I Have Squirrels in My Attic: What Do I Do?

Imagine the quiet comfort of your home, until you hear persistent scratching and scurrying above your head. Squirrels are common, yet problematic, attic invaders. And when you get them, you should get rid of them as soon as you can and lay down prevention methods.

When squirrels infest your home, they can cause significant damage and pose health risks to your family and pets. These quick little rodents can get into your attic, walls, and soffit. They leave behind damage and may spread disease if not handled quickly and properly.

Setting traps or using repellents yourself often proves ineffective and can even be inhumane. Our team at Xceptional Wildlife Removal handles wildlife control with care. We focus on humane removal and prevention. This keeps both squirrels and your home safe.

Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic

Squirrels are often found in soffits, roofs, and walls. Here’s what you should look out for in these areas and around them:

• Scurrying and Scratching: Squirrels make sounds in the morning and evening. This is when they are most active. They differ from mice, which are lighter and quicker. Raccoons, on the other hand, are heavier and make slower thuds.
• Gnawing and Chewing: The sound of constant gnawing on wood, wires, or pipes.
• Chattering or Chirping: sounds made when animals are upset or trying to talk to each other.
• Droppings and Urine Stains: Look for small, elongated pellets that are often clustered. You might also notice dark stains and a strong ammonia smell from their urine.
• Damaged Entry Points: Check for gnaw marks near soffit vents, fascia boards, rooflines, and attic openings.
• Nests and Debris: Common nesting materials include leaves, twigs, insulation, and shredded fabric. Also, there’s often a buildup of debris.
• Animal Sightings: Noticing squirrels going in and out of your roofline, vents, or chimney.
• Musky or Ammonia-Like Smell: Musky or ammonia smells come from droppings and urine buildup.
• Decomposing Odor: The smell of a deceased squirrel if one gets trapped or dies within the attic space.

Entry Points: How They Sneak In

Squirrels primarily sneak in through roofs, attic vents, and trees. But more specifically:

• Uncapped Chimneys
• Gaps in Siding or Foundations
• Damaged or Missing Shingles
• Unsealed Gaps Around Chimneys and Vents
• Loose Fascia and Soffit Boards
• Unscreened or Damaged Gable Vents
• Soffit Vents and Ridge Vents
• Overhanging Branches
• Utility Lines
  

Risks of Squirrels

Squirrels cause property damage, including:

• Electrical Fire Hazard: Squirrels chew on electrical wires. This keeps their teeth sharp but also exposes live wires.
• Insulation Destruction: They rip, crush, and settle in insulation. Reduces R-value, leading to higher energy bills and decreased home comfort. Contaminates insulation with feces and urine.
• Structural Damage: Chewing on wooden beams, rafters, roof trusses, and plastic pipes. Can weaken structure, cause leaks, or lead to expensive plumbing problems.
• Ductwork and Vent Damage: Chewing through HVAC ducts for access or to collect nesting material. Inefficient heating/cooling, contaminated air circulation.

Squirrels also carry health risks, including:

• Parasites: Squirrels can bring fleas, ticks, mites, and lice into your home. These pests can spread to pets and humans easily. Itchy bites, potential for secondary infestations.
• Disease Transmission: Direct transmission is uncommon, but squirrels may carry diseases. These include Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, Tularemia, and, in rare cases, Rabies. Their droppings can also contain bacteria. Risks to humans and pets through direct contact, contaminated food/water, or airborne particles.
• Allergenic Reactions: Dander, urine, and droppings may spark allergies and asthma symptoms in those who are sensitive.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re trying to get rid of squirrels, but one thing to remember is don’t ignore the problem. It will only worsen, leading to more damage and higher costs.

Sealing holes before checking for all squirrels can trap them inside, leading to death, bad smells, and more damage. Also, avoid using poisons since they are inhumane. Squirrels may die in hard-to-reach spots, which leads to bad smells. Also, there’s a risk of secondary poisoning to pets or other wildlife that might consume a poisoned squirrel.

Dealing with squirrels directly can be risky, since you might get bitten or scratched. There’s also a chance of disease transmission.

Prevention is Your Best Defense

Squirrels in the attic can be a recurring problem if proper prevention measures are not taken. They can cause extensive damage, create fire hazards, and expose your family to health risks.

Here’s what you can do to prevent them:

• Trim your trees. Keep branches at least 6-10 feet away from your roofline.
• Secure all openings. Use heavy mesh covers for all vents (gable, soffit, ridge) and fasten chimney caps.
• Maintain your home. Check your roof, fascia, soffits, and siding often. Look for gaps, cracks, or loose boards. Fix any issues right away.
• Maintain cleanliness. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Remove fallen fruit or nuts from your yard.
• Get help from professionals. Think about hiring a wildlife exclusion service to prevent problems.

Professional Squirrel Removal and Exclusion

Professional help is essential because it protects homeowners, renters, and the animals. Experts, like Xceptional Wildlife Removal, use ethical traps and relocation methods and keep pests out for long-term results.

Our Process of Removal and Exclusion

1. Comprehensive Inspection: A detailed check to find the species, entry points, damage level, and activity.
2. Humane Removal: Use of one-way doors, live traps, or other safe techniques to remove squirrels.
3. Exclusion & Sealing: Seal all entry points permanently with strong, chew-proof materials.
4. Damage Repair & Restoration: Cleaning and decontaminating the attic space, repairing damaged insulation, wiring, or structural elements.
5. Follow-Up and Warranty: Making sure the problem is resolved and providing peace of mind.

The Best Way to Get Squirrels Out of the Attic: Bringing in the Experts

Squirrels in the attic are far more than a simple nuisance, posing significant risks to property and health. That’s why swift, professional intervention is important.

When it comes to dealing with squirrels in your home, trust the professionals at Xceptional Wildlife Removal. Our team of skilled technicians is here to provide humane and effective solutions for your squirrel problems.

Don’t let squirrels take over your home. Contact Xceptional Wildlife Removal today to schedule your consultation.

FAQs

For Homeowners

How much does squirrel removal typically cost?

Costs depend on how severe the infestation is, how many entry points there are, and how much damage needs repair. A professional inspection is needed for an accurate quote.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover squirrel damage?

It depends on your policy. Most policies cover “sudden and accidental” damage, but not gradual damage from neglect. Chewed wires (a fire hazard) are often covered more easily than long-term insulation damage. It’s best to check with your insurance provider immediately.

What kind of repairs are typically needed after removal?

Common repairs include sealing entry points, replacing damaged insulation, repairing chewed wiring, and sometimes structural wood repair. We provide comprehensive repair services as part of our solution.

How long does the entire process (removal, exclusion, repair) take?

Removal can take a few days to a week, depending on squirrel activity. Exclusion and repairs are scheduled. They are usually done within a few days after removal, depending on the work needed.

Are the methods used humane? What happens to the squirrels?

Yes, we prioritize humane methods like one-way doors and live trapping. Local laws determine the fate of the squirrels. Typically, they are either ethically relocated or released at the same spot once the entry points are sealed.

Can squirrels bring other pests into my home?

Yes, squirrels may bring fleas, ticks, mites, and other pests into your home. This can cause a secondary infestation of these parasites.

For Renters

Who is responsible for squirrel removal in a rental property (landlord vs. tenant)?

Usually, the landlord handles pest control. This includes problems like wildlife getting in. However, it’s crucial to check your lease agreement and local tenant laws.

What should I do if I suspect squirrels in my rented attic?

Notify your landlord or property management right away in writing. Use email or a certified letter to keep a record. Provide as much detail as possible about the signs you’ve observed.

Can I be held responsible for damages caused by squirrels?

No, typically not. This applies unless you caused the entry point or didn’t report the issue quickly, as stated in your lease agreement. Documenting your communication with the landlord is key.

What are my rights if my landlord doesn’t address the issue promptly?

Your rights vary by state and local laws. You have a few choices: you can withhold rent (but only after specific legal steps), repair and deduct (with some legal conditions), or break the lease. Always get legal advice from a tenant’s rights group before acting.

Back to Squirrel Trapping – Removal – Control