Squirrels can live in almost any environment and climate, which is why they are one of the most common critters around.  With being such adaptable creatures, squirrels will make their homes anywhere they can find warmth and store food. They may seem cute when you see them outside, but if squirrels get in to your home, they can become a real nuisance.

Problems Squirrel Infestations Can Cause

Squirrels can cause many problems for homeowners. They bring in outside materials such as sticks and leaves to build their nest, which can make a huge mess in the home. Squirrels can also carry both parasites and infectious diseases. They also gnaw on materials of the home, such as wood and wires causing damage that will be both expensive and time-consuming to repair and replace.

Signs of Squirrel Infestation

Sounds. You will likely hear a squirrel before you see any visual evidence.  The sounds squirrels make are often described as scurrying, scampering noises in attic. You might also hear chewing or gnawing sounds. Squirrels like building their nests in attics, so sound will come from above your ceiling. Squirrel sounds are often mistaken for rat sounds, but there’s one key difference: squirrels are diurnal, so you’ll hear them during the day, whereas rats are nocturnal, and will make more sound at night.

Nests in Your Attic. Squirrels are well known for nesting in attics, as they provide a safe hideaway for squirrels to raise their young. The inside of an attic is also full of things for them to nibble and sharpen their ever-growing teeth on, like wood and insulation. When a squirrel chews the insulation on electrical wiring, the possibility of a house fire arises. Squirrels enter attics through crevices, gaps, and cracks in soffits, fascia boards, and eaves, or open vents or broken shingles in the roof. Once squirrels reach the attic, they have free reign of the house.

Squirrel Droppings Inside Your Home. Squirrel droppings are often confused for rat droppings, and vice versa. While rat and squirrel droppings do look similar—dark brown to black with blunted ends, around 3/8 of an inch long—they are found in different places around the home. Squirrel droppings are often found in attics or around tree trunks, while rat droppings are more common along baseboards, in cupboards, and behind large appliances like washing machines.Chewed Roofing Materials. Another popular nesting site for squirrels is in the roof. Typically, they build these nests with roofing insulation. Take some time to carefully analyze your home’s exterior. Squirrels commonly damage roofs by:

• Chewing holes in soffits. This can allow other small pests to invade your home.
• Biting through shingles. This can lead to water damage.
• Eating through joists and siding. This can weaken your home’s structure.

Why is a Squirrel in Your Home?

Squirrels have different motivations to enter your attic. Squirrels can have two litters a year. It will vary depending on what part of the country they live in. Generally, a squirrel will have a litter in the spring and a second in the early autumn.

Squirrels do not hibernate. They do need a warm shelter that provides protection from harsh winter weather.

How Do Squirrels Get into the House

They gain access to attics by chewing holes above gutters or at construction gaps where dormers meet the roofline. Squirrels will also chew corners of trim or any weak area that gives them access to a shelter.

How Can You Get Rid of the Squirrels in Your Home?

Squirrel repellents do not provide a long-term squirrel control solution. Mothballs are dangerous. Bright lights will initially scare the squirrels away, but eventually they will grow used to them.

The best and safest way to remove squirrels from your attic is by calling the experts at Critter Control. Never approach pests squirrels without professional help.

Schedule a Free Inspection for Squirrels

Since squirrels carry parasites and infectious diseases, homeowners should not attempt to catch them on their own but instead, contact Critter Control serving Ft. Lauderdale at 954-504-6467 to speak with one of our trained pest and wildlife professionals. You can count on us for fast and reliable results.