Do Squirrels Hibernate During the Winter? Understanding Their Seasonal Behavior

Many animals cope with winter’s frigid temperatures and food scarcity by settling in and hibernating for the season. Although you might think of hibernation as a long nap, it’s a bit more complex. Hibernation can range from a long period of slowed heart rate and lowered body temperature to shorter periods of inactivity broken up by short waking spells. 

Although it may appear that many animals not often seen during winter are hibernating, only a few fully hibernate throughout the entire season. In the New England region, bats are among the few animals that truly hibernate. Other animals, like bears, experience decreased activity levels but typically wake easily throughout the five months or so that they primarily stay cozy in their dens. Some may even emerge periodically during warm spells. 

How do squirrels act during the winter months? Let’s explore how these fluffy-tailed creatures spend the cold season and how it may impact your property. 

Common Questions About Squirrels in Winter 

So, do squirrels hibernate? If not, what are squirrels’ winter habits? Check out a few common questions about how squirrels survive in winter to gain a deeper understanding.

Do Squirrels Hibernate During the Winter? 

Most squirrels don’t hibernate. In fact, except for one species, squirrels are considered homeotherms, with body temperatures that stay steady no matter the time of year. The one exception is the 13-lined ground squirrel, which will abstain from eating or drinking and rest for up to eight months. You can see how this compares to other common pests in our guide on local winter pest adaptations. Although these squirrels are common in the United States, they aren’t common in the Northeast region. Squirrels throughout Upstate New York and the Northeast remain awake but less active throughout the cold season. 

The Difference Between Hibernation and Torpor 

Torpor and hibernation are similar, but hibernation is voluntary, while torpor is not. Additionally, hibernation includes multiple cycles of torpor, with ongoing periods of waking and sleeping. Both are metabolic states during which the animal’s body temperature lowers to conserve energy.

However, with torpor, the changes last for a few hours, possibly up to 24 hours. After that time, the animal wakes and forages for food. Hibernation lasts longer — typically days or even weeks — during which the animal relies on its stored food or energy reserves for survival. 

How Do Squirrels Survive During Winter? 

Although they don’t hibernate, squirrels’ winter habits help them weather the season. Instead of hibernating, they adapt their behaviors ahead of time, gathering food and cuddling up together to keep warm. 

Food Caching and Storage 

Tree squirrels, including gray squirrels and red squirrels, start getting ready for winter in late spring and early fall. As the temperatures start dipping, you may start finding more holes in your yard. These are areas where squirrels hide their nuts and seeds as they engage in caching. This behavior is marked by storing food in shallow holes, some of which they may later forget they used. Caches they access help sustain them when food supplies are scant during the winter. Squirrels also spend a lot of time in the fall bulking up and eating as much as they can to add to their winter fat reserves. 

Nesting Habits and Shelter 

In addition to preparing their food supplies, squirrels also get their winter homes ready in autumn. Gray squirrels typically nest in trees high above the snowy ground or inside protected spots like tree cavities. 

Social Behavior 

Squirrels commonly bunk up and share dens throughout winter. By gathering together, they can snuggle and conserve heat. When necessary, squirrels will shiver to generate additional heat. 

What Are Common Interactions Between Squirrels and Homes During Winter? 

Nests and dens don’t always fit the bill. In their search for warm, protected spots to spend the season, many squirrels venture into human spaces. 

Why Squirrels May Enter Homes 

Warmth and shelter can be a mighty attractive prospect when it’s cold outside. Squirrels often climb trees to gain access to the roof, chimney, and attic vents. They can also gnaw their way through or exploit small gaps and cracks around windows and doors to gain entry to warm spaces. 

Signs of Squirrel Activity in Your Home 

Strange sounds, gnawed wiring and insulation, and piles of droppings are among the chief signs that a squirrel (or nest of squirrels) has moved into your home. You may hear them running, chasing each other, or scratching. Additionally, you could see signs like chewed siding or roofing, widening openings in walls or around doors and windows, and musty or unpleasant odors. 

Tips to Prevent Squirrel Infestations in Winter 

A proactive approach can help keep squirrels from moving in during the winter months. Some effective steps to consider include sealing potential entryways. You might also consider installing exclusion systems like USX Pest’s Rodent and Wildlife Exclusion Systems, which are permanent, chemical-free barriers that provide long-term, targeted protection.

Sealing Entry Points 

Squirrels can try to wriggle their way through relatively small openings and cracks. It’s important to close them off with caulk or metal sheeting. Likewise, fix any broken screens, cap the chimney, and make sure all vents are properly protected.

Managing Food Sources 

Food and shelter are two main driving forces that attract squirrels. Using squirrel-proof bird feeders and securing your garbage and pet food can help reduce squirrels’ attraction to your property. 

Using Natural Deterrents 

Installing motion-activated sprinklers outdoors and planting natural repellents like marigolds or peppermint outdoors may help reduce squirrel activity on your property. Placing ultrasonic devices and statues of predators around your property might also repel them. 

When to Call Professional Pest Control 

Squirrel removal isn’t a project to try on your own. Squirrels can pose health risks, as they can potentially transmit several illnesses, including tularemia, Lyme disease, salmonella, leptospirosis, and even rabies. For your safety and to ensure complete squirrel removal, it’s important to partner with a professional pest control company you can trust for removal. 

Recognizing Persistent Issues 

The longer squirrels remain indoors, the more likely you are to have problems. It won’t take long for them to start chewing on materials and create damage. They could even damage insulation, and the toxic droppings will begin to pile up.

Benefits of Professional Services 

Additionally, squirrel breeding often peaks in winter. Even if you can remove one or two squirrels from your home, you may unintentionally orphan their young. Professionals know exactly how to handle squirrel removal to ensure safe, humane, and effective removal. The pros also have the right training and equipment to get the job done correctly. 

Contact USX Pest for Squirrel Control 

USX Pest Control is here to help restore your peace of mind in any season. Whether you’re dealing with winter squirrels or summertime pests, our licensed, experienced technicians can help. Our approach begins with a free, thorough inspection that we use to create a customized plan to get to the root of the problem. Schedule a free inspection today to get started.