Squirrels look cute and fuzzy climbing trees and scurrying across the park, but they’re not so cute when they’re found in the home. When squirrels decide to live in an attic, they mark their territory. Here are five key indicators you have squirrels living upstairs.

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1. Noise

Squirrels are by no means silent creatures. Their erratic behaviour causes a ruckus that’s quite noisy. You’ll hear them gnawing at wooden beams above, jumping and scampering on the floor, and scurrying on their way to and from the nest.

They’re not the smallest rodent, so they definitely make a little noise, especially when compared to a mouse. A rattling is one of the signs of squirrel in the attic caused from their bouncing around upstairs. A scratching noise is likely heard if the squirrel is stuck in the wall or digging into a frame.

Squirrels are active during the day and quiet at night, making it helpful to rule out the possibility of other wildlife in the home. You’ll often hear them early in the morning when they leave and again at dusk when they return.

2. Roof Damage

Squirrels get into the attic somehow, and it’s likely through the roof. Chewed out holes and other cavities are common collateral after they’ve fought their way in. Gaps, holes, ripped shingles, and chewed soffits are all signs of squirrel in the attic.

Squirrels also have the sneaky ability to slip through small holes, which often go unnoticed until a thorough home inspection. Many homeowners aren’t aware of these access points. These animals are tough chewers where very little material stands in their way.

Inspect shingles, ridge and roof vents for damage. Squirrels sometimes just need a little nudge. If they think they can get in, they’ll start chewing until they do.

3. Litter

Squirrels need a place to live too. They’ve no doubt brought in grasses, leaves, paper, and other debris to make a nest, even leaving shredded materials in their wake. You’ll find their handiwork scattered throughout the attic.

Squirrels aren’t the neatest houseguests, dispersing everything from pieces of moss to bits of bark around the attic. They’re messy creatures, and it’s very noticeable to homeowners. Finding an odd assortment of debris up there is one of those signs of squirrel in the attic.

4. Indoor Damage

In addition to being messy tenants, squirrels cause serious damage to the attic’s structure. Attics have plenty of wood available for gnawing, along with wires ready for chewing—it’s paradise for them. When inspecting the home, make sure to check the interior after examining outside.

Be careful around any bare wires. It’s a clear indication a squirrel has been chewing away at the cover. There’s a good chance that wood chips are covering the floor from scratching at beams. Inspect inner air vents for damage caused as they move their inside. There isn’t much that’s off limits to their consistent chewing and your home will show this.

5. Tracks

Like all animals, squirrels leave evidence behind in the form of a paw print. These bounding animals spring across surfaces in a manner similar to bunnies. The leaping action leaves behind noticeable track marks that can determine it’s a squirrel running through the attic.

You’ll find tracks in particularly dusty, unused areas. Their front paws are shorter, with four fingers. The back paws are longer, with five fingers that stretch up as they bound forward. Cover a piece of cardboard with a sprinkling of flour and place it in areas you think squirrels are coming and going.

These seven signs of squirrel in the attic mean it’s time for action. Let humane wildlife removal services get squirrels out and prevent them from coming back.

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

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