4 Signs You May Have Squirrels in Your Attic

 

Squirrels appear cute and almost cuddly. However, they are wild animals and can be dangerous if cornered. Alongside this, if they set up their home in your home then they can cause a significant amount of damage.

It’s also important to note that squirrels can carry a variety of diseases, including salmonellosis, Lyme disease, and rabies.

Similar to mice and rats, squirrels are very good at gnawing their way through things, such as wiring in the loft or your insulation. They can cause a significant amount of damage.

If you notice any of the following symptoms you may have squirrels in your attic. You can check but, remember they can become vicious if cornered. It’s best to click here and get some professional help.

1.      Strange Sounds

In general, you shouldn’t be hearing sounds from your attic space. You’ve probably got a variety of sentimental possessions stored up there and nothing else. If you start to hear a lot of noises, as though something is moving around in your attic, then there probably is something.

The only question is whether it’s a squirrel or something else.

2.      A Distinctive Aroma

Squirrels, like most animals, aren’t too worried about where they do their business. It’s likely to be close to their nest and still while they are in your attic. That means they will be urinated and leaving their droppings for you, potentially damaging the space.

If that wasn’t bad enough, squirrel urine has a strong, and not pleasant, smell. As soon as you start noticing this in the house you’ll have to check for squirrels and then get the professionals to deal with them.

3.      Discovering Nests

Once you have a suspicion that there is something in the attic, you’ll need to go and take a look. It’s also worth being vigilant if you are going into your attic for anything else. The most obvious sign that you have a squirrel or other rodent problem is when you find nests.

Squirrels will happily make a nest out of the insulation in your loft. Alongside this, they will use grass and sticks to complete the nest.

Therefore, if you see a raised pile of insulation with sticks and grass woven into it, you’re probably dealing with a squirrel nest.

Again, you’ll want professional help to eliminate them from your attic.  

4.      Seeing More Squirrels Than usual

If you’ve just moved into an area you may not know how many squirrels are considered normal. In that instance, you can talk to neighbours and get an annual pest inspection done.

But, if you have lived there a while and you suddenly realize there are a lot more squirrels than usual, there will be nests in the vicinity. It’s worth checking your attic to see if they have set up a nest there. You should also ensure there are no gaps in your roof or walls, preventing them from getting in is much easier than dealing with them nesting in your attic.

Image by Alastair Newton from Pixabay