Why Do Squirrels Nip Off Branches? The Reasons Behind This Annoying Rodent Behavior

As a homeowner few things are more frustrating than finding your beautiful trees and shrubs damaged by local wildlife. And if you’ve noticed small branches snapped off and lying on the ground below your trees chances are you have a squirrel problem. Squirrels are infamous for nipping off branches much to the chagrin of gardeners and homeowners. But why do they engage in this annoying and destructive behavior? As it turns out, there are some valid reasons behind it.

Squirrels Use Branches to Build Nests

One of the main reasons squirrels nip branches is to construct their elaborate nests also known as dreys. Squirrels are notorious nest builders constructing two main types of nests. Summer nests are usually makeshift affairs assembled quickly in the crook of a tree. But winter nests, built in late fall, are far more intricate. Squirrels use a combination of twigs, leaves, bark, moss, grass, and other materials to weave together a sturdy, weather-resistant structure. Strong branches serve as the foundation and frame to support the bulk of the nest. So when you notice bare branches on your trees, it’s likely squirrels have stripped them to build their cozy winter abodes.

They Need To Wear Down Their Constantly Growing Teeth

Here’s an interesting squirrel fact: their sharp, chisel-like incisors never stop growing! A squirrel’s teeth can grow up to six inches per year. Without proper wear, their teeth would eventually grow so long they wouldn’t be able to eat. Gnawing on branches helps file down their continuously growing chompers to a reasonable length. The nutrients and minerals in tree bark and branches also fortify their teeth. So when a squirrel nips off a branch, they’re not just gathering nesting material, they’re also keeping their teeth at an optimal length for eating.

Squirrels Use Branches To Get To Food Sources

Squirrels are agile and acrobatic using branches to access food sources that would otherwise be out of reach. They’ll often snap off smaller twigs and branches to create a bridge between trees and bird feeders. Or they’ll trim back obstructing branches to clear a path to a tasty prize like buds or fruit. So if you notice picked-over branches near a bird feeder or fruit tree, the squirrels likely modified the branches to improve access.

Branches Contain Nutritious Sap And Buds

In early spring when other food sources are scarce, resourceful squirrels turn to branches as a nutritious meal The sap flowing through branches contains sugars and nutrients that provide squirrels with vital energy Tree buds are also packed with carbs and vitamins to sustain squirrels until more plentiful food becomes available later in spring. So nibbling on branches helps squirrels survive seasonal food shortages.

The takeaway? Squirrels don’t just randomly attack branches. Their branch nipping serves important purposes like building nests, wearing down teeth, accessing food, and providing nutrition. While annoying, it’s just normal squirrel behavior. But that doesn’t mean you have to tolerate rampant damage. Let’s look at some effective solutions.

Effective Solutions To Stop Squirrels From Nipping Branches

If squirrels are wreaking havoc on your trees, take action to deter them humanely and safely. Here are some simple, affordable tactics:

• Apply squirrel repellent sprays – Repellent sprays like critter-ridder, squirrel-stopper, or plantskydd use scent and taste aversion to deter squirrels from chewing on branches. Apply regularly, especially in early spring when branch nibbling peaks.

• Install humane traps – Capture and relocate repeat offenders to give your trees a break. Use tasty bait like peanut butter, fruit, or nuts to lure squirrels into live traps. Then release unharmed in a suitable habitat at least 5 miles away.

• Trim back overhanging branches – Prune back branches extending near roof lines, fences, or power lines that provide “squirrel highways” to your yard. Eliminating their aerial access routes makes it harder to reach your landscaping.

• Protect young trees with netting or mesh – Wrap hardware cloth or plastic tree guards around the trunks of young trees to create a barrier that prevents squirrels from scaling them.

• Add predator decoys/scents – Visual and scent deterrents like fake owls, hawks, foxes, coyotes, or predator urine cause squirrels to steer clear to avoid becoming prey themselves. Just be sure to move decoys frequently so squirrels don’t realize they’re fake.

• Provide alternative sources of nesting material – Put out baskets of twigs, leaves, bark strips, and cotton balls to divert squirrels away from nibbling your tree branches. Check and replenish the “Squirrel Craft Basket” regularly so it remains enticing.

With persistence and consistency using humane deterrents, you can break squirrels of their branch-nipping habits. Don’t allow them to continue ravaging your trees unchecked. Implement solutions that protect your landscaping without harming local wildlife populations. With some effort, you can coexist peacefully with your neighborhood squirrels.