Finding squirrels in attics is quite common. Though squirrels typically build their nests in trees, they also find it comforting to place their nesting area in your attic since it not only resembles a hollow tree, but it offers protection from predators, it’s dry and warm. Squirrels can chew their way through the wood of your home, finding their way into your attic.
A female squirrel can have two liters a year, typically once in the Winter and once in the Summer. They give birth to three to four babies at one time and within six weeks they can begin to take care of themselves. If you hear scampering and noises in your attic then they may just be squirrels. Chances are it is a family of squirrels. Once the mother is ready to give birth to her next batch her previous liter will leave the nesting area.
Squirrels living in your attic can cause various problems including odors of urine and fecal matter. They will chew through just about anything including wood, wiring, piping and vents. This may lead to busted pipes, torn wiring, and poor wooden strength. You have a higher risk of a flood occurring from broken pipes, a fire caused by chewed wires, and breakage in your ceiling from chewed wood. You must get rid of these rodents as soon as you realize you have them.
Identifying Squirrels In Your Crawlspace
First, determine if you have squirrels in your attic. You will typically hear scampering throughout the day. Check everywhere near the attic including vents, eaves, and roofing for any openings.
If you see scratchings on the outside of your home, squirrel droppings in the same area near openings, and if you see many small and large squirrels running around the exterior of your home then chances are you have a squirrel infestation.
As they first start living in your attic it isn’t any big deal and they tend to remain quiet and cause little to no damage, but when they progress with more and more liters that is when something needs to be done about squirrels living in your attic. It’s too dangerous to allow it to continue.
Forget about all of the methods that are typically recommended such as mothballs and ammonia that could cause another type of odor in your attic. Other suggestions were coyote urine which is highly not recommended.
Even loud noises and strobe lights that would go off every time a squirrel would attempt to find their way into your attic are some ridiculous ways to prevent them from entering. These tactics actually don’t work and only annoy you and others living next to you.
Getting Rid Of Squirrels In Your Attic
One of the best ways to get rid of squirrels in your attic is to trap them and remove them physically. This ensures that there are no babies present and adults as you do a complete inspection of the attic for any further movement.
Other steps to take to get rid of them is by sealing off all areas of your attic that were either chewed through or broken. Create a funnel over the last hole used that measures to be 12 by 15 inches wide and one foot long. Place the wider end towards the inside of the attic. This will help prevent the squirrels from entering again and can only exit. Place peanuts or apple slices at the end of the funnel to lead them outside. This can help get them out if you are in a hurry.
Preventing Squirrels from Entering Your Roof
One of the best ways to help prevent squirrels chewing through the texture of your home is by using aluminum siding instead of wood. Repair with proper netting, metal, aluminum or cement wherever you find a crack or hole in your home. Make sure that any repaired wood is of high quality wood to avoid the squirrels from chewing through and making their way back in.
Cleaning Up After Squirrel Attic Infestations
Cleaning up squirrel infestations can be huge mess because there they leave behind plenty of urine and feces. The urine odor will be horrible especially if you had squirrels living in your attic for a while.
You may want to hire a professional wildlife removal specialist that will remove the squirrels humanely and quickly. Depending on the state you live in you may not be allowed to remove wildlife from your home on your own and may need to call upon an expert.
With how much is at risk including a possible flooding and fire, a specialist is typically required to check everything and ensure the home is left in a safe condition upon removal of the squirrels. Additionally, squirrel control professionals will close up all of the areas that the squirrels snuck through and the pros will take measures toward preventing squirrels from returning. If this is your preference, you will save yourself a ton of time and energy and will be satisfied to know the job is done correctly.
After Hurricane Ian and maybe 2017 Irma, I hear scurrying above my carport/laundry. Especially at sunrise. I think they have chewed through vehicle wiring and maybe more. I have droppings in porch. They have chewed labels of cans of veggies.
Jae,
It sounds like you may indeed have squirrels in your attic but it could be another critter too. If you have droppings on your porch, you can sweep some of the droppings into a zip-lock bag before discarding the rest. Then you can contact a pest control professional to help you identify the culprit. Sometimes you can send a photo in or the pest control company may prefer to come in person and inspect your attic (sometimes it’s easier to look in the attic to figure out what’s making the noise than relying on a pest-dropping image alone). Since you began hearing the scurrying after the two hurricanes, I wonder if mammals are more apt to end up inside peoples’ attics during hurricane season to seek shelter from the storm?