If you’ve ever caught sight of a squirrel sprinting across your yard, cheeks stuffed with acorns, you know they’re pros at scavenging during the day. But what happens when the sun sets? Do squirrels clock out and snooze, or are they secretly snacking under the stars?
Squirrels: Day Shift or Night Shift?
Squirrels are creatures of habit. They’re what you call diurnal, meaning their daily grind is all about that daylight hustle. From sunup to sundown, they’re zipping around, foraging for food, chasing each other, and building nests. When the sun dips below the horizon, they call it a day and retreat to their cozy dens or nests (also known as dreys) for some well-earned rest. So, while you’re unwinding after a long day, squirrels are doing the same—just in a tree or attic near you.
But what about those mysterious noises you hear at night? Scratching sounds coming from the attic, little feet scampering across your roof—could it be our furry friends?
Nighttime Mischief: Who’s Really Making Those Noises?
While squirrels themselves aren’t nocturnal, their cozy dens in attics, chimneys, and walls can sometimes host other critters that are more active at night. Think raccoons, bats, or even mice. These nighttime nibblers can give the impression that squirrels are pulling an all-nighter, but in reality, squirrels are strict about their bedtime.
That being said, not all squirrels are completely off-duty at night. Some species, like the flying squirrel, are exceptions to the rule. Unlike their daytime cousins, flying squirrels are nocturnal. They glide gracefully through the night, searching for food and avoiding predators under the cover of darkness. But these guys are more of the exception than the norm.
What Are They Up to During the Day?
Squirrels don’t waste a single daylight hour. From sunrise, they’re on the move, gathering nuts, seeds, berries, and whatever else they can get their paws on. And if they’re not stocking up on snacks, they’re working on their nests or, more often than not, defending their territory from other squirrels. These little guys can be surprisingly territorial, which makes for some entertaining (and noisy) squirrel squabbles.
You might also notice squirrels digging holes in your yard. No, they’re not trying to ruin your lawn—well, not on purpose, at least. They’re caching, or burying, food for later. These furry food hoarders are notorious for stashing away nuts and seeds, creating a natural food bank to dip into when the going gets tough during the winter months.
The Secret Squirrel Society
Let’s not forget: squirrels are clever. They’re not just stashing food willy-nilly. Some studies suggest that squirrels pretend to bury food in fake locations to throw off any potential thieves. So, the next time you see a squirrel digging but coming up empty, they might just be pulling a fast one on any watching predators—or you!
How to Keep Squirrels in Check
Though they’re cute and fun to watch, squirrels can be a bit of a nuisance if they decide your attic is the perfect home base. If you’ve got one hanging around a bit too close for comfort, it’s time to take action.
- Seal Entry Points: First, make sure your home is squirrel-proof. Check for any gaps or openings in your roof, attic, or chimney that could be inviting squirrels in for a snooze.
- Trim Trees: Squirrels are expert climbers, so trimming tree branches that hang too close to your house can reduce their access.
- Feeders for Squirrels, Not for Birds: If you’ve got bird feeders, consider squirrel-proof models, or better yet, put out a dedicated squirrel feeder away from your home. Trust me—they’ll appreciate it!
Conclusion: Daylight is Their Jam
Squirrels are firmly creatures of the day. While they might get up to some mischief, like raiding bird feeders and planting nuts in your yard, they’re pretty consistent with sticking to a daytime routine. So, if you hear rustling in the dead of night, it’s likely not a squirrel planning a midnight snack—it’s probably another critter causing the commotion.
Next time you spot one, take a moment to admire just how hard they work—before they clock out at sunset.
