Attics are usually a place to store your seasonal clothing or holiday decorations. However, they can also be a haven for squirrels. Squirrels love using attics for shelter from the elements. But they can do a lot of damage to your home once inside.
How Squirrels Enter Attics
Squirrels, like other rodents, can squeeze through very small cracks and holes. A tiny break in the siding, eaves, or roof of a house can grant squirrels access to the inside. Mother squirrels like to create nests in man-made structures, so that they can better protect their young from predators and the elements from inside. Squirrels often gain access to attics via tiny cracks, which they gnaw at to make wider.
Damage Caused By Squirrels in Attics
Once a squirrel gains access to your attic, it can do a lot of damage. First, they may tear into insulation, boxes, and other items in the attic to form a nest. Then, they may burrow through insulation in the walls to access other parts of the house. This can create drafts throughout the house. Squirrels may even chew through wires, causing electrical problems or fire hazards. Squirrel waste material can contain harmful pathogens that can cause illness to you and your family. Lastly, squirrels may attack pets or people if they feel threatened or cornered. Squirrels can carry an assortment of diseases, including rabies.
What Should You Do If You Think Squirrels are in Your Attic?
Signs of animal activity in your attic may include hearing animal noises or scratching/thumping sounds of movement in the attic. You may notice foul odors as well. Pets, especially dogs, may bark towards the ceiling or walls more frequently. If you go into your attic, you may find waste material, nesting material, or damaged items. Do not try to catch or remove any squirrels by yourself. Hire a professional wildlife removal service to safely remove any pest animals, and to properly clean and repair any areas the animal damaged or contaminated.