Do I Have A Squirrel In My Attic?
Squirrels may seem cute and harmless when they’re scampering through the trees, but when they take up residence in your attic, they can become a real nuisance. Homeowners in Virginia and West Virginia often find themselves dealing with squirrels in their homes, particularly during colder months when these critters seek warmth and shelter. Understanding what a squirrel’s nest looks like and recognizing other signs of their presence can help you act quickly to protect your property.
What Does a Squirrel’s Nest Look Like?
Squirrels build nests, also known as dreys, primarily out of twigs, leaves, and moss. These nests are often spherical or oval-shaped and about the size of a soccer ball. In an attic, squirrels may use additional materials they find, such as insulation, shredded paper, fabric, or cardboard, to make the nest softer and more insulated against the cold.
When inspecting your attic, look for:
- Shape and Size: The nest will typically be round or oval, roughly 12-18 inches in diameter.
- Texture: It might appear as a messy pile at first glance, but closer inspection reveals a more structured and compact form.
- Location: Nests are often tucked into corners, along rafters, or in dark, undisturbed areas of the attic. They may also be located near entry points, such as vents, eaves, or damaged soffits.
- Materials: You might notice bits of insulation, paperm, twigs, leaves, moss, feathers, or even small pieces of fabric woven together.
In some cases, you may find multiple nests if the squirrels are particularly active or if there’s a family present.
Squirrel’s Nest vs. Rat or Mouse Nest
Squirrel nests can sometimes be confused with other rodents that may nest in your attic. The most common of which are rats and mice. Here are some easy ways to tell the rodent nests apart:
Size:
- Squirrel's Nest: Larger, often the size of a soccer ball.
- Rat or Mouse's Nest: Smaller than a squirrel's nest, often fitting in the palm of your hand.
Material:
- Squirrel's Nest: Made from twigs, leaves, moss, and sometimes attic insulation, paper, or soft materials for added comfort.
- Rat or Mouse's Nest: Primarily shredded paper, fabric, cardboard, and soft items like cotton. Rarely includes natural outdoor materials like leaves or twigs.
Placement:
- Squirrel's Nest: Typically tucked into corners, near rafters, or in areas with some elevation, like beams or joists.
- Rat or Mouse's Nest: Found in hidden, tight spaces like wall voids, under insulation, or in storage boxes.
Structure:
- Squirrel's Nest: Spherical or oval, with a more organized and intentional construction.
- Rat or Mouse's Nest: More haphazard, resembling a pile or clump of materials rather than a structured nest.
Droppings:
- Squirrel's Droppings: Larger, oval-shaped, and often found near their nest.
- Rat or Mouse's Droppings: Smaller, resembling grains of rice, and are typically scattered in high-traffic areas.
Chewing Damage:
- Squirrel: Gnaw on larger wooden structures and may damage vents or beams.
- Rat or Mouse: Focus on small entry points, wires, and smaller objects.
If you're uncertain about the type of nest or infestation, consulting a pest control professional can ensure proper identification and removal.
Common Signs of Squirrels in the Attic
Besides spotting a nest, there are several other telltale signs that squirrels have moved into your attic:
Scratching and Scampering Noises
Squirrels are highly active during the early morning and late afternoon. You might hear scratching, scampering, or thumping sounds as they move around, especially near rafters or walls. These noises are usually concentrated in the attic but can sometimes extend into walls. The sounds are often louder and more pronounced during colder months when squirrels seek warmth and shelter in your attic.
Droppings
Squirrel droppings are a clear indicator of their presence. They are dark brown or black, cylindrical, and about the size of a jellybean, measuring approximately half an inch long. These droppings are often found near nesting sites, along travel paths, or close to entry points. The droppings can carry harmful diseases like leptospirosis or salmonella, making it important to clean them up safely.
Gnaw Marks
Squirrels need to gnaw constantly to prevent their teeth from growing too long. This behavior leads to visible damage on wood beams, rafters, electrical wires, and vent covers. You may also find small piles of wood shavings or frayed wires as evidence of their activity. This gnawing can cause serious damage to your home’s structural integrity, as well as create fire hazards if electrical wires are chewed through.
Damaged Insulation
Squirrels frequently burrow into insulation to create warm nests. This activity results in compact or displaced insulation, visible gaps, or shredded areas, often found near corners, under floorboards, or around nests. Damaged insulation can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of your home, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
Tracks or Footprints
In dusty areas or near entry points, you might spot small footprints left by squirrels. These tracks show four toes on the front paws and five on the back. To confirm recent activity, you can sprinkle a light layer of flour in suspected zones to capture fresh tracks. Footprints can help you determine the extent of the infestation and guide your efforts to remove the squirrels.
Foul Odors
A strong, musky smell in your attic may indicate the presence of a squirrel nest or urine-soaked insulation. This odor can attract other pests, such as flies or insects, making it a noticeable and unpleasant sign. Over time, the odor can permeate throughout your home, leading to an unpleasant environment for you and your family.
Entry Points
Squirrels often chew through small gaps or create openings to access your attic. Look for holes in soffits, fascia, vents, or chewed shingles and roofline damage. Openings around chimneys or eaves are also common entry points. These holes are often difficult to spot without a thorough inspection, so it's important to check your home’s exterior regularly for potential vulnerabilities.
Stains or Grease Marks
As squirrels repeatedly squeeze through entry points, they leave greasy smudge marks from their fur. These stains are usually found around holes, vents, or other access points. These grease marks can be a helpful clue to determine exactly where the squirrels are entering and exiting your home.
Chewed Storage Boxes or Items
Squirrels may chew through stored belongings in your attic to gather nesting materials or food. Gnawed edges on cardboard boxes, fabric, or stored seasonal items are a clear sign of their presence. The damage to personal belongings can be costly and time-consuming to repair or replace.
Squirrel Sightings
Observing squirrels climbing your home’s exterior, especially around rooflines or gutters, can signal an attic infestation. Repeated entry into the same area or disappearing into holes strongly indicates a nest. If you notice squirrels darting in and out of the same spots, it’s a clear sign that they have made themselves at home inside your attic.
Increased Wildlife Activity Around Your Home
An increase in squirrel activity outside, particularly around your roof or nearby trees, may indicate a nesting site inside your attic. Squirrels are adept climbers and will often use nearby trees or branches to gain access to your roof. If you see them darting around these areas more frequently, it's a strong indication they may be trying to get inside.
Sudden Electrical Issues
Chewed wires from squirrel activity can lead to electrical disruptions, such as flickering lights or circuit breaker trips. These problems could point to damaged wiring in your attic caused by squirrels. If left unaddressed, damaged electrical systems could lead to dangerous electrical fires, so it’s crucial to address the issue immediately.
Why Are Squirrels a Problem For Homeowners?
While they might seem harmless, squirrels in your attic can cause serious damage, including:
- Structural Damage: Their constant gnawing can weaken wooden beams and damage electrical wiring, posing a fire hazard.
- Health Risks: Squirrels can carry diseases and parasites that may pose a risk to your family.
- Increased Energy Costs: Damaged insulation can make your home less energy-efficient, leading to higher heating and cooling bills.
- Unpleasant Noises: Squirrels can make loud noises in your attic, especially at night, disrupting your peace and making your home uncomfortable.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels and Keep Them Out
Getting rid of squirrels and keeping them out of your home involves a few key steps. Here's a guide to help:
1. Identify and Seal Entry Points
- Inspect your home: Look for holes, gaps, or chewed areas around the roofline, eaves, vents, chimneys, and soffits. Squirrels are skilled at squeezing through even small openings.
- Seal all gaps: Use materials like steel mesh, caulking, or foam sealant to close off any potential entry points. Make sure to check around windows, vents, and areas where wires or pipes enter your home.
- Install squirrel-proof barriers: Ensure chimney caps are secure, and repair or replace any damaged vent covers to prevent entry.
2. Remove Squirrels Humanely
- Set live traps: If squirrels are already inside your attic, use live traps to capture them. Be sure to check traps regularly to avoid causing distress to the animals.
- Call a professional: For a humane approach, consider contacting a pest control company like Petti Pest Control, which specializes in humane wildlife control. We can safely remove the squirrels and relocate them far from your home.
3. Install One-Way Exits
- If squirrels are trapped inside, a one-way exit can be installed. This allows them to leave but prevents them from re-entering your home. After all squirrels have left, seal up the entry points.
4. Remove Food Sources
- Eliminate food: Squirrels are attracted to food sources such as bird feeders, pet food, or compost. Store food in sealed containers and clean up any food scraps around your yard.
- Trim trees: Squirrels can jump from tree branches onto your roof, so trimming back branches that are too close to your home will make it harder for them to access your attic.
5. Set Up Deterrents
- Repellents: You can use commercial squirrel repellents or natural deterrents like peppermint oil, which squirrels find unpleasant. Apply these around entry points or areas they frequent.
- Noise and lights: Squirrels dislike noise and bright lights. Install motion-sensor lights or use a radio to emit noise in the attic, which can make it less inviting.
6. Keep Your Home Clean
- Inspect your attic regularly: Regular checks can help you spot signs of squirrels early before they become a bigger issue.
- Clean up droppings and nests: Once the squirrels are removed, clean the affected areas to remove odors and any remaining nests, as this can help discourage re-entry.
By following these steps, you can get rid of squirrels and keep them out of your attic. For the best results, consider using Petti Pest Control’s humane wildlife control services for a safe and effective solution.
Local Expertise for Virginia and West Virginia Homeowners
Living in Virginia or West Virginia means sharing your environment with plenty of wildlife, including squirrels. If you’re dealing with a squirrel problem, our local pest and wildlife control team is here to help. We understand the unique challenges homeowners face in this region and are equipped to provide fast, effective solutions.
Don’t let squirrels turn your attic into their home. Contact us today for a free inspection and take the first step toward reclaiming your space!