How to get squirrels out of your attic

Mice are not the only small animals that keep us busy during the winter months. Squirrels are fond of invading homes and buildings at this time of year. Tree squirrels, (including fox, gray and red squirrels) are found throughout the United States in areas where there are trees.

Typically, tree squirrels have two litters of babies per year, one in the winter, and one in the summer. Before having their winter litter, these squirrels will readily enter houses (especially in attic areas) seeking shelter for a place to raise their young. And who could blame them—attics are a great place to live because they are warm, safe and dry!

How do squirrels get in your attic?

So you might ask yourself, how exactly are squirrels entering indoors, and how would you know if they are sharing their living space with a squirrel family?

Well, squirrels commonly enter houses through damaged or weak areas such as holes near soffits or fascia boards. Once inside your attic, they can do considerable amounts of damage.

Signs of squirrels in the attic

Concerned your attic may have a squirrel problem? Here are some signs of a infestation to be on the lookout for:

• Chewed-up wires

• Stored items

• Shredded insulation for nests

• Leaf litter

• Acorns

• Scattered feces

Tree squirrels will also continue to chew their exterior access point, and oftentimes a sizeable hole will be visible from the exterior of the house.

Tree squirrels are territorial, and will enter a house alone or in mating pairs. Numbers of squirrels will quickly increase though, once a nest has been established and babies are born.

How to prevent squirrels

How can you prevent squirrel infestations? Here are some quick and easy tips that you can put in action.

• Keep tree limbs cut back from your roof so that it doesn't provide squirrels easy access to your attic

• Make sure your chimney has a screen

• Seal up potential entry points on the exterior of your property

When wildlife get into homes, it can be a very stressful experience. That's why our Technicians always react swiftly and effectively to rectify the problem. We make sure our Techs have the training and equipment to get the job done!

Read our recent squirrel press release for more squirrel prevention tips.

Do you have stories about squirrels or other wildlife in your home? Share them below in the comments!