All homeowners need to be aware of the signs that indicate there are squirrels in your attic. If left to their own devices for too long, they can become a real nuisance and cause serious damage to your home that may be expensive to repair. Here are the details you need to know.
Clues that indicate there are squirrels in your attic
Let’s start with the least of your worries: the fact that the very clues tipping you off to their presence can be extremely annoying.
You see, they can cause a lot of noise. Their repeated scratching sounds are irritating, they make a racket running around (listen for the sounds of fast running), and once they start fighting one another your days of peacefully enjoying your home will be a mere memory. You should also listen for the sound of nuts rolling around — these critters are known to be real hoarders and as far as they’re concerned, your attic is the perfect storage depot for their stash of food.
Their only saving grace is the fact that they tend to be most active during the day, so you’ll at least be able to get a good night’s rest. If you hear any of the above sounds up there, be sure to investigate promptly because you may have a squirrel problem.
(Tip: If you’re hearing noises primarily at night, you may have a nocturnal animal up there like raccoons.)
Why you need to be fast when it comes to getting rid of them
Their noise is annoying, but there are more serious matters to consider. They can tear up your attic insulation while attempting to make a cozy nest. They also have a nasty habit of chewing on your home’s wiring. If they’ve found an entry hole via loose shingles or damaged soffits, they’ve been known to make the damage even worse by enlarging such gaps for easier access.
What to do about squirrels in your attic
If you suspect you have squirrels living in your attic, there are two things you need to do right away: seal up the entry points so more don’t move in, and get rid of the ones already there. Look for holes in your soffits, siding, and rooftop. While you’re on the roof, take a few moments to inspect the chimney and ensure they can’t use that to get inside your home either. Once you’ve identified all of their entry points, close up all of them except for one. For this final entryway, provided it’s not squirrel baby season, you should install a one-way door that allows the animals to leave, but not return. Once the last of the squirrels has vacated the premises, you can remove that door and properly repair the area. Worst case if your squirrel problem is occurring between March and October when squirrels tend to mate and raise their young, wait until November rolls around to install that one-way door. If all that sounds like more work than you have time for, let us help. Contact us today to get your personalized quote.