Finding evidence of wildlife nests in your home can be unsettling. But you’ll find the difference between rat and squirrel nests is their size and location in or around your home.
Whether it’s the scratching sounds in your walls or the droppings in your attic, rats and squirrels can turn your peaceful home into a source of worry. But here’s the good news: with the right knowledge and professional support, these problems are completely manageable.
As a wildlife expert with over 50 years of experience helping homeowners, we at Xceptional Wildlife Removal understand the stress these discoveries can cause, which is why we put this guide together.
How They Differ
While rats and squirrels might seem similar at first glance, their nesting habits tell a very different story.
Rat nests are typically messy affairs built from whatever soft materials they can find. These resourceful rodents will shred paper, fabric, insulation, and even plastic to create their homes.
You’ll often find rat nests in dark, secluded spaces close to the ground or within your walls. They prefer areas near food sources and water, which is why kitchens, basements, and lower levels of homes are common nesting spots.
Squirrel nests, on the other hand, show more structure and planning. These athletic creatures are natural tree-dwellers who bring their building skills indoors when they invade homes.
Squirrel nests in attics often resemble their outdoor dreys (nests): rounded structures made from twigs, leaves, and insulation. They’re usually larger than rat nests and positioned in corners or near roof edges where squirrels feel most comfortable.
The location preferences also differ significantly. While rats stick to lower, hidden areas, squirrels aim high. Your attic becomes their penthouse suite, offering the elevation they naturally seek and easy access to the outdoors through roof gaps or vents.
How do rats and squirrels build nests?
Both animals continuously improve their nests, which explains why the damage to your home increases over time.
Rats are opportunistic builders who work quickly under the cover of darkness. The construction process involves shredding materials into fine pieces and forming them into a shallow cup shape.
This speed and efficiency mean that by the time you notice signs of rats, they may already have established multiple nesting sites throughout your home.
Squirrels approach nest building more methodically. When a squirrel enters your attic, it first scouts for the perfect location, usually a corner where two walls meet the roof.
They create a stable base using larger materials like small branches or strips of wood. Then they add layers of softer materials, often pulling apart your attic insulation to line their nest.
Signs You May Have a Nest
- Sounds are usually our first indication. Rat activity creates light scratching and scurrying noises, primarily at night. You might hear these sounds coming from walls, ceilings, or under floors. Squirrels, being daytime creatures, create louder thumping and rolling sounds during morning and evening hours.
- Visual evidence comes next. Look for droppings and gnaw marks on wood, wires, or pipes.
- The smell is another telltale sign. Established nests produce a distinct musty odor, which intensifies in warm weather and can permeate through walls and ceilings.
- Perhaps most concerning are the entry points, including soffits, roof edges, and vents.
What to Do When You Find a Nest
First and most importantly, do not attempt to remove the nest yourself. Both rats and squirrels can carry serious diseases, and disturbing a nest can provoke defensive behavior.
Rats may bite when cornered, potentially transmitting diseases like leptospirosis or hantavirus. Squirrels, while generally less aggressive, can inflict serious bites and scratches when protecting their young.
Next, limit access to the area. Close doors to rooms with nesting activity and make sure family members and pets avoid these spaces. If the nest is in your attic, resist the temptation to investigate further on your own.
Contact professional wildlife control services immediately. Trained experts have the equipment, knowledge, and experience to handle nest removal safely and humanely. We’ll also identify and seal entry points to prevent future infestations, addressing the root cause rather than just the symptom.
Prevention and Removal Made Simple
The key to long-term wildlife control lies in making your home an unsuitable habitat for rats and squirrels.
Professional prevention focuses on three main strategies that work together to protect your property: exclusion, habitat modification, and professional monitoring. Expert teams understand animal behavior and building construction, allowing them to create comprehensive protection plans tailored to your specific property.
So contact us today to get started with a service quote.