Have you ever looked up into your trees, spotted a neat little ball of twigs, and felt a spark of joy thinking a bird picked your yard to raise its family? It’s a nice feeling — the kind that makes your garden seem a little more alive. But before you smile and walk away, here’s something you should know: that “bird nest” might not belong to a bird at all.
What you’re seeing could be a squirrel drey, and while it looks innocent from the ground, it can bring a whole set of headaches you never asked for. Most people don’t realize how easily these nests blend into the branches or how quickly a harmless-looking bundle of leaves can turn into squirrels chewing through roofing, digging up bulbs, or sneaking into the attic.
If you’ve ever wondered whether that nest in your tree is something to enjoy or something to worry about, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a closer look at what these nests really are — and why it matters more than you might think.
How to Tell If That “Bird Nest” Is Actually a Squirrel Drey
If you’ve ever glanced up at a tree and spotted a round, twig-filled bundle wedged between the branches, your mind probably went straight to birds. It’s an easy assumption to make — after all, nests are part of the charm of a wildlife-friendly yard. But many of those “bird nests” aren’t built by birds at all. They’re squirrel dreys, and once you know the clues, you’ll start seeing the difference immediately.
The easiest place to start is with the materials. Bird nests usually look tidy and deliberate, made from carefully arranged twigs, grasses, and softer plant fibers. Squirrels build with whatever they can gather quickly, and they almost always pack their nests with leaves. Not a few scattered leaves, but handfuls — enough to create a thick, insulated mound. If the nest looks bulky, leafy, or a bit unruly, it’s far more likely to belong to a squirrel.
Location tells an even clearer story. Birds typically build farther out on smaller branches, where predators have trouble reaching. Squirrels prefer the opposite approach. They place their dreys in the crook of strong, supportive limbs close to the trunk, often fifteen to forty feet above ground. The dense center of the tree gives them stability during storms and a sturdier foundation for their heavier nest.
Your final clue may actually be on the ground. Squirrels are enthusiastic eaters and leave behind plenty of evidence. Chewed pinecones, stripped acorn shells, or little piles of bark shavings beneath the tree often point to a drey above. And if you’re still not entirely sure who built it, try watching the tree early in the morning or around dusk. These are the busiest hours for squirrels, and you’ll often catch one darting in or out of the nest while the rest of the yard is still quiet.
The Real Risk Isn’t the Nest — It’s Who’s Living in It
A squirrel drey by itself isn’t a threat. It won’t hurt your tree, and it won’t harm your yard just by sitting there. The real trouble starts when the squirrels inside decide your home looks like a better place to live than their leafy nest. And trust me — if they find even the tiniest opening in your roofline, they’ll take full advantage of it.
This is where most homeowners get caught off guard. One day you’re admiring a “cute little nest.” The next, you’re hearing scratching above the ceiling at dawn, or noticing insulation scattered in the attic. Squirrels chew constantly, and once inside, they can tear through wiring, rip apart insulation, and leave messes hidden behind walls long before you even realize they’ve moved in.
Your garden isn’t immune either. If you’ve ever wondered why your bulbs disappear or why your tomatoes vanish overnight, there’s a good chance a squirrel was involved. And because they carry fleas and ticks, just having them hanging around your yard can put pets at risk.
But… Not Everything About Squirrels Is Bad
Here’s where the story gets interesting.
Getting rid of a drey doesn’t have to be your first instinct, because squirrels actually bring real ecological benefits to your yard.
- They aerate soil naturally when digging, improving drainage.
- They plant trees without meaning to. Many forgotten acorns become oaks, hickories, and other woodland staples.
- They eat insects like beetles and caterpillars that damage trees.
- Their abandoned nests get reused by owls, crows, or other birds in winter.
- And let’s be honest — they’re endlessly entertaining to watch.
So while dreys do signal the presence of squirrels, they’re not automatically a problem. It depends entirely on how close that tree is to your home and whether the squirrels are already causing issues.
What You Should Do If You Find a Squirrel Drey in Your Yard
If you spot a squirrel drey in your yard, don’t panic. The first thing to think about is where the nest is. If it’s high up in a tree and not close to your house, you usually don’t need to do anything at all. In fact, it’s often better to leave it alone, especially in late winter or early spring when baby squirrels might still be inside. Moving a nest too early can separate a mother from her young.
Things only get tricky when the drey is close enough to your roof for squirrels to jump across. That’s when they start exploring vents, loose shingles, or little gaps that lead into your attic. If you’re hearing scratching above your ceiling or noticing chewed areas around the roof, the squirrels might already be trying to move in.
It can be tempting to grab a ladder and try to remove the nest yourself, but that’s not safe. Squirrels can bite when scared, the nest may fall apart suddenly, and you might accidentally harm babies you didn’t know were there.
The safest choice is to call a professional wildlife remover or a trained tree service. They know how to check the nest, move the squirrels in a safe and humane way, and help you block off any openings so the animals can’t return. After that, trimming back branches that touch your roof and fixing small gaps around the attic will help keep your home squirrel-free.
Written By
Amber Noyes
Amber Noyes was born and raised in a suburban California town, San Mateo. She holds a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of California as well as a BS in Biology from the University of San Francisco. With experience working on an organic farm, water conservation research, farmers’ markets, and plant nursery, she understands what makes plants thrive and how we can better understand the connection between microclimate and plant health. When she’s not on the land, Amber loves informing people of new ideas/things related to gardening, especially organic gardening, houseplants, and growing plants in a small space.