Squirrels and Your Attic – How to Handle Unexpected Guests

Many people enjoy watching squirrels jumping and romping through trees or eating acorns while perched on a picnic table or back porch. Squirrels are undoubtedly cute little creatures… when they’re outside where they belong. But when the weather turns cold, and they are searching for a warm winter home, squirrels become a genuine threat to your home.

We strive to make our homes as safe and comfortable as possible for ourselves and our families. But are we unintentionally making them comfortable for uninvited bushy-tailed guests as well? Learn about the potentially costly and widespread damage that these furry creatures can cause and why you should call an expert pest control company at the first sign of them.

Squirrels 101

1. Do Squirrels Make Nests in Houses?

Squirrels like comfort and safety, often nesting in houses and outbuildings. They are determined and persistent and will enter through any small opening they find.

2. Where Do Squirrels Nest in a Houses?

Squirrels will nest almost anywhere they have access to a comfortable, dark spot in your house. Squirrel nests can be found in attics, walls, chimneys, and garages.

3. Why Are Squirrels in My Attic?

Squirrels gain attic access by climbing downspouts, trellises, vines, and nearby trees. If they don’t find a convenient opening, they may chew through roofs, siding, walls, and insulation to create an entry point.

4. What Time of Year Do Squirrels Build Nests?

Squirrels can find their way into your attic any time of year, but it is most common right before female squirrels birth a litter. Squirrels usually give birth around February and again in August. Climate is a factor as well. When your attic is too hot in the summer, they will leave, and when the weather is cooler, they return.

5. How Long Can a Squirrel Live in an Attic?

If a squirrel can come and go from your attic freely, they will stay until their young until they are old enough to fend for themselves, which is about two months. If you discover you have attic squirrels, don’t seal up entry points while the mother forages outside during the day. Her young will not survive without her, and you will create a new set of problems.

6. Will Squirrels Damage My Attic?

Squirrels can be very destructive in an attic. They chew on wiring, pipes, insulation, and your stored personal items. The longer they are there, the more damage they will do. They’ll even chew through walls to create new entry points.

7. Why Do Squirrels Chew Electrical Wires?

Like other rodents, squirrels constantly need to sharpen their teeth, and electrical wires are one of the primary materials they chew to accomplish this task.

8. Can Squirrels Cause House Fires?

It is estimated that around 12 percent of residential electrical fires begin in the attic. Many of these incidents are attributed to squirrels or other rodents chewing on wires.

Fire isn’t the only problem squirrels can cause. They’re also responsible for service interruptions, as well as electrical shocks and electrocution when a human goes into the attic and touches a damaged line. Have an electrician inspect your wiring if you suspect a squirrel infestation in your attic or walls.

9. How Can I Get Squirrels Out of My Attic?

The best way to get rid of squirrels in your attic is to find and close up entry points while they’re out foraging during the day. If you’ve done all you can to prevent squirrels from nesting in your attic or walls, and it hasn’t worked, it’s time to seek the services of a qualified professional to trap and remove them, especially during the months when baby squirrels are present.

Call at the First Sign of Squirrels

Twin Forks Pest Control® has been eliminating pests, including squirrels, for more than 20 years. Our trained wildlife experts will rid your property of unwanted pests, and we offer year-round protection plans so that your home stays pest-free. At the first sign of problems, contact us for a free estimate by calling (631) 287-9020 if you’re in the Southampton region, (631) 324-9020 if you’re in or around Easthampton, or (631) 298-0500 if you’re in or around Southold. We look forward to hearing from you.