Ultimate Guide: How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic

So you know the signs and risks of a squirrel infestation, but how do you know if they’re in your attic? Attics are common entry points for squirrels and other wildlife into homes. Sometimes, squirrel infestations can go unnoticed in an attic, especially if you don’t use your attic or check it often. So what do you do if you suspect an unwelcome guest is living beneath your roof? We’ll show you how to get rid of squirrels in the attic and why they may end up there in the first place. 

Why Do Squirrels End Up in Attics?

There are several reasons squirrels are attracted to your home’s attic. From shelter to food to just easy access, here are a few reasons you could end up with an attic squirrel infestation:

• Squirrels typically live in attics during the winter to avoid the cold and may create nests with materials found in the area.
• An infestation can be caused by a single female squirrel who finds her way inside and has multiple litters of young over the course of a year.
• Squirrels can create openings in exterior walls by chewing through them to enter a house, giving them easy access to your home. 
• Squirrels will often try to move indoors if they cannot find food outside, and may very well be taking refuge in your attic for this reason.
• Squirrels have a sharp sense of smell, can detect food inside your home, and will attempt to locate it, especially if you have easily accessible food, such as uncovered trash or improperly stored food. 
• When there’s a lack of predators in the area, the squirrel population can increase significantly, causing territory guarding (especially for red squirrels). Some may find their home in your attic to avoid other squirrels’ territories. 

Potential Squirrel Damage in Attic

Once a squirrel has established a home in the attic, the risks to the home and its inhabitants increase significantly. The squirrel’s gnawing can damage wiring, insulation, and structural beams, leading to costly repairs and even potential fire hazards. Plus, one squirrel in your attic can make‌ way for other pests, such as rats, bats, raccoons, and mice—all of which can spread serious diseases like rabies and cause further structural damage to your home and roof.

If a squirrel is injured, aggressive, or frightened, there have been cases where squirrels will bite the homeowner or their pets. It can also be dangerous to even enter your attic; for example, a squirrel with young will vigorously defend its nest and put up a difficult fight if provoked or feels threatened.

Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic

The signs of squirrels in your attic are not too dissimilar from the signs of a squirrel infestation in general.

You’ll want to look for: 

• Scratching or gnawing sounds coming from your attic.
• Chew marks or gnawing damage in and around your roof, attic, window, or door frames, and wires.
• Sightings of squirrels or droppings in and around your home.
• Urine stains or odors, which can sometimes be detected from the ground below.
• Visible holes or wide gaps between the chimney and the structure, wiring holes, or torn soffits.

If you observe any of the above signs, it could mean that squirrels have set up shop in your attic, and the best course of action is to contact a professional for assistance.

How Make a Squirrel-Proof Attic

Squirrel in attic removal is a three-step process:

1. Step One: Seal all holes and voids surrounding the home. This includes sealing soffits, screening vents, and caulking openings in the roof, eaves, and siding.
2. Step Two: Lure and get the squirrels out of the attic using humane traps. Placing the traps close to the entrance will help make sure the squirrels find their way out.
3. Step Three: After the squirrels have been removed from the attic, clean the area and disinfect surfaces to remove any droppings or odors that might attract new squirrels.

In addition to physical exclusion, there are some other squirrel control options available to homeowners in Massachusetts. Since squirrels can climb as easily as they can chew, electric barriers are a humane way to discourage them from entering an attic or other parts of the home. You can also hire a professional squirrel control service to inspect the home and determine the best way to get rid of the animals.