It can be unsettling to hear sound in your attic and not know what you are up against. There are several species commonly found in our neighborhoods. With a little research and some keen observational skills, it actually is easier than you may think to accurately determine what species has invaded your home. Each commonly found urban critter has very specific tendencies and habits that will help you figure out what you’re dealing with. 

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Squirrels will keep a schedule that is unique to only them as well as leave several other clues of their presence. The signs of squirrels in the attic are fairly obvious if you pay close attention. Let the signs below confirm what you already know.

Droppings and Water Stains

squirrels entering through roof line of a houseOnce squirrels have taken up residence in your attic, they will spend a significant amount of time and be very active up there. This, of course, includes bodily functions such as eating, drinking and defecating and urinating (as well as several other behaviors we will touch on below).

Don’t be fooled by those watermarks on the ceiling. Brown urine stains on your ceilings are often one of the key signs of squirrels in the attic. Squirrels need a place to go to the bathroom and unfortunately, it’s now in your home. 

In addition to being a costly repair project, feces and urine are a health hazard to your pets and family. The longer squirrels stay, the bigger the mess left behind. Fresher squirrel poop is darker brown in color, and if you’ve found it in the attic, it’s time for the squirrels to go.

Tracks

Squirrel tracks have five longer toes at the rear and four toes on the shorter front paws. As squirrels bound, their rear paws come up alongside their front paws. 

Dusty attic spaces are squirrels’ favorite nesting spots. If you think there are squirrels living there, put a light dusting of flour or baby powder on the floor. Check the area the next day for paw prints to confirm whether or not you have squirrels.

Bad Smell

Unfortunately, squirrels leave a foul stench behind, and it could be for multiple reasons. Over time, their nests leave behind a musty smell. Droppings will also leave behind a stink that only gets stronger.

Another unfortunate reason for odor could be from a dead squirrel in the home. Whether it fell behind a wall or found itself trapped in the attic and starved to death, you’re now dealing with the cleanup of a dead squirrel.

Damaged Entrances

Chewing is natural for these critters, making it easy for them to gnaw a hole into your house and create a passage inside. In addition to a number of other types of damages squirrels cause, they leave noticeable entrances.

Roofs and chimneys are good starting points, preferably with tree branches close by that act as easy leaping boards. There isn’t a material they can’t work through, so pay attention to fascia boards, shingles, eavestroughs, and the roof line.

Squirrel Fights

If you’ve noticed squirrel fighting outside, this is a problem. It’s a territorial issue—not all of them have enough space to live and the area can’t individually support every squirrel’s needs

Territorial problems on the roof could mean there are already squirrels living in your attic and your home is no longer a welcome place for more squirrels.

Strange Noises

Those noises you hear around the home could actually be one of the signs of squirrels in the attic.

It’s usually one of the first signs of wildlife living in the home. Scampering, jumping, and scratching in the walls or attic are just a few background noises you’ll hear.

Squirrels keep a tight schedule, making the most noise in the early morning and in the evening.

Here’s Your Answer

After all of these signs of squirrels in the attic, the situation should be clear. You have squirrels in your home and you need to get them out.

Engaging wildlife removal services is the best way to safely evict squirrels and keep them out for good. These professionals are equipped with the means and knowledge to get squirrels out, with an eviction process that works.

When that’s done, they’ll decontaminate and clean up the attic so it’s free of nesting materials, droppings, and parasites and bacteria, ensuring the space is a squirrel-free zone. Animal removal professionals can even recommend appropriate attic restoration services to get your home back to normal.

Don’t let squirrels invade your home. Take action and let wildlife removal services help you today. Squirrel removal should only be performed by trained professionals. 

Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!

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