Have you heard strange scratching, scurrying, or thumping noises coming from your attic? If so, you might have an uninvited guest, and it could be squirrels. Squirrels are common intruders in homes, particularly during colder months when they seek shelter and warmth. If left unchecked, these furry invaders can cause significant damage and even put your family’s safety at risk. In this post, we’ll explore the signs that squirrels are in your attic, the potential damage they can cause, and the importance of professional squirrel removal service to safeguard your home.
Why Do Squirrels Enter Your Attic?
Squirrels, like many animals, seek shelter during colder weather. Your attic is an ideal spot for them—dark, dry, and away from predators. These critters are opportunistic and will use any available entry point, no matter how small. Squirrels often enter homes through gaps in the roof, soffits, vents, or even chimneys. Once inside, they can establish a cozy nest, where they can have their young and wait out the winter.
If you’re hearing scratching noises, especially at night, it’s a strong indication that squirrels may be the culprits. They are highly active in the evening and early morning hours, as these are the times they are most likely to forage for food and interact with their environment.
Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Attic
Noises at Night or Early Morning
One of the most obvious signs that squirrels have made their way into your attic is the sounds of scurrying or scratching. Squirrels are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night, particularly during the early morning hours. The scratching noise you hear is likely the squirrels moving around, building their nests, or searching for food. If you notice these noises regularly, especially at night, it’s a good indication that squirrels have made themselves at home in your attic.
Visible Damage to Insulation, Wiring, or Woodwork
Once squirrels have made their way into your attic, they may begin to chew on anything they can find, including insulation, wooden beams, and electrical wiring. Their sharp teeth can quickly cause significant damage to your home. Squirrel damage to insulation can make it ineffective, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. If left unchecked, squirrels chewing on electrical wires can create serious fire hazards. This damage can be costly and dangerous, so it’s crucial to address the problem as soon as possible.
Droppings and Urine
Like any rodent, squirrels leave behind droppings and urine. If you find squirrel droppings in your attic or near entry points, it’s another sign that these animals have taken up residence in your home. Squirrel droppings can carry harmful bacteria and diseases that pose a health risk to humans and pets. Additionally, their urine can cause unpleasant odors and stains. Left untreated, these issues can become worse, leading to health concerns and further damage to your home.
Holes or Entry Points
Squirrels are excellent climbers and can find their way into your attic through surprisingly small openings. Look for holes or cracks in your roof, around vents, or along the eaves of your home. Even small gaps in the exterior can serve as an entry point for squirrels. You may also notice signs of gnawing around these openings, as squirrels use their teeth to create entry points or enlarge existing gaps.
Visible Squirrel Sightings
Finally, one of the most obvious signs that squirrels are in your attic is actually seeing them. You may notice squirrels running along the roofline or on nearby trees. If you observe these behaviors regularly, it’s a good idea to inspect your attic for any signs of nesting or damage. Squirrels are most active during dawn and dusk, so you may spot them during these times.
The Dangers of Squirrel Infestation
Property Damage
Squirrels can cause a great deal of damage to your property, especially when they’re nesting in your attic. Their constant chewing on insulation, wiring, and wood can lead to structural damage and costly repairs. Insulation that has been gnawed on will need to be replaced, and any wires damaged by squirrels may need to be repaired or even replaced to ensure the safety of your home. Additionally, squirrels may damage roofing materials and soffits as they attempt to enter your home.
Health Risks
Squirrels can carry diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonella, and Lyme disease. Their droppings and urine can also pose a health hazard. If these contaminants make their way into your home, they can cause serious health problems, particularly for young children, elderly family members, and pets. Additionally, squirrels can bring parasites like fleas and ticks into your attic, which can spread to other areas of your home.
Fire Hazards
One of the biggest risks of having squirrels in your attic is the potential for fire hazards. Squirrels’ tendency to chew on electrical wires can create sparks that may lead to an electrical fire. The longer squirrels are allowed to stay in your attic, the greater the risk of a potentially deadly fire. Protect your home by addressing the issue as soon as possible.
How to Handle Squirrel Problems
Inspect for Entry Points
If you suspect that squirrels have entered your attic, the first step is to inspect your home for potential entry points. Look for cracks, gaps, or holes in your roof, eaves, vents, and other areas where squirrels could gain access. These entry points need to be sealed to prevent further access. It’s essential to fix any gaps promptly to stop squirrels from re-entering after removal.
Call for Professional Squirrel Removal
While some homeowners may attempt DIY methods to remove squirrels, it’s always best to call for professional squirrel removal services. A professional can safely and humanely remove squirrels from your attic, ensuring that they don’t return. Attempting to handle the situation on your own can lead to injury or even worsen the infestation.
A professional wildlife removal Morristown expert will conduct a thorough inspection of your home, locate all entry points, and remove the squirrels from your attic. Afterward, they will seal the entry points to prevent future intrusions. Additionally, they can provide advice on how to prevent further wildlife issues, ensuring that your home remains safe and secure.
Why Choose Kritter Catchers NJ for Squirrel Removal?
If you’re dealing with squirrels in your attic, you need a professional and reliable squirrel removal service to address the problem. Kritter Catchers NJ offers expert squirrel removal services to homeowners in New Jersey. We use humane and effective techniques to safely remove squirrels from your attic and prevent future infestations. Our team of wildlife experts will inspect your home, identify entry points, and seal them to keep squirrels and other animals out.
We understand the importance of a safe and secure home, and we work diligently to protect your property from wildlife intrusion. With our professional wildlife removal Morristown NJ services, you can trust that your home will be squirrel-free and secure.
