Understanding Squirrel Habits This Fall Season Oct 14, 2025

As the leaves begin to change and food sources become less predictable, squirrels enter one of their busiest and most disruptive seasons. While many homeowners enjoy watching squirrels dart across yards and climb trees, these energetic animals can become serious nuisances — particularly in fall, when both reproduction and food storage drive them closer to human structures.

One key reason for the increase in activity is the birth of their second litter, which typically occurs between September and October. By this time of year, juveniles from spring have already grown independent, and the new litter brings fresh energy into the population. As young squirrels begin moving around, they often venture into attics, crawl spaces, and soffits, where they find shelter that offers both protection and warmth. For homeowners, this translates into new scratching noises overhead and a surge in attic disturbances just as cooler weather arrives.

At the same time, adult squirrels focus heavily on caching food for the winter months ahead. This instinct drives them to collect and hide nuts, seeds, and other food items in multiple locations — sometimes inside homes or garages if they gain entry. The act of caching comes with another problem: increased gnawing activity. Squirrels must continually chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing, and in fall, this habit intensifies. Unfortunately, wood beams, PVC pipes, insulation, and even electrical wiring often become targets. The damage can be extensive, leading to structural weakening, water leaks, or even fire hazards when wires are compromised.

Beyond the immediate risks, squirrels nesting inside homes create longer-term issues. Their droppings and urine can contaminate insulation, their nests can block ventilation, and their constant activity can keep families awake at night. What begins as a few noises in the attic in early fall can quickly escalate into full-blown infestations if not addressed promptly.

For property owners, recognizing squirrel behavior in the fall is critical. The combination of new litters and food storage instincts makes this one of the most active and invasive times of year. Addressing vulnerabilities now — such as sealing roofline gaps, trimming tree branches near the home, and inspecting attics for early signs of nesting — can prevent costly repairs later.