If your kid calls for you at night and says that there are weird noises that scare him or her, do not rush to blame closet monsters. All the noises, the scratching, the scurrying – all they can be the side effect of getting your own personal squirrel zoo in the attic. It’s could be flying squirrels in attic or non-flying squirrels. As cute and adorable as these fluffy furry creatures are, there are several threats their “squirrels in attic” neighboring brings along.
How on Earth these cuties can be dangerous?
We know, it is indeed hard to believe that a squirrel in the attic has all the capacity to harm a human being. To begin with, they wouldn’t even pay you the rent for living in your attic. But also these little residents have sharp teeth and little patience, and here is what it can cost you.
Wires and cables
The attic is a wonderful place to keep everything that should not disturb your eyesight on daily basis, including stuff you do not use anymore, presents you had to accept but did not really enjoy, and of course various wires. But guess what? Squirrels are rodents, and their second instinct, right after surviving, is to chew.
They have their front teeth growing without an end in sight, and that means – go check on your wooden stuff and all the wires you can find.
Exterior damage
Squirrels cannot appear in your attic out of thin air, and that means that they found their way in from the outside (unless you brought them to your attic yourself). Eventually, like any conscious being, they would start making their life around easier and comfier, which includes making a nice way through which they would be able to get in and out without any effort.
And again, wooden walls would be not only a great basis for their new entrance but also a nice snack to chew on.
Insulation
Insulation – or isolation material – or that weird fluffy pink stuff you saw in your attic in the corners, is crucial for temperature regulation in your house. Without it in cold temperatures, especially during winter, you would not be able to warm up the place at all, as well as make it a cooler place during the high-temperature season.
Not to mention the endless energy bills you would have to pay if not this material. And though insulation is not fitting to chew it, it makes a perfect ground for squirrels in the attic to make their bathroom zone in. And as you can imagine, all the urine and defecation can easily ruin it and require replacement.
Smell and Sore Eyes
This is another surprise you will get if you let these little neighbors stay this close for too long. Accumulated over time urine and defecations will significantly influence the quality of air in your whole house, not to mention the stains on the attic floor and ceiling under it (which can cost a fortune to clean).
Another piece of sad truth, if a squirrel in the attic chews far enough in the walls to fall in and get trapped. In the vast majority of cases, they die in these self-made traps, and this is not the scene you want to discover.
If any of your family members have any allergies, this should be your first concern. Besides various allergies, rotting excrements and rotting bodies can cause salmonella, as well as spread the diseases the squirrels carry. Add some infestation to it, and there you have the full picture of potential disaster.
Why your attic?
We all want to find a warm dry place to live in with all possible comfort; and if your home is good enough for you, squirrels would not mind having the same too. But what exactly are these furballs looking for?
Squirrels have babies, and many of them, twice a year, and your attic can be a perfect place for them to reproduce and shelter the nest. Dry, empty, and warm space – what else squirrel parents can dream about? It makes perfect sense they would try to find their way in there.
Here are some of the areas squirrels may be able to enter from: vents, chimneys, roof edges, construction gaps, gutters, plumbing mats. But also they can break in through the weak areas by chewing them out.
What do I do, if I find squirrels in my attic?
Fortunately for you, there are many ways to do so. The most gentle and humane way is to get these squirrels into special traps, move them far away from your house area, and set them free there. Traps though, as well as the trapping process, is a scary task and without certain skills – very time- and effort-consuming.
That is why we would suggest trusting this job to pest control and spare yourself some peace of mind and lots of trouble.
What Causes Squirrels in the Attic?
Squirrels in the attic can be a common problem for homeowners. There are several possible causes for these unwanted critters to make their way into your attic. One possible cause is that squirrels are seeking shelter and warmth. Attics provide a dark and insulated space, making it an attractive nesting spot for squirrels. Additionally, squirrels may also enter the attic in search of food.
They are known to chew through materials such as wood and insulation, creating entry points into your home. Furthermore, tree branches near the roof can serve as a pathway for squirrels to climb onto the roof and access the attic. It is crucial to address the issue promptly as squirrels in the attic can cause damage to your property and pose potential health risks.
Are squirrels harmful?
Squirrels are generally not considered harmful creatures. They play an important role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers and tree planters. However, in certain situations, squirrels can cause damage. They may chew through electrical wires, causing potential fire hazards, or invade gardens and eat crops.
Additionally, squirrels can enter homes and build nests in attics, causing structural damage and creating a nuisance. In urban areas, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they become accustomed to human interactions and food sources. It is important to find a balance and implement measures, such as using squirrel-proof bird feeders or sealing potential entry points, to minimize any harm caused by squirrels.
How can I get a squirrel out of my chimney?
If you have a squirrel trapped in your chimney, it is important to act quickly to ensure the safety of both the squirrel and your home. One option is to contact a professional wildlife removal service that specializes in safely removing animals from chimneys. They will have the expertise and equipment necessary to safely and humanely remove the squirrel from your chimney. Another option is to attempt to scare the squirrel out by making loud noises, shining bright lights, or using a repellent specifically designed for squirrels. However, it is important to proceed with caution and ensure that all potential entry points to your home are properly sealed to prevent future intrusions.
Tips for Squirrel Prevention
Follow these tips to prevent squirrel damage and infestations:
- Change food in your bird feeder: Load your bird feeders with seeds that squirrels find less appealing, such as safflower seeds or white proso millet.
- Coat birdseed in hot pepper: The capsaicin in hot peppers will deter squirrels without affecting birds.
- Inspect your attic regularly: Conduct routine inspections of your attic, roof, and home exterior for signs of squirrels or entry points.
- Maintain a tidy yard: Remove fallen fruits, nuts, and seeds from the ground to reduce food sources that attract squirrels.
- Reinforce weak points: Seal gaps, cracks, and holes in your roof, soffits, fascia boards, and eaves.
- Seal attic openings: Install sturdy screens over roof vents, attic louvers, and other openings that squirrels could exploit.
- Trim trees near your roofline: Keep tree branches at least 6 to 8 feet (2.44 m) away from your roofline to prevent squirrels from using them to access your attic.
- Use lights and noise: Install a bright light, noise machine, or motion-activated device in the attic to scare squirrels away.
- Use squirrel-proof bird feeders: Position bird feeders away from your home and use squirrel-proof models.
HELPFUL VIDEO: How To Get Rid Of Squirrels in Attic
Watch this video about how to remove squirrels from your attic. Useful and important information.
FAQ
What does a squirrel sound like in the attic?
A squirrel in the attic can make a variety of sounds. They are known to scurry and scratch around, creating a rustling noise. They may also make chirping or chattering sounds, especially if they feel threatened or are trying to communicate with other squirrels. Additionally, squirrels may gnaw on wood or other materials, resulting in a distinct chewing or gnawing sound. Overall, the sounds of a squirrel in the attic can be quite noticeable and may vary depending on the specific behavior of the squirrel.
How do I keep squirrels from jumping on my roof?
To keep squirrels from jumping on your roof, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, trim any tree branches that are close to your roof, as squirrels often use these as a pathway to access your roof. Secondly, install squirrel-proof mesh or wire around the perimeter of your roof, covering any openings or gaps that squirrels could use to gain access.
Additionally, consider placing squirrel deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices near your roof to discourage them from approaching. Finally, ensure that your roof is in good condition and there are no entry points for squirrels to exploit. Regularly inspect and repair any damaged areas or loose shingles to prevent squirrels from finding a way in.
How much does it cost to get rid of squirrels in a loft UK?
The cost of getting rid of squirrels in a loft in the UK can vary depending on several factors. Some factors that may affect the cost include the severity of the infestation, the size of the loft, the location, and the method used for removal. Generally, the cost can range from £150 to £500 or more. It is recommended to contact a professional pest control service to assess the situation and provide an accurate cost estimate for squirrel removal in a loft.
Why is a squirrel trying to get in my house?
A squirrel may be trying to get into your house for a few reasons. One possibility is that it is seeking shelter or warmth, especially during colder months. Squirrels are known to find small openings or gaps in homes and buildings to create nests and escape the harsh weather conditions. Another reason could be that the squirrel is searching for food.
If there are easily accessible food sources, such as bird feeders or open garbage cans, near your house, the squirrel may be attracted to them and attempt to find a way inside. Additionally, squirrels are curious creatures and may simply be exploring their surroundings, including your house. It is important to address the situation and prevent the squirrel from entering your home to avoid any potential damage or nuisance.
How do I get rid of squirrels in my attic?
Getting rid of squirrels in your attic can be a challenging task, but there are several steps you can take to address the problem. Firstly, identify and seal any potential entry points to prevent the squirrels from entering your attic in the first place. This may involve sealing gaps and cracks in the walls or roof and ensuring that vents are properly covered.
Next, you can attempt to deter squirrels by using repellents such as urine-based products or commercial squirrel repellent sprays, which can be applied in and around the attic.
Additionally, setting up live traps with bait like peanut butter or nuts and relocating captured squirrels is another option. However, it is important to check local regulations before trapping and releasing wildlife. If these methods prove ineffective, it may be necessary to seek professional help from pest control experts who have experience in safely and effectively removing squirrels from attics.