want to feed the birds without interference it’s important to take steps that balance nature with peace of mind. Trust Affordable Wildlife Control for expert advice and humane solutions to all your squirrel and wildlife problems in the GTA.
