Squirrels may seem like adorable and harmless creatures when they’re frolicking in your yard, but when they take up residence in your attic, they can quickly become a homeowner’s nightmare. These unwelcome guests can cause extensive damage to your property, chew through wiring, and create a noisy, disruptive environment. Knowing the signs of a squirrel infestation early can save you time, money, and stress.
At Covenant Wildlife, we specialize in humane and effective wildlife removal, ensuring your home is free of pests like squirrels while protecting the local ecosystem. Here, we’ll discuss the most common signs that squirrels have made your attic their home and what you can do to address the issue.
Why Do Squirrels Invade Attics?
Before diving into the signs, it’s important to understand why squirrels are attracted to attics in the first place. Attics offer everything squirrels need to thrive:
- Shelter from Predators: The enclosed space provides safety from predators like hawks and foxes.
- Warmth: Especially during cooler months, attics offer a warm environment for nesting.
- Nesting Space: Squirrels use attics to create nests for raising their young, particularly during their breeding seasons in late winter and mid-summer.
Common Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic
1. Unusual Noises
One of the first indications of a squirrel infestation is strange noises coming from your attic. Squirrels are active creatures and can be quite noisy. Listen for:
- Scratching or Scurrying: Squirrels often scurry around as they explore and scratch surfaces while building their nests.
- Chewing Sounds: Their sharp teeth are constantly growing, so they chew on wood, wiring, and other materials to keep them in check.
- Vocalizations: Squirrels communicate through chirps, squeaks, and other vocal sounds, especially during mating or when they feel threatened.
2. Damage to Your Home
Squirrels are notorious chewers. Signs of damage include:
- Chewed Wires: This can pose a serious fire hazard, as exposed wires can short-circuit.
- Gnawed Wood: Look for chew marks on beams, eaves, or attic framing.
- Damaged Insulation: Squirrels often tear up insulation to use as nesting material, leaving behind gaps and cold spots in your home.
- Holes in Your Roof or Eaves: Squirrels can chew through shingles, fascia boards, or soffits to gain entry.
3. Squirrel Droppings
Another telltale sign is the presence of squirrel droppings. These are typically small, oblong, and dark brown, resembling those of rats but slightly larger. Droppings are often found near nesting areas or along paths squirrels use to move through the attic.
4. Nesting Materials
Squirrels are resourceful nest builders. Common materials they use include:
- Twigs and Leaves: Gathered from nearby trees.
- Shredded Insulation: Pulled from your attic’s lining.
- Fabric and Paper: Chewed up from stored items like clothes or cardboard boxes.
5. Footprints
If you’re unsure about the type of pest in your attic, look for footprints. Squirrel tracks typically show four toes on their front feet and five on their back feet. A fine layer of dust in your attic can reveal these tracks, confirming squirrel activity.
6. Increased Outdoor Activity
If you see an increase in squirrel activity around your home, it could indicate that they’re nesting nearby. Pay attention to:
- Squirrels running along power lines or fences.
- Squirrels entering and exiting your attic through small openings.
7. Strong Odors
Squirrels can leave behind a strong, unpleasant smell caused by urine, feces, or decaying food they’ve stored. Over time, this odor can permeate your home, particularly in warmer weather.
8. Sightings of Squirrels Entering Your Attic
One of the most obvious signs is physically seeing squirrels entering or exiting your home. They often use gaps in the roof, vents, or other small openings to gain access.
Why It’s Important to Address a Squirrel Infestation Quickly
A squirrel infestation is more than just a nuisance. Here are some reasons why you should act quickly if you suspect squirrels in your attic:
1. Fire Hazards
Chewed wires can lead to electrical fires, putting your home and family at risk.
2. Structural Damage
Squirrels can weaken your home’s structural integrity by gnawing on beams, rafters, and other materials.
3. Health Risks
Squirrels can carry diseases such as leptospirosis or salmonella. Their droppings can also harbor harmful bacteria and parasites.
4. Noise Disruption
The constant scratching, scurrying, and chirping can disrupt your sleep and daily activities.
5. Increased Infestation Risk
Once squirrels settle in, they may attract other pests such as mites, fleas, or even additional wildlife seeking shelter.
What to Do If You Suspect Squirrels in Your Attic
If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling the situation:
1. Inspect Your Home
Carefully inspect your attic, roof, and exterior for signs of squirrel activity. Look for entry points, droppings, and nesting materials.
2. Avoid DIY Removal
Attempting to remove squirrels on your own can be dangerous and ineffective. Squirrels can be aggressive when cornered, and improper removal techniques may lead to more damage.
3. Contact a Professional
At Covenant Wildlife, we specialize in humane squirrel removal. Our team will:
- Identify all entry points.
- Safely remove the squirrels using traps or other methods.
- Seal openings to prevent future infestations.
4. Repair Damage
Once the squirrels are removed, it’s essential to address any damage they’ve caused. This may include tasks such as repairing chewed wires, replacing insulation, or fixing holes in your roof.
Preventing Future Infestations
To keep squirrels out of your attic, take these preventative measures:
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home regularly for gaps or openings and seal them with durable materials such as steel mesh or heavy-duty caulk.
2. Trim Overhanging Branches
Squirrels often use tree branches to access roofs. Keep branches trimmed at least 6–8 feet away from your home.
3. Use Squirrel-Proof Vents
Install vents with fine mesh to prevent squirrels from entering through these common access points.
4. Remove Food Sources
Don’t leave pet food or birdseed outside, and secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
5. Install a Chimney Cap
Squirrels can enter through chimneys. A secure cap will block their access while allowing smoke to escape.
Why Choose Covenant Wildlife for Squirrel Removal?
At Covenant Wildlife, we understand the stress and frustration that come with a squirrel infestation. Here’s why homeowners trust us:
- Humane Solutions: We prioritize the safety and well-being of the animals we remove.
- Comprehensive Service: From inspection to prevention, we handle every aspect of the process.
- Experienced Team: Our skilled technicians have years of experience dealing with squirrel infestations.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: We’re committed to ensuring your home remains pest-free.
Squirrels in the attic are more than just a nuisance; they can cause significant damage to your home and pose health and safety risks to your family. By recognizing the signs early and taking prompt action, you can protect your home and ensure a squirrel-free environment.
If you suspect squirrels have invaded your attic, don’t wait. Contact Covenant Wildlife today for professional, humane squirrel removal and prevention services. Let us help you restore peace and comfort to your home.
