How Did a Squirrel Get in My Attic?

Because people find squirrels to be cute with their bushy tails and disarming personality, the critters can become emboldened to interact more and more with humans. Often, this can result in squirrels hanging near certain houses where they are sure to find food, whether it is in exposed trash cans or bird feeders. Sometimes they even move in with you and carve out a space in your home for themselves, oftentimes the attic.

Squirrel in the Attic

It is completely obvious why squirrels would want to move into your attic, with the great protection and seclusion it offers, but how in the world do they get in?

Squirrels are relentless creatures, and when they set their mind to something, they will try their best to get it. That means they will go to great lengths sometimes to make it inside your attic. They frequently target gaps in the roof as an easy way in, but they can also create holes for themselves in soffits, chimneys, and vents. Chewing through wood is no problem for a squirrel, and they can use their little paws to pull apart other, weaker materials like insulation.

What They Do Up There

Once inside, squirrels will quickly aim to build nests. A common motivation for a squirrel to gain access to your attic is that it wants to give birth in a controlled environment. Squirrels most often will give birth in the fall and spring months, so watch out for any squirrel pups if you go to investigate during these times.

To make their nests, they will gather materials like insulation on which to rest their young. Squirrels will also use insulation away from their nest as a toilet, which can cause significant damage to the attic and insulation. In addition, they will chew on just about anything to take care of their teeth, which could damage many of your possessions, and even the structure of the attic itself.

Squirrel Control Professionals

If you have a squirrel turning your attic into a nest, don’t try to handle the animal on your own. Squirrel pups cannot survive on their own without their mother, so it is important for the health of the animals to leave removal to the pros, like those at Critter Control® serving Ft. Lauderdale. Humane treatment of animals is one of our top priorities, so you can be sure that you are getting the highest quality of wildlife control service when you hire us. If you have any questions about squirrels in your attic, or if you want us to come check out your situation, call us today at 954-467-6067.