They’re fast, they’re clever, and they can leap ten times their body length. In the wild, squirrels are just another part of the landscape. But the moment they cross into your attic, soffit, or wall voids, everything changes. These critters are equipped with strong claws for climbing, sharp teeth that don’t stop growing, and an unrelenting curiosity—three things that make them especially troublesome once they get indoors.
Most people don't realize how destructive a single one can be until they’re facing chewed wires, shredded insulation, and a flurry of droppings scattered across the attic floor. They’ll tear up air ducts, strip wood down to the framing, and build messy nests using anything they can find, including your stored holiday decorations or old clothing boxes.
They’re most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so if you’re hearing skittering sounds overhead at sunrise or sunset, you might not be imagining it. These aren’t casual visitors. Once they’ve found an access point, they often treat your home like it’s theirs—and they aren’t in any rush to leave.
What Makes Your Home Appealing To Them
When one of these animals sets its sights on a home, it’s not by accident. They’re resourceful and opportunistic, constantly searching for warm, dry places to nest. Rooflines, vents, chimneys, and fascia gaps are all potential welcome mats. If tree limbs or utility wires are within reach of your roof, the leap from yard to attic takes just a second.
What makes your home appealing isn’t just shelter—it’s safety from predators, a consistent temperature, and a relatively undisturbed environment. During colder months especially, attics provide ideal conditions for breeding. Females may settle in to raise litters, and the problem quietly multiplies. And because they’re territorial, once one sets up shop, it’ll guard the space fiercely and return season after season unless blocked out completely.
Even homes that are relatively well-sealed can be targets. These animals are capable of chewing through wood, vinyl, and even aluminum flashing when they’re determined. And they don’t need much. A gap the width of a tennis ball is enough to get them started.
A Targeted Approach To Eviction And Exclusion
Removing squirrels from a structure isn’t a one-step job. It takes patience, strategy, and a good understanding of how these creatures operate. Their ability to navigate structures, hide in tight spaces, and return to previous nesting sites makes them difficult to evict without proper equipment and knowledge.
Effective removal always starts with a thorough inspection. Entry points aren’t always obvious, and many homes have multiple vulnerable spots. Once those are found, exclusion devices—like one-way doors or escape routes—can be used to guide them out without letting them back in. Live trapping may also be necessary depending on the circumstances, especially if juveniles are involved.
But the job doesn't end when the attic is quiet again. Long-term prevention is where real results come in. This can involve sealing vulnerable eaves, installing barriers over vents, trimming trees that offer direct roof access, and repairing any damage that created an opening in the first place. It’s also important to clean up nesting materials and droppings that may harbor mites, bacteria, or parasites.
Some homeowners try to go it alone with store-bought deterrents or noise machines, but those efforts tend to fall short. These animals adapt quickly and often return to the same structure—sometimes within days—if comprehensive measures aren’t in place.
Ignoring The Problem Could Cost More Than You Think
A squirrel in the attic might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but what they leave behind can be costly. Insulation saturated with urine quickly loses its efficiency. Wiring chewed down to bare copper poses a fire hazard. Structural woodwork that’s been gnawed on loses its integrity. And once these things are damaged, repair bills add up fast.
There’s also a health concern. Their droppings can contain bacteria that become airborne and circulate through vents, particularly if they’ve torn into your HVAC system. And although they’re not typically aggressive, a cornered animal—especially one with young—can lash out, turning a routine attic check into a risky encounter.
The longer the issue goes unaddressed, the harder it becomes to resolve. They grow more familiar with the space, more confident in their patterns, and more likely to invite others. What started as one can quickly become several, especially during nesting season.
At Perks Worx Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand just how much damage these seemingly small animals can do. If you’re dealing with noises in the attic, chewed entry points, or just have a hunch something’s not right, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or ask questions about the removal process. Whether you need fast removal or long-term exclusion, we’ll work with you to get your space back—and keep it that way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels
Q1. How can I tell if the noises in my attic are from squirrels and not something else like a raccoon?
A1. Squirrels tend to be early risers. If you're hearing scratching, scurrying, or rolling sounds in the attic around dawn or dusk, it's often a sign of squirrels. Unlike raccoons, which are mostly nocturnal and heavier-footed, squirrels move quickly and nimbly, often in short bursts. You might also notice gnawed wood, small entry holes near your roofline, or droppings about the size of a grain of rice. A professional inspection can help identify the culprit and rule out other common attic invaders like raccoons or mice.
Q2. Why is it dangerous to ignore a squirrel infestation in the home?
A2. Squirrels may look harmless, but they can cause significant damage. Their teeth never stop growing, which drives them to chew constantly—wires, insulation, wood beams, even plastic piping. This not only weakens structural elements of the home but also creates a serious fire risk from damaged electrical wires. Additionally, their droppings and nesting materials can attract other pests or spread disease. And once squirrels move in, raccoons may follow, drawn by scent or access points already created.
Q3. Do squirrel removal services also protect my home from future raccoon problems?
A3. Yes, effective squirrel removal goes hand-in-hand with raccoon prevention. Both animals exploit many of the same entry points—loose soffits, uncapped chimneys, roof vents—and leave behind scents that can attract each other. Professional removal services don’t just evict the current squatters; they seal up vulnerable areas, remove attractants, and ensure your home is less appealing to other wildlife. If raccoons have been a problem in your neighborhood, it's smart to get ahead of the issue before it escalates.
