5 Signs of Squirrels in Your House or Attic

Learn the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation & How to Prevent One

Most people think that the cute squirrels spotted running through the yard or climbing trees could never be a threat to homes or businesses.

Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Whether it’s a flying squirrel, gray squirrel or a red squirrel, the mischievous critter can cause major damage to homes and businesses. Chewing on everything from eaves, wooden support beams, to electrical wires are only a few ways a squirrel can cause damage.

Another danger that many homeowners don’t take into consideration is the danger of urine and fecal matter left behind by squirrels. Of the diseases spread by squirrels and rodents, Hantavirus and Leptospirosis are the most common.

Given the potential of damage caused by squirrels due to infestation, it is essential that the problem be identified and taken care of immediately.

5 Signs of a Potential Squirrel Infestation

To help determine if your house or business is suffering from a squirrel infestation, be sure to check for some of the tell-tale signs.

1. Increased Squirrel Population in Area

The first thing to look for when trying to identify a potential squirrel infestation is an increased squirrel population in the immediate area.

If you spot more squirrels than usual running on power lines, climbing trees or fences, even the roofline of structures on your property, then there is a good chance that squirrels could be getting into your home.

2. Scratching in Attic or Walls

If squirrels are present in your home or business, you will be able to hear them scratching, and scurrying in the attic or walls.

These sounds will be easiest to hear in the mornings and evenings when squirrels are leaving or returning to their nest.

As baby squirrels ween from their mother, you could hear an increased level of scurrying and chattering as they become more independent and get ready to leave the nest.

3. Damage Caused by Teeth Marks

One of the clearest indications of a squirrel infestation are teeth marks on everything from wooden beams, duct work, soffits, to the electrical wiring in your house or business.

Squirrels will build a nest in the insulation of attics and walls. Misplaced woodchips or pieces of insulation where it doesn’t belong is another sign of damage caused by squirrels and a possible infestation.

If you notice damage to the roofline, eaves, or soffits of the home or office, it’s quite possible that the property is suffering from a squirrel infestation.

Even damage to your vegetable garden or flower garden is a potential sign of an infestation.

4. Strong Odors

Another clear sign of squirrels in the attic or another area of the building is the awful odor that permeates from the droppings, urine, or worse — deceased squirrels.

Caution: Some do-it-yourself options can create a chance that you will be left with decaying squirrels producing a horrible smell.

If you are taking the DIY route, it is important not to seal entry points until you know that the squirrels have been evicted.

With this point in mind, it’s easier to work with a professional pest and wildlife management company who knows the best way to handle squirrel removal and damage caused by squirrels.

5. Squirrel Droppings

In addition, if you notice squirrel droppings in your garage or attic, contact a wildlife removal and control professional immediately as this a sign that a critter has moved in.

Animal droppings carry harmful diseases and bacteria like Leptospirosis and Salmonella, which is why it is important to let an expert handle the situation.

Did You Know: Some squirrels are “latrining animals”, meaning they will deposit droppings and urine in specific areas repeatedly. This can cause intense odors, ruined insulation, and even permanent staining on the ceiling and drywall.

Benefits of Professional Squirrel Removal & Exclusion

If you believe your house or office is suffering from a squirrel infestation, the best thing to do is call a nuisance wildlife professional to remove the squirrels.

Catseye Pest Control offers Cat-Guard Exclusion systems, an industry-leading pest exclusion and wildlife control solution.

Included in the permanent solution is:

1. Upper Cat-Guard: This shields your home or business from rodents and nuisance wildlife trying to enter from the peak of the roof to the first-floor windows.
2. Lower Cat-Guard: The first floor’s line of defense to prevent squirrels and other nuisance wildlife from accessing the building from the first-floor window to the ground.
3. Trench-Guard: The underground component of the Cat-Guard Exclusion system ensures structures like decks, sheds, and low-clearance areas are protected from nuisance wildlife.

It doesn’t take long for squirrels and other wildlife critters to make a home for themselves in your space and cause extensive damage.

The Catseye mission is to protect your family, your home, and your business from pests by providing award-winning customer service as well as state-of-the-art exclusion and repair services.

Protect your property and investments by using professional squirrel control and removal services.