How to Tell If Squirrels' Nests Are Old

If you have ever wondered how that big clump of leaves got stuck so far up in the branches of a tree, you may never have guessed it was the work of squirrels. While squirrels prefer to nest in hollow cavities in trees, in areas that lack prime nesting trees, squirrels resort to what nature provides. As squirrel nests are usually built high off the ground, it is not a simple matter to tell if squirrel nests are old and abandoned or active, by examining the nests themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • Rake
  • Flour
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rake the area around the base of trees where you suspect squirrels may be nesting. Clear the area of leaves, sticks and branches, down to the bare grass or soil.

    • 2

      Sprinkle a light, but thorough, dusting of flour under the canopy of the trees. Cover the ground up to the base of the trees, late in the evening on a night when there is no prediction of rain.

    • 3

      Check the area for tracks at sunrise, on the following morning. Squirrels are early risers, leaving their nests at first light; if the nests are currently being used, there will be fresh tracks in the flour.

    • 4

      Study the area around the trees, looking for tracks roughly the size of the tip of your pinky finger. As squirrels have a hopping gate, similar to a rabbit's, their larger hind feet land ahead and to the outsides of their smaller forefeet. The squirrel's forefeet have only four toes, whereas the hind feet have five toes with a prominent pad on the back of the rear foot. The three middle toes of the hind feet are approximately equal in length.