If you’ve heard scratching, scampering, or thumping overhead, especially early in the morning or late at night, there’s a good chance you have a squirrel in the attic. While squirrels may seem harmless or even cute, when they move into your attic, they can cause serious, and expensive, problems.
From chewed wires to contaminated insulation, the damage adds up quickly. In this guide, we’ll explain why squirrels choose attics, the signs they leave behind, and most importantly, how to safely remove them and prevent them from coming back.
Why Do Squirrels Get Into Attics?
Squirrels are excellent climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small holes, gaps as small as 2 inches wide. Your attic provides everything they need:
- Warmth during cold months
- Shelter from predators
- Quiet, dark spaces for nesting
- Access to soft insulation to build their nests
In late winter and early spring, pregnant female squirrels look for safe, hidden places to raise their young, your attic is prime real estate.
Signs of a Squirrel in Your Attic
Not sure if it’s squirrels, rats, or raccoons? Here are the most common signs specific to squirrels:
- Daytime activity: Squirrels are diurnal (active during the day), unlike rats or mice.
- Scratching or scampering sounds in the ceiling or walls, especially around dawn and dusk.
- Chewed entry holes near rooflines, vents, or eaves.
- Nests made of leaves, insulation, or paper.
- Droppings similar to rat feces but larger and less tapered.
- Gnawed wires, beams, or ducts.
Dangers of Squirrels Living in Your Attic
Squirrels may not seem threatening, but they can cause thousands of dollars in damage:
- Fire risk: Chewed electrical wires are a leading cause of attic fires.
- Roof damage: They often enlarge entry holes, weakening structural integrity.
- Contaminated insulation: Urine and droppings carry bacteria and foul odors.
- Noise: Their constant scratching and running can be disruptive.
- Reproduction: A female squirrel can give birth to a litter of 3–6 babies, twice a year.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic
There are three main steps: evict, seal, and clean.
1. Evict the Squirrels
- Live traps: Cage traps baited with peanut butter can catch them safely. Be sure to check local laws, relocation rules vary.
- One-way exclusion doors: These allow squirrels to exit but not re-enter.
- Repellents: Strong smells like ammonia-soaked rags, predator urine, or ultrasonic noise machines may encourage squirrels to leave, though they’re less reliable.
- Professional removal: If you’re unsure or dealing with a nest of babies, hire a licensed wildlife removal expert.
Note: Never seal entry points until you’re 100% sure all squirrels are gone.
2. Seal All Entry Points
Inspect your attic and roof carefully. Common squirrel entry points include:
- Gaps in soffits and fascia boards
- Vents and chimneys
- Roof intersections and valleys
- Loose shingles or damaged flashing
Use steel mesh, caulk, or hardware cloth to cover holes, squirrels can chew through wood or plastic.
3. Clean and Sanitize
Once the squirrels are gone:
- Remove nesting material and droppings
- Replace or disinfect insulation
- Use enzyme cleaners to eliminate odor and bacteria
This step is crucial to remove pheromones that attract other squirrels.
How to Prevent Squirrels From Coming Back
Prevention is the most effective long-term solution:
- Trim tree branches at least 8–10 feet away from your roof.
- Install chimney caps and vent covers.
- Use metal flashing along roof edges.
- Secure garbage and bird feeders, squirrels remember food sources.
- Inspect your home twice a year for new entry points or signs of chewing.
Should You Worry About Baby Squirrels?
Yes, if it’s spring or late summer, there’s a good chance the squirrel in your attic is a mother with babies. Removing her without the young can lead to loud distress noises, attic odors, or even squirrel deaths inside the walls.
In these cases:
- Wait 6–8 weeks if possible, until the babies are mobile
- Or hire a pro who can remove both the mother and young humanely
Can Squirrels Damage Electrical Wiring?
Absolutely. In fact, chewing wires is one of the biggest risks. Squirrels have strong teeth that never stop growing, and they instinctively gnaw on hard materials, including electrical cables.
This can lead to:
- Short circuits
- Loss of power
- Electrical fires
- Damage to HVAC, Wi-Fi, or security systems
Final Thoughts
A squirrel in the attic might seem like a minor nuisance, but left unchecked, it can quickly escalate into a dangerous, expensive problem. Early detection, safe eviction, and permanent sealing are the keys to keeping your attic squirrel-free for good.
If you’re unsure whether you’re hearing squirrels, birds, or something else, or if you need help identifying entry points, don’t hesitate to consult a professional wildlife expert.
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