Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic

Find Out the Sounds & Messes That Indicate Squirrels are Living in Your Attic

“I think an animal is living in my attic!”

It’s a terrible thought for any homeowner, and one that could lead to a costly fix if it is, in fact, the case — especially one that isn’t dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Many people assume it is mice in their attics when they hear a noise, but mice aren’t the only nuisance wildlife that can find a way into an attic.

To properly handle the situation, you will need to determine if it’s a squirrel or another critter that has decided to build a nest in your attic.

Of all the nuisance wildlife and rodents, squirrels are most likely to turn your attic into a new home when they have their babies, also known as kits.

And, if it is a squirrel — what species of squirrel is it?

Gray squirrels are most commonly found in our area, but it could be a red squirrel or flying squirrel making a ruckus.

Understanding the species and its habits can make squirrel removal easier.

Signs of Squirrels in the Attic

There are a few different ways to identify if a squirrel is in the attic.

Some of the signs include the pungent odor of urine or fecal matter, damage to the home, and even visible nests.

One of the more obvious signs of squirrels living in your home are the sounds the critter makes.

There are a variety of sings and each should be considered as a sign of infestation if it’s taking place in your home:

Squirrel Sounds

Most squirrels, like the Eastern gray squirrel, are active throughout the day.

During this time, it is likely to hear the squirrels entering and exiting the house.

Squirrel sounds can vary depending on the species, the rodent will emit a sound of warning if it feels threatened. Warning sounds can vary from buzzing, chattering, whistling, even stomping their feet to send a warning signal.

Their young are noted for having sharp cries, while the adults make a grunt-like sound that sounds like kuk.

As the kits grow and prepare to leave the nesting area, they will become louder like the mature adults.

Even if the squirrels aren’t vocal, it’s possible to hear the scratching sounds from their claws scuttling across the attic floor — only a few feet above your head. This can be quite unsettling.

The sounds of running, or even squeaking sounds can be heard when the squirrel leaves or returns home from outside.

Animal Droppings

For the untrained eye, identifying rodent feces is a tricky task.

The droppings are most commonly misidentified as rat droppings, which should still be a concern for any homeowner.

Squirrel droppings can vary in size, depending on the species. Typically, the droppings are oblong shaped with rounded ends and can be approximately a quarter of an inch in length.  

Depending on food and water intake, the texture of the feces can vary. High-moisture diets will result in soft, clumpy results. Low-moisture diets, on the other hand, could result in droppings with pointed ends and not as clumpy.   

Squirrel Damage

Homeowners should also be mindful of a variety of issues around the home as it could be a sign of a squirrel living in the attic.

Damage caused by squirrels includes chewed wires, shredded insulation for nests, and a hard-to-clean scent from feces that can attract other animals to your attic.

If this isn’t enough cause for concern, homeowners should, at the very least, be worried about chewed wires. Damaged wires could lead to sparks and may ultimately cause a fire.

That’s not the only damage squirrels and nuisance wildlife can cause.

It’s common for squirrels to use damaged or weak spots in soffits or fascia boards. Squirrels will also continue to chew the exterior point of entry, creating a sizeable opening for themselves.

If it goes unnoticed, this damage can become a costly repair to your home.

Squirrel Removal & Infestation Prevention

Once a squirrel, or any rodent for that matter, has found a point of entry it can become a stressful situation.

Do-it-yourself squirrel removal is not recommended for homeowners. Squirrels can be quite the tenacious little critters. Not to mention the threat of diseases being spread from the squirrel to yourself or someone in your home.

The best thing to do is contact a nuisance wildlife professional to handle the removal and cleanup process.

Removal and cleaning are only two steps in the process. It’s imperative to prevent them from getting back inside your home.

To stop critters in their tracks, Catseye Pest Control has created Cat-Guard Exclusion Systems, a permanent wildlife barrier that protects homes and other structures.

Our state-of-the-art barrier defends against squirrels, mice, bats, and any other pest looking to get inside.

So, if you think you hear squirrels running amuck, it’s best to contact our wildlife removal and control professionals today.

Our trained professionals will work hard to ensure each squirrel is quickly and safely removed from your home so you can sleep soundly each night.