Squirrels are highly resourceful and persistent animals, and they often seek shelter in attics, especially during colder months. If you suspect that you might have squirrels living in your attic, it's important to identify the signs early to prevent potential damage and health risks. In this article, we'll guide you through the various ways you can tell if you have squirrels in your attic, and how to handle the situation.

Signs You May Have Squirrels in Your Attic

1. Unusual Noises in the Attic

One of the first signs that you might have squirrels in your attic is hearing unusual sounds coming from the space. Squirrels are nocturnal animals, so you may hear noises during the early morning or at night. These noises typically include:

• Scratching: Squirrels often scratch or gnaw at the walls, beams, or insulation in your attic. This is usually due to them trying to build a nest or to sharpen their teeth.
• Chattering: Squirrels make a variety of vocalizations, including high-pitched chattering and scurrying sounds as they move around the attic.
• Thumping or Running: When squirrels are running across the rafters or jumping from one surface to another, you may hear a distinct thumping sound.

2. Visible Damage to the Roof or Exterior

If squirrels are gaining access to your attic, they’ve likely found an entry point somewhere along the exterior of your house. Look for signs of damage to your roof, eaves, or siding, including:

• Chewed or Gnawed Areas: Squirrels have sharp teeth, and they may chew through soft materials like wood, insulation, or even plastic. Look for areas around your roofline, vents, or chimney where the material appears to be chewed or broken.
• Loose or Missing Shingles: Squirrels may dislodge shingles to create an opening for themselves. If you notice shingles that are bent, cracked, or missing, there may be a gap where squirrels are entering.
• Holes in Soffits or Eaves: Squirrels can fit through surprisingly small gaps. Look for any holes or gaps around your eaves, soffits, or vents where they might be entering.

3. Visible Squirrel Tracks

If squirrels have been moving in and out of your attic, they will likely leave behind evidence of their activity. Some things to look for include:

• Tracks in the Dust or Insulation: If you venture into your attic, check for small paw prints in the dust or on the insulation. These prints may indicate where the squirrels have been walking or nesting.
• Nesting Materials: Squirrels will often collect materials like leaves, twigs, fabric, and shredded paper to build their nests. Look for these materials scattered around the attic, as this is a clear sign of squirrel activity.

4. Squirrel Droppings

Squirrel droppings are another strong indicator that you have squirrels in your attic. These droppings are similar in shape to small, dark pellets and are often found near nesting sites. Squirrel feces may also be scattered throughout the attic. While small in size, droppings can accumulate quickly if squirrels have been in the attic for an extended period. Keep an eye out for:

• Clustered Droppings: Look for dark, cylindrical droppings that may be near nesting areas or along the squirrels’ usual path.
• Signs of Urine: If there is an unpleasant odor of urine in your attic, it could be a result of the squirrels marking their territory.

5. Strong Odors

If squirrels have been in your attic for a long time, you might notice a strong, musty odor coming from the space. The smell can be caused by:

• Urine and Feces: Squirrel droppings and urine can emit a pungent odor that might linger in the attic. The scent may also spread into your home, particularly if the attic is connected to your living areas.
• Decomposing Animals: In some cases, if a squirrel becomes trapped and dies in your attic, it can create a strong, unpleasant odor of decay. This can also be a sign of other pests or animals that may have entered your attic.

6. Visual Sightings

In some cases, you might actually see the squirrels in action. If you notice squirrels running along your roof, entering a vent or opening, or climbing along the eaves, it's likely that they are using your attic as a nesting or hiding area. You might also observe them leaving and entering the attic during the early morning or evening hours.

7. Chewed Wires or Insulation

Squirrels often chew on electrical wiring, insulation, and other materials in your attic. If you notice chewed or frayed wires, this can be a serious issue, as it can pose a fire hazard. Chewing on insulation can also cause damage and compromise its effectiveness, leading to higher energy costs.

• Electrical Wires: Look for any exposed or frayed wires that may have been chewed through. If you notice this, it’s crucial to call an electrician immediately to prevent a fire risk.
• Damaged Insulation: Squirrels will often use insulation as part of their nesting materials, and in doing so, they may damage it significantly.

What to Do If You Have Squirrels in Your Attic

If you suspect that you have squirrels in your attic, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent damage and potential health risks. Here’s what you should do:

1. Inspect Your Attic

Carefully inspect the attic for signs of squirrels, including droppings, nesting materials, and damage. Take note of any access points that the squirrels may be using to enter.

2. Close Entry Points

Seal any gaps, holes, or cracks in your attic where squirrels could be entering. Use materials like steel mesh, caulk, or hardware cloth to close off these openings securely.

3. Set Traps

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can set live traps in the attic to capture the squirrels humanely. Bait the traps with food such as peanut butter or nuts, and check them regularly.

4. Call a Professional

If you’re unable to remove the squirrels on your own, or if you’re unsure how to safely address the issue, it’s a good idea to contact a professional pest control service or wildlife removal expert. They have the tools and expertise to handle squirrel infestations and ensure that the animals are removed safely and humanely.

Prevention: How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Attic

After you’ve removed the squirrels from your attic, take steps to prevent them from coming back. Here are some tips to squirrel-proof your home:

• Install Chimney Caps: Prevent squirrels from entering through the chimney by installing a chimney cap.
• Seal Gaps and Holes: Use steel mesh or other durable materials to seal gaps, cracks, or holes around your roofline, vents, and attic windows.
• Trim Trees: Trim any branches that hang over or near your roof, as squirrels can easily jump onto your roof from trees.

Conclusion

Knowing how to detect the signs of squirrels in your attic is essential for preventing damage and ensuring your home remains safe and comfortable. If you notice any of the signs outlined above, it’s important to act quickly to remove the squirrels and prevent further intrusion. With the right steps and precautions, you can successfully manage a squirrel infestation and avoid future problems.