When Do Squirrels Have Babies?

If you’ve ever noticed squirrels darting around your yard, you may have wondered when they raise their young. Understanding squirrel behavior—especially nesting and breeding seasons—can help you identify problems early and prevent them from taking over your property.

What is the Lifecycle of a Squirrel?

Squirrels usually live 6 to 12 years in the wild, though many don’t survive that long due to predators and accidents. Their lifecycle includes:

• Birth: Baby squirrels (kits) are born hairless, blind, and completely dependent on their mother.
• Weaning: After a few weeks, they begin to grow fur, open their eyes, and start exploring.
• Adolescence: By about 12 weeks old, young squirrels are ready to leave the nest.
• Adulthood: Squirrels reach sexual maturity around 9–12 months old, beginning the cycle again.

Squirrels typically breed twice per year—once in late winter (January–March) and again in late summer (July–September).

How Long Do Baby Squirrels Stay With Their Mother?

Baby squirrels usually stay with their mother for about 10–12 weeks. During this time, she nurses them, keeps them warm, and protects them from predators. Even after leaving the nest, young squirrels may linger nearby until they’re fully independent.

How Do I Know if a Squirrel Had Babies?

If a squirrel has given birth near your home, you may notice a few signs:

• High-pitched squeaking or chattering coming from your attic, chimney, or trees
• A large, messy nest made of leaves, twigs, or insulation
• Increased squirrel activity in one specific area
• A protective mother squirrel frequently coming and going with food or nesting materials
• Scratching or movement noises in the walls or ceiling

How Many Babies Do Squirrels Have?

Most squirrel litters have 2 to 4 babies, but some may have up to 6. With two breeding seasons a year, one mother squirrel can produce quite a few offspring annually.

How Do I Know if a Squirrel is Nesting?

Signs of nesting often include piles of leaves or insulation in attics, garages, or sheds. You may also see squirrels carrying twigs and materials repeatedly to the same location. If you notice concentrated scratching sounds inside your home, there’s a good chance a squirrel is nesting nearby.

How Do I Keep Squirrels Off My Property?

Preventing squirrels from nesting on your property is key to avoiding damage and noise. Here are a few effective methods:

• Seal entry points: Close off gaps in roofs, soffits, and chimneys where squirrels can squeeze in.
• Trim tree branches: Keep branches at least 6–8 feet away from your house to limit access.
• Install chimney caps: Prevent squirrels from entering through open chimneys.
• Remove food sources: Store birdseed, pet food, and garbage in sealed containers.
• Use repellents: Apply safe deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or predator scent granules.
• Protect gardens: Netting and fencing can help keep squirrels out of vegetable patches.

Professional Squirrel Removal From All N One Pest Eliminators

If squirrels have already moved in, removal can be tricky—especially if babies are involved. Professional wildlife control ensures the animals are removed safely and humanely while preventing future infestations. All N One Pest Eliminators provides expert squirrel removal and exclusion services to keep your home safe, quiet, and squirrel-free.