Winter is here, and with it comes the urge for everyone—furry critters included—to seek warmth and shelter. For squirrels, your cozy attic might seem like the perfect place to ride out the colder months. While they might look cute in the park, squirrels in your home can cause serious headaches. They chew through wiring, damage insulation, and leave a mess wherever they nest. Let’s dig into how to identify squirrel problems in your attic and, most importantly, how to prevent them.
Signs You Have Squirrels in the Attic
First things first, how do you know if squirrels have moved in? Here are the tell-tale signs:
- Strange Noises
Are you hearing scratching, scampering, or chewing noises, especially during the day? Squirrels are diurnal, so they’re active in daylight, unlike nocturnal pests like mice.
- Droppings
If you spot droppings in your attic, they could be from squirrels. Squirrel droppings are small and oblong, similar to a grain of rice, but slightly larger.
- Chewed Wires or Wood
Squirrels are avid chewers, and nothing in your attic is off-limits. Frayed electrical wires or gnawed wooden beams are big red flags.
- Nests
Squirrels use shredded insulation, leaves, and other soft materials to build their nests. If you spot a pile of these in your attic, you’ve likely found their home base.
- Entry Points
Check your attic for holes or gaps where squirrels might have gained entry. These could be along the roofline, soffits, or vents.
Why Squirrels Are a Problem
Squirrels aren’t just houseguests—they’re destructive houseguests. Here’s why you need to act fast:
- Fire Hazard: Chewing on wires can create serious fire risks.
- Structural Damage: Squirrels can weaken your home’s structure by gnawing on wooden beams and drywall.
- Health Concerns: Squirrel droppings and urine can carry diseases and create an unhygienic environment.
- Noise Nuisance: Their constant activity can disrupt your sleep and peace of mind.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Invading Your Attic
Now that you know the signs, let’s talk about prevention. Follow these steps to keep squirrels from making themselves at home:
- Seal Entry Points
Walk around your house and check for gaps, holes, or loose vents. Heavy-duty materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth are used to seal them up. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so don’t overlook even tiny openings.
- Trim Tree Branches
Squirrels are excellent climbers and can easily jump from overhanging tree branches to your roof. Keep branches trimmed back at least 8-10 feet from your home.
- Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers
These are essential for keeping squirrels (and other critters) out. Make sure any covers are sturdy and fit tightly.
- Remove Food Sources
If you have bird feeders or fruit trees near your home, you’re basically rolling out the welcome mat for squirrels. Keep these away from your house or invest in squirrel-proof feeders.
- Use Natural Deterrents
Squirrels dislike certain smells like peppermint, vinegar, and predator urine (available in stores). Placing these in high-risk areas can help keep them at bay.
- Keep Your Attic Clean
A clutter-free attic is less appealing to squirrels. Avoid storing piles of fabric, cardboard, or paper up there, as these make ideal nesting materials.
What to Do If You Already Have Squirrels in the Attic
If you’ve confirmed that squirrels are already inside, don’t panic. Here’s how to handle it:
- Don’t Seal Them In
It’s crucial to avoid trapping squirrels inside. Sealing them in can lead to further damage as they try to escape—or worse, leave you with a decomposing squirrel.
- Encourage Them to Leave
Place bright lights and loud noises (like a radio) in the attic to make it less comfortable for squirrels. You can also use natural repellents like peppermint oil or ammonia-soaked rags.
- One-Way Doors
Install a one-way squirrel door over the entry point. This allows squirrels to leave but prevents them from coming back in.
- Call a Professional
If the problem persists or you’re unsure how to handle it, call a pest control expert. They’ll safely remove the squirrels and help prevent future issues.
Why Choose Genuine Pest Control
At Genuine Pest Control, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with uninvited critters. Our team specializes in humane squirrel removal and prevention techniques that ensure your home stays safe and sound all winter long. Plus, we’re here to answer your questions every step of the way.
