Most attics are rarely used beyond storing seasonal clothing or holiday decorations. The inactivity in your attic can make it a haven for squirrels. Squirrels love using attics for shelter from the elements. But these rodents can do a lot of damage to your home once inside.
How Squirrels Get into Your Attic
Squirrels, like other rodents, can squeeze through very small cracks and holes. Even openings much smaller than their heads are no match for them. A small crack in the siding, eaves, or roof of a house can grant squirrels access to the inside. Like other rodents, they may gnaw at small openings to make them big enough to squeeze through more easily. Squirrels like to create nests in man-made structures, especially mother squirrels. Man-made structures often offer better protection for their young from both predators and the elements.
What can Squirrels do to Your Attic?
When a squirrel is in your attic, it can do a lot of damage. Often, they will tear into insulation, boxes, and other items in the attic to form a nest. They may also 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. Like other rodents, they need to gnaw at things to shave down their constantly growing teeth. Wiring can be especially effective in this, but it can also short-circuit your home.
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 animal noises or scratching/thumping sounds of movement in the attic. Your pets might bark or otherwise react to sounds from above or in the walls. You may also notice foul odors permeating through the house. 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. If you see signs of animal activity, 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.