Mysterious noises coming from above? Concerned you might have uninvited guests in your attic? Squirrels are common attic invaders in our area, and identifying their presence early can save you from significant damage and expense. At Magnolia Wildlife Solutions, we’ve helped countless homeowners identify and resolve squirrel problems. Here’s how to determine if squirrels have made themselves at home in your attic.
Distinctive Sounds: The First Clue
The most common sign of squirrels in your attic is the noise they make:
- Time of activity: Squirrels are diurnal (active during daylight), so you’ll typically hear them in early morning and late afternoon, unlike nocturnal pests like raccoons or rats
- Running sounds: Quick, light scampering or running noises across your ceiling
- Rolling noises: Often acorns or nuts being stored or moved
- Scratching: Particularly around entry points or on wooden structures
- Vocal chattering: Occasional squeaking or chirping sounds
If you hear activity primarily during daylight hours, especially around dawn and dusk, squirrels are a likely culprit.
Visual Evidence: Confirming Your Suspicions
Look for these telltale signs inside and outside your home:
- Entry points: Chewed holes roughly 2-3 inches in diameter, often near the roofline, soffits, or vents
- Nesting materials: Piles of leaves, twigs, insulation, or shredded paper in your attic
- Droppings: Small, oblong pellets (about 3/8 inch) in the attic
- Squirrel sightings: Frequent activity on your roof or consistently seeing squirrels entering and exiting the same area of your home
- Tracks: Small paw prints in dusty areas of your attic (four front toes and five rear toes)
Property Damage: What Squirrels Leave Behind
Squirrels can cause several types of damage:
- Insulation damage: Torn or compressed insulation used for nesting materials
- Chewed wiring: Creating potential fire hazards (a particularly dangerous aspect of squirrel invasions)
- Soiled areas: Urine stains on ceiling materials
- Chewed wood or pipes: Structural damage to maintain their teeth
- Water damage: From holes created for entry that allow rain to penetrate
Timing Patterns: Seasonal Considerations
Squirrel invasions often follow seasonal patterns:
- Late winter/early spring (January-March): Female squirrels seeking nesting sites for their first litter of the year
- Mid-summer to fall (July-October): Second breeding season when squirrels may enter attics again
- Fall: Increased activity as squirrels prepare for winter by gathering and storing food
Understanding these patterns can help confirm squirrel presence and inform removal timing.
What To Do If You Suspect Squirrels
If the signs point to squirrels in your attic, consider these next steps:
- Document the evidence: Note when you hear noises and where they seem to be coming from
- Check for entry points: Safely inspect your home’s exterior for obvious openings
- Consider the season: Be especially cautious about removal during spring and late summer when babies may be present
- Consult professionals: Contact wildlife removal experts who specialize in humane squirrel removal and exclusion
When to Call the Professionals
Professional help is recommended if:
- You’ve confirmed squirrel presence but aren’t comfortable handling removal yourself
- There’s evidence of multiple squirrels or a potential nest with babies
- You can’t locate or safely access all entry points
- There’s damage to electrical wiring or structural elements
- Previous DIY attempts have failed
The Magnolia Wildlife Solutions Approach
At Magnolia Wildlife Solutions, we provide:
- Thorough inspection: Identifying all entry points and evidence of activity
- Humane removal: Safe and effective techniques that consider squirrel welfare
- Complete exclusion: Securing your home against future invasions
- Damage repair: Addressing any issues caused by squirrel activity
- Preventative guidance: Recommendations to make your property less attractive to squirrels
Identifying squirrels in your attic early can prevent extensive damage to your home. The distinctive daytime activity pattern, coupled with characteristic sounds and evidence, can help you determine if squirrels are your attic invaders. If you suspect squirrels have moved in, professional wildlife removal services offer the most effective and humane solution to reclaim your space.
Don’t let squirrels make themselves at home in your attic. Contact Magnolia Wildlife Solutions today for expert assistance with identification, removal, and prevention.