What To Do If You Find Squirrels Nesting In Your Attic

Squirrels sometimes nest in the attics of homes throughout the US. This is because attics tend to be quiet, dark, and warm – the attributes that female squirrels look for when selecting a nesting site. If you suspect that squirrels have taken up residence in your attic, read on. This article will help you to take the right steps when removing squirrels from your attic.

Check for babies

The first step is to find out if the nesting squirrels have babies yet. One of the most common squirrels in the US, the Eastern gray squirrel, has two litters per year. These two litters are usually between March and April and August and October. If you discover a nest at these times of the year, babies are likely to be present.

Since baby squirrels can't survive without their mother, don't attempt to scare or remove squirrels from your attic if you find babies.

Scare the squirrels away if no babies are present

If no babies are present in the nest, which may be composed of attic insulation, leaves, and cardboard, you can scare the squirrels away. Loud noises and bright lights should be enough to make squirrels flee from your attic.

Hire a squirrel removal service if babies are present

Humane removal by a pest removal service is the best option if you discover squirrel young are present. DIY removal is not a good idea since you could damage your attic, risk infection from squirrel bites or scratches, and harm the babies.

Check your home for entry points

Once the squirrels are gone, check for entry points into your home, usually through vents like roof vents, gable vents, or wall vents. Roof edges and soffit intersections also provide access for squirrels.

You'll need to cover up entry points to prevent squirrels from entering your attic in the future.  

Check your home for damage

Squirrels often damage insulation, roofing materials, and even electrical wires while nesting in an attic. Perform a visual inspection of your attic and roof to check for damage to your home. Consider an electrician too since squirrels often gnaw on electrical wires. Damaged wiring is a fire hazard.

Limit squirrel accessibility

Try to block squirrels from accessing your roof as much as you can. Trim tree branches, install metal flashing over entry points, and create blockages wherever you can.

If squirrels have chosen to nest in your roof, hire a pest control service if babies are present. A squirrel removal service will ensure the humane and safe removal of the squirrel family from your attic.