Squirrels can be crafty and resourceful, often finding their way into attics where they can cause significant damage and become a potential health hazard. Recognizing the signs of a squirrel infestation early is essential for preventing long-term issues. If you're wondering how to tell if you have squirrels in your attic, keep an eye out for specific signs that these curious creatures might have moved in. In this article, we’ll go over key indicators that you may have squirrels living in your attic, along with suggestions on how to address the problem.

1. Noises from the Attic

One of the most noticeable signs that squirrels are living in your attic is hearing unusual noises coming from above. Squirrels are known to be active at dawn and dusk, so the sounds may be most noticeable in the early morning or late evening. The types of noises to listen for include:

• Scratching Sounds: Squirrels often scratch at the surfaces in your attic while building nests or foraging for food. This scratching is usually heard on the wooden beams, rafters, or insulation.
• Scurrying or Running: Squirrels are very fast and can move quickly across attic floors, beams, or walls, creating a scampering noise as they go.
• Chattering or Cheeping: Squirrels communicate with high-pitched sounds, especially if there are babies in the attic or if they are trying to establish territory.

These sounds are typically louder and more persistent at night when squirrels are most active.

2. Visible Damage to the Roof or Eaves

Squirrels will often try to enter your attic through any openings or weaknesses in the exterior of your house. Look around your roofline, eaves, and chimney for signs of damage, including:

• Chewed Wood or Vents: Squirrels have sharp teeth that they use to gnaw through wood, soffits, or vents. If you notice holes, especially around rooflines or soffits, this may be an entry point for squirrels.
• Loose Shingles: Squirrels may lift or damage shingles to get into your attic. Missing or bent shingles, or even damage to roof flashing, could indicate that squirrels are using the roof as a way in.
• Chewed Electrical Wiring: Squirrels are known to chew on electrical wires, which can cause serious damage and even pose a fire hazard. Check for any exposed or chewed wires around the attic and roof.

If you spot damage near your roof or ventilation systems, it could be a sign that squirrels have found a way inside.

3. Squirrel Tracks or Droppings

Another telltale sign of a squirrel infestation is the presence of squirrel tracks or droppings in your attic. You may not always see squirrels directly, but their activity can be detected through the following:

• Paw Prints: If you venture into your attic and see dusty surfaces, look for small paw prints. These are signs that squirrels have been walking across the insulation or beams. They may also leave behind trails of dirt or debris as they move.
• Squirrel Droppings: Squirrel droppings are small, cylindrical, and dark in color, resembling miniature pellets. These droppings will typically accumulate near nesting sites or along the squirrels' paths. Finding droppings can confirm the presence of squirrels in your attic.
• Nesting Material: Squirrels build nests using soft materials like leaves, twigs, fabric, and insulation. If you find shredded materials or nests made from a variety of debris in your attic, this is a clear indication that squirrels have made themselves at home.

4. Strong Odors in Your Attic

If squirrels have been in your attic for some time, their presence may be noticeable through an unpleasant odor. The smell can come from various sources, including:

• Squirrel Urine: Squirrels mark their territory with urine, which can create a strong, musky smell in the attic. If you notice an odor that’s particularly strong and lingering, it may be from squirrel urine.
• Decomposing Animals: If a squirrel has become trapped and died inside your attic, the odor of decomposition will become very noticeable. This smell is foul and can spread through your home if left untreated.
• Fecal Matter: Along with urine, squirrel droppings can also contribute to the odor in your attic. If you have a lot of droppings accumulating, they can create a musty, unpleasant smell.

5. Visible Squirrel Sightings

Occasionally, you may actually see the squirrels entering or exiting your attic. Watch for squirrels running along the roof or climbing up the side of the building. They may also be seen moving along the eaves or jumping from tree branches to the roof.

• Squirrel Tracks on the Roof: Look for tracks or fur along the edges of your roof, gutters, or siding. If squirrels are regularly visiting your attic, they will leave behind evidence of their movement.
• Squirrels Entering the Roofline: Squirrels often enter homes through gaps in the roof, vents, or chimneys. If you spot squirrels running along the roofline, or see them entering through an opening, it’s a strong indicator that they have access to your attic.

6. Chewed Insulation and Other Materials

Squirrels often chew on insulation, wires, and other materials in your attic. They may use the insulation as bedding or nesting material. If you notice damaged insulation or chewed areas, this may be a sign that squirrels are present.

• Shredded Insulation: Look for areas where the insulation appears torn, shredded, or displaced. Squirrels often use this material to line their nests.
• Gnawed Electrical Wiring: If you notice exposed or frayed electrical wires in your attic, it's important to take action immediately. Squirrels often gnaw on wires to sharpen their teeth, but this can cause serious electrical problems and even start a fire.

7. Unexplained Holes or Gaps in Walls or Soffits

Squirrels are known to make their way into attics through very small gaps. While these holes can be hard to spot, look for places where the exterior of your home may have suffered damage, such as:

• Holes in the Soffits: If you have gaps or holes in your soffits, squirrels can easily squeeze through. These holes are usually small and might not be obvious unless you take a close look.
• Cracks in the Roof or Siding: Squirrels can slip through cracks in the roof or around the eaves. Inspect the entire exterior of your home to ensure there are no gaps large enough for squirrels to enter.

What to Do If You Have Squirrels in Your Attic

If you’ve identified signs that squirrels are living in your attic, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage or risk. Here’s what to do:

1. Seal Entry Points: Once you’ve confirmed the presence of squirrels, seal any gaps or holes that could be allowing them entry. Use durable materials like hardware cloth or steel mesh to block off potential openings.
2. Set Traps: You can try setting live traps to capture the squirrels. Be sure to check the traps regularly to avoid causing harm to the animals.
3. Call a Professional: If you’re unsure how to safely remove squirrels or prevent them from coming back, consider calling a wildlife control expert. They have the expertise and tools to safely remove the squirrels and seal your home against future intrusions.

Prevention Tips for Keeping Squirrels Out of Your Attic

To prevent squirrels from entering your attic in the future, take these preventative steps:

• Trim Trees: Trim branches that hang near your roof to make it more difficult for squirrels to jump onto your roof.
• Install Chimney Caps: A chimney cap can prevent squirrels from entering your attic through the chimney.
• Seal Gaps: Thoroughly inspect your roofline, eaves, and vents for any gaps and seal them with appropriate materials.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of squirrels in your attic early can save you a lot of trouble in the long run. If you notice unusual noises, damage to your roof, or evidence of squirrel droppings and nests, it’s likely that you have squirrels living in your attic. Taking quick action, such as sealing entry points and setting traps, will help prevent further damage. If needed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional to handle the removal safely and humanely.