Most squirrels live 3 to 6 years, but squirrels that live near homes often live much longer. Easy access to food, shelter, and warmth can extend their lifespan and increase the risk of ongoing property damage.
For homeowners in McDonough, GA, this matters more than many people realize. A squirrel that lives longer has more time to nest, chew, reproduce, and damage your home.
Understanding how long squirrels live helps explain why squirrel problems often do not go away on their own. It also helps homeowners make smarter decisions about prevention, timing, and when professional help is needed to protect the home long term.
How Long Do Squirrels Live in the Wild?
In the wild, squirrels face constant threats that limit how long they survive.
Average Squirrel Lifespan
- Most squirrels live 3 to 6 years
- Many survive only 1 to 2 years
- A small number may live up to 10 years
Wild squirrels must search for food while avoiding predators.
In Georgia, common predators include hawks, owls, snakes, foxes, and coyotes. The weather also plays a major role. Heavy rain, heat waves, and cold snaps can all reduce survival rates.
Because of these challenges, most squirrels never reach old age in the wild.
How Long Do Squirrels Live Around Homes?
Squirrels that live near people often have a much easier life.
Why Do Residential Squirrels Survive Longer?
- Food sources are reliable and easy to access
- Homes protect from the weather
- Fewer natural predators exist in suburban areas
In neighborhoods like McDonough, squirrels often nest in attics, rooflines, garages, and sheds. These areas stay warm during winter and dry during storms. This protection alone can add years to a squirrel’s lifespan.
Squirrels living near homes may survive 8 to 12 years, which increases the chance of repeat nesting and long-term damage.
Are Squirrels Rodents?
Yes. Squirrels are rodents, just like rats and mice.
They are classified as rodents because they:
- Have front teeth that never stop growing
- Must chew constantly to keep teeth from overgrowing
- Gnaw on wood, plastic, siding, shingles, and wiring
This chewing behavior is necessary for survival. When squirrels chew inside homes, however, it often leads to expensive repairs and safety risks.
In fact, an estimated 21 million U.S. homes experience rodent infestations each winter, highlighting how widespread this issue can be for homeowners.
Why Squirrel Lifespan Matters for Homeowners
The longer a squirrel lives near your home, the more damage it can cause.
How Does Lifespan Increase Home Damage?
A long-lived squirrel has more time to:
- Chew electrical wiring, increasing fire risk
- Damage roof vents, soffits, and fascia boards
- Tear the insulation apart for nesting
- Reopen sealed entry points year after year
In McDonough, many homeowners experience repeat squirrel problems because entry points are patched but not fully sealed.
Squirrels remember safe nesting locations and will return if given the chance.
How Long Do Squirrels Stay in Attics?
Once squirrels enter an attic, they usually stay until removed.
What Happens After Squirrels Enter an Attic
- Nests are built within days
- Insulation is pulled apart for bedding
- Attics become a long-term shelter
Female squirrels often return to the same attic every breeding season. Even if squirrels leave temporarily, they may return months later if entry points remain open.
Without removal and proper sealing, squirrels can stay for months or even years, causing hidden damage that worsens over time.
Do Longer Living Squirrels Mean More Babies Over Time?
Yes. Lifespan and reproduction are closely connected.
Squirrel Lifecycle
- Most squirrels have 1 to 2 litters per year
- Each litter typically contains 2 to 6 babies
- Females can reproduce for several years
A squirrel living near your McDonough home for 8 to 10 years can produce dozens of offspring. Many of those young squirrels may attempt to nest in the same structure or nearby homes.
This is why squirrel problems often escalate quickly once nesting begins.
Common Rodents Homeowners Deal With
Squirrels are not the only rodents that cause problems for homeowners in the area. McDonough homes provide warmth, shelter, and food, which attracts a range of rodents throughout the year.
Understanding which rodents are common helps homeowners recognize early warning signs and prevent bigger infestations.
Squirrels
Squirrels are one of the most common rodents found around homes. They are strong climbers and often access houses through rooflines, vents, and overhanging tree branches.
Once inside, squirrels often:
- Nest in attics
- Tear insulation for bedding
- Chew electrical wiring and wood framing
- Create large entry holes
Because squirrels can live for many years near homes, even a small opening can turn into a long-term issue.
Roof Rats
Roof rats are agile climbers commonly found in suburban neighborhoods with trees. They often enter homes through the roof, attic vents, or branches touching the structure.
Roof rats are known for:
- Nesting in attics and upper walls
- Chewing wiring and insulation
- Contaminating insulation with droppings and urine
Homes with existing squirrel damage are especially vulnerable because roof rats can use the same entry points.
Norway Rats
Norway rats are larger and usually stay closer to the ground. They are commonly found around foundations, crawl spaces, garages, and basements.
Problems caused by Norway rats include:
- Burrowing near foundations
- Chewing wood and plastic
- Spreading bacteria through droppings
They often enter homes through gaps near doors, vents, or utility lines.
House Mice
House mice are small but reproduce quickly, making them one of the most common indoor rodent problems.
Mice often enter homes through:
- Small cracks and gaps
- Openings around pipes and wiring
- Poorly sealed doors or windows
Despite their size, mice can contaminate food, chew wiring, and nest inside walls and cabinets.
Chipmunks
Chipmunks usually live outdoors, but still pose risks to homes.
They commonly:
- Burrow near the foundations
- Enter garages or sheds
- Nest under decks or porches
Their burrowing can weaken soil around foundations and create access points for moisture and pests.
Voles
Voles are often mistaken for mice, but usually stay outdoors.
They cause damage by:
- Feeding on plant roots
- Creating surface tunnels in lawns
- Damaging landscaping and gardens
While voles rarely enter homes, their activity can attract predators closer to residential areas.
| Rodent Type | Common Entry Areas | Primary Damage Risks |
| Squirrels | Rooflines, vents, soffits | Wiring damage, roof damage, and insulation loss |
| Rats | Crawl spaces, foundations | Wiring damage, contamination |
| Mice | Small gaps, utility lines | Rapid breeding, food contamination |
| Chipmunks | Foundations, garages | Burrowing damage |
| Voles | Lawns, foundations | Turf and root damage |
How the Squirrel Lifespan Affects the Timing of Removal
Waiting to address squirrel problems almost always leads to more damage.
Why Early Removal Matters
- Entry points grow larger over time
- Nesting damage spreads
- Breeding seasons increase the risk of babies being inside walls or attics
Professional wildlife control focuses on safe removal and long-term prevention rather than temporary fixes.
What Homeowners Can Do
Prevention saves time, stress, and money.
Practical Prevention Steps
- Seal roof vents, soffits, and fascia gaps
- Trim tree branches away from roofs
- Secure trash cans and pet food
- Repair roof and siding damage quickly
DIY fixes often fail because squirrels chew through weak materials. Reinforced exclusion solutions provide longer-lasting protection.
When to Call a Professional
Some squirrel problems require professional help.
Signs that professional service is needed
- Squirrels inside walls or attics
- Repeat damage after repairs
- Baby squirrels present
- Unsafe roof access points
Professional wildlife control helps ensure removal is done safely, and entry points are sealed properly.
Related Questions
How long do squirrels live in attics?
They can live for years if entry points and cracks in walls remain open.
Are squirrels more dangerous than rats?
Both cause damage, but squirrels often damage roofs and wiring.
Do squirrels come back after removal?
Yes, squirrels and rodents can return if exclusion is not completed.
What rodents are most common in McDonough?
Squirrels, rats, and mice are the most common.
Can squirrels cause electrical fires?
Yes. Chewed wiring in the walls increases fire risk.
Conclusion
Knowing how long squirrels live helps explain why squirrel problems rarely fix themselves. Squirrels that find shelter in your home will stay, reproduce, and return unless entry points are properly addressed.
Early action protects your home and prevents costly repairs.
If you hear scratching, notice roof damage, or suspect squirrels and other rodents in your home, contact All South Pest Control.
They will seal entry points and help prevent future infestations so your home stays protected year-round.
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