What is the number one killer of squirrels?

Squirrels may look like carefree little acrobats racing across Dallas trees and rooftops, but their survival isn’t as easy as it seems. These animals face constant threats every single day, from predators overhead to dangers on the ground, and not all of them make it through a season alive. That leaves many people wondering: what is the number one killer of squirrels?

The answer might surprise you. While many assume cars or harsh weather take the top spot, it’s actually predators that claim the most squirrel lives. Hawks, owls, snakes, coyotes, and even free-roaming cats are a squirrel’s biggest danger. Understanding this helps homeowners see why squirrels often move closer to houses, attics, and neighborhoods where they hope to find safety from the natural threats outside.

The Top Threat: Predators in the Wild

The number one killer of squirrels is predation. Despite their quick reflexes and acrobatic skills, squirrels are a vital part of the food chain in Texas. Hawks, owls, coyotes, and other hunters rely on them for survival, which keeps squirrel populations in balance. While this is a natural process, it also explains why squirrels frequently push closer to human homes in search of safety.

In Dallas and its surrounding suburbs, predators are never far away. Open fields, wooded areas, and even neighborhood parks provide hunting grounds where squirrels are easy targets. Young squirrels and those caught foraging in open spaces are the most vulnerable, but even experienced adults can be taken by surprise when predators strike quickly and silently.

Main Predators of Squirrels in Dallas:

• Hawks and Owls – These birds of prey swoop down at high speeds, often leaving squirrels no time to react. Daytime hunters like hawks and nighttime hunters like owls make squirrels vulnerable around the clock.
• Coyotes – Opportunistic and adaptable, coyotes hunt squirrels both in wooded areas and near the edges of Dallas neighborhoods. Their presence has grown in urban areas, creating constant pressure on local squirrel populations.
• Snakes – Many snakes target young or unsuspecting squirrels near nests. Arboreal snakes can climb trees and ambush squirrels directly in their nests, making them especially dangerous to litters.
• Domestic Cats – Outdoor cats are surprisingly effective hunters and kill a significant number of squirrels each year. Unlike natural predators, cats often hunt for sport, which adds even more pressure to local populations.
• Foxes – While not as common in Dallas suburbs, foxes still roam rural and park areas, and squirrels are a frequent target when other prey is scarce.

Predation not only reduces squirrel numbers but also changes their behavior. In urban settings, squirrels may avoid open yards or wooded edges where predators are active, instead climbing into attics, garages, and rooflines. These man-made shelters offer protection from natural enemies, but they create new problems for homeowners when squirrels start nesting indoors.

Other Major Causes of Squirrel Death

Road Traffic

Collisions with vehicles are one of the most visible dangers to squirrels living in Dallas. These animals often dart across busy roads without hesitation, making them highly vulnerable during rush hours. Unfortunately, their natural zigzag running pattern—meant to escape predators—often makes it harder for drivers to avoid them.

Morning and evening are peak times for squirrel activity, which also line up with commuter traffic. As neighborhoods expand and roads cut through wooded areas, more squirrels find themselves in harm’s way. For many urban squirrels, cars are a daily hazard that significantly shortens their lifespan.

Disease and Parasites

Squirrels are also at risk from illnesses like squirrel pox, mange, and respiratory infections. These diseases can weaken entire populations, especially when squirrels live in close proximity to one another. Parasites such as ticks, fleas, and internal worms further add to the burden, often leading to slow declines in health.

In Dallas, dense squirrel populations in parks and neighborhoods make it easier for diseases to spread. While not always immediately fatal, these conditions lower a squirrel’s ability to escape predators or survive harsh weather, ultimately increasing mortality rates.

Starvation and Harsh Weather

Although squirrels are skilled food gatherers, starvation does occur, particularly in times of drought or after severe winters. When natural food sources like acorns or berries run short, squirrels struggle to find enough to survive. Young squirrels and weaker adults are often hit the hardest.

Harsh weather also plays a role in survival. Extreme heat in Dallas summers can dehydrate squirrels quickly, while unexpected freezes during winter can wipe out food stashes. These seasonal challenges make food security a constant battle for squirrels year-round.

Human Hazards

Human activity poses another serious risk to squirrels. Poison left out for rodents, improperly set traps, and accidental electrocution on power lines all claim squirrel lives. While these may not always be intentional, the consequences can be deadly for urban wildlife.

DIY removal attempts also put squirrels in danger, and in many cases, create risks for homeowners as well. Improper handling can lead to injury, property damage, and health hazards. This is why professional wildlife control is always the safer and more humane option.

Why This Matters for Dallas Homeowners

The constant threats squirrels face in the wild—predators, cars, disease, and harsh weather—often push them toward the safety of human homes. Attics, soffits, and garages provide secure shelter where squirrels can escape predators and extreme temperatures. For them, your property isn’t just convenient, it’s a lifeline.

Unfortunately, this survival instinct creates serious problems for homeowners. Once inside, squirrels can chew wires, tear insulation, and damage structural wood, all while leaving behind droppings that pose health risks. What seems like a harmless guest can quickly escalate into costly repairs and dangerous hazards.

Understanding why squirrels seek shelter helps explain why infestations are so common in Dallas. By recognizing the pressures these animals face outdoors, homeowners can better appreciate the importance of prevention. Addressing entry points early ensures your attic doesn’t become the next refuge for a desperate squirrel.

How AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas Can Help

Humane Removal

At AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas, the focus is always on safe and humane solutions. Instead of harmful traps or poisons, trained specialists use proven techniques to remove squirrels without causing unnecessary suffering. This approach protects the animals while keeping your home and family safe from unintended consequences.

Humane removal also reduces the chance of future issues. By addressing the infestation correctly from the start, you avoid problems like dead animals in walls or attics, which can create odor and sanitation concerns. It’s the responsible way to restore balance without making things worse.

Exclusion and Prevention

Once squirrels are removed, the next critical step is sealing off entry points. Professionals carefully inspect the roofline, soffits, vents, and chimneys to find where squirrels are sneaking in. These vulnerable spots are then sealed with durable materials designed to withstand chewing and weather conditions.

Prevention is just as important as removal. By closing access points, you ensure squirrels don’t come back, reducing the cycle of infestation. Homeowners in Dallas benefit from long-term peace of mind knowing their property is protected against repeat invasions.

Repairs and Cleanup

Squirrels often leave behind extensive damage that needs professional attention. Chewed wires, shredded insulation, and droppings are not just a nuisance—they can become fire hazards and health risks if ignored. AAAC’s team offers repair and sanitation services to restore your attic to a safe, clean condition.

Cleanup also helps prevent future problems. Removing droppings and nesting materials eliminates odors and bacteria that could attract other wildlife. A thorough restoration ensures your home is safe for your family while discouraging pests from returning.

Conclusion: Nature’s Balance and Homeowner Action

Predators may be the number one killer of squirrels, but they’re far from the only threat these animals face. Disease, traffic, weather, and human hazards all play a role in shortening squirrel lifespans. These challenges often explain why squirrels seek the safety of Dallas attics, garages, and rooflines when the outdoors becomes too dangerous.

For homeowners, this survival instinct can turn into an expensive headache. Once inside, squirrels can damage insulation, chew through electrical wiring, and leave droppings that create serious health concerns. Ignoring the problem rarely makes it go away—in fact, it usually leads to more damage over time.

The good news is you don’t have to deal with it alone. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas specializes in humane squirrel removal, exclusion, and cleanup to keep your home safe. If you’ve noticed scratching in your attic or other signs of squirrel activity, call AAAC today and let the experts protect your home while keeping nature in balance.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until a squirrel infestation turns into costly damage. Protect your Dallas home with safe, humane, and effective wildlife removal services. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas is ready to help you solve the problem fast and prevent it from happening again.

📞 Call us today or request an inspection online to keep your home squirrel-free—for good.