Squirrels and September: Preparing for Winter in the Eastern Shores


Squirrels and September

As the calendar turns to September and the last days of summer give way to the crispness of autumn, there is a noticeable shift in the behavior of our furry woodland neighbors – squirrels.

These small, agile creatures have captivated human curiosity for centuries, and their activities in September offer a fascinating glimpse into their preparations for the harsh winter months ahead.

In this blog, we will explore what squirrels and September have in common, whether squirrels are active in September if they nest during this month, and how they begin to prepare for the impending winter.

We will also introduce Wilkins Wildlife, a trusted resource for squirrel removal and control services on the eastern shores of Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland.


Squirrels in September

September marks a pivotal moment in the lives of squirrels as they transition from the carefree days of summer to the challenges of winter. Squirrels are active year-round, but their behavior in September is characterized by increased foraging and storing of food. With the changing seasons, squirrels instinctively recognize the need to accumulate resources to survive the coming winter, when food becomes scarce.


Are Squirrels Out in September?

Yes, squirrels are indeed active in September. Unlike other animals that hibernate through the winter, squirrels remain active throughout the year. However, their behavior becomes more pronounced in the fall as they intensify their efforts to gather food. You’ll often see them scurrying around parks, woodlands, and urban areas in search of acorns, nuts, seeds, and other sources of sustenance.


Do Squirrels Nest in September?

Squirrels don’t typically build new nests in September. Instead, they usually reside in nests they’ve constructed earlier in the year. Squirrel nests, known as dreys, are often found high in trees and are made from leaves, twigs, and other materials. These nests provide insulation and protection from the elements.

In September, these wildlife animals are primarily focused on food gathering rather than nest-building. They will, however, repair and maintain their existing nests to ensure they are secure and weather-resistant for the winter ahead. This includes reinforcing the structure and adding insulating materials like leaves and moss to keep warm during cold months.


Preparing for Winter

The preparations they make in September are essential for their survival during the winter. Squirrels are known for their ability to store food for later use, a behavior called caching. They collect and hide food items in various locations, creating a cache they can rely on when food becomes scarce in the winter.

One of the primary food sources they gather in September is acorns. These nuts are abundant in many areas and essential to a squirrel’s diet. Squirrels can locate buried food, even under layers of snow, using their keen sense of smell and memory of where they’ve hidden their caches.

Squirrels also forage for other nuts, seeds, and fruits in September. They gather as much food as possible, often carrying it in their cheek pouches to transport it back to their nests. Once they return to their dreys, they carefully store these food items, arranging them in organized caches within the nest or hidden in nearby locations like tree hollows or burrows.

It’s important to note that squirrels do not hibernate during the winter. Instead, they enter a state of decreased activity known as torpor. They rely on their stored food reserves to sustain them during this time. By diligently collecting and caching food in September, squirrels ensure enough sustenance to survive the lean winter months when food sources are limited.


Wilkins Wildlife: Your Squirrel Removal and Control Experts

While squirrels are fun creatures to observe in the wild, they can become a nuisance when they reside in or around your home and commercial property. They may nest in attics, crawl spaces, or wall voids, causing damage to property and posing health risks through their droppings and nesting materials.

If you need squirrel removal and control services on the eastern shores of Delaware, Virginia, or Maryland, Wilkins Wildlife is your trusted partner. With years of experience in humane wildlife removal and control, Wilkins Wildlife provides effective and ethical solutions for managing squirrel infestations. The team of experts is trained to safely remove squirrels from your property and implement prevention measures to keep them from returning.

So, squirrels and September are closely intertwined as these small mammals gear up for the challenges of winter. As they remain active this month, diligently foraging for food to build their caches, you will likely encounter squirrels invading your property and need reliable squirrel removal and control services.

Wilkins Wildlife stands ready to assist you. As September unfolds and squirrels diligently collect their winter provisions, we can appreciate the incredible resourcefulness of these animals and the importance of coexisting with them harmoniously.

Contact Wilkins Wildlife and BedBug removal today.