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  • GRR Editorial Team

How to Get Rid Of Squirrels In Your Attic

While squirrels are a joy to watch when they play around with acorns in your yard, things can get messy if they get access to your attic. Whether looking for shelter in the winter or a new nest when their breeding period comes around, you’ll need to find out how to get rid of squirrels in your attic quickly and effectively.


Even though squirrels in your attic might leave after a few DIY squirrel attic removal methods, it can be pretty tricky dealing with them if they’ve just given birth. Alas, we’re here to help you out with that.


Let’s first check out some of the signs that you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation in your attic.



Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic


Like other rodents, squirrels will wreak havoc once they access your attic. But you’ll need to ensure that you’re actually dealing with squirrels and not other pests. Getting rid of raccoons on your own will be dangerous compared to squirrels. So, here are some key giveaways that squirrels have taken over your attic.


  1. Chewed cables/pipes. Squirrels are notorious for gnawing, much like rats and mice. If you notice any electrical or plumbing damage, there’s a large chance that a squirrel caused it.

  2. Shredded insulation/leaves. When making their nest, these little rodents will use anything to keep it warm, whether that’s your attic insulation or leaves and twigs from a nearby tree. So, if you find those lying around in your attic, it’s a dead giveaway that a squirrel is nesting there.

  3. Pungent odors. If you’ve ever dealt with any kind of rodent infestation, you’ll know that they’re not the best-smelling ones. Whether you smell or see them first, urine and droppings signify that squirrels are getting too comfortable up there.

  4. Loud noise during the evening/early morning. Any noise coming from your attic should be a cause for concern. If you get woken hours before sunrise by something walking in your attic, it’s most likely a squirrel.


Once a squirrel gets cozy in your attic, you’ll need to get rid of it. But how do they exactly find their way into your attic?


How Do Squirrels Get Inside Your Attic


Squirrels are amongst the most agile rodents, and they’ll climb up anything. As for how they access your attic, the answer isn’t definitive. Most squirrels will chew holes in your roof, allowing them quick access to your attic without you knowing it.


Also, chimneys are a well-known entry point to the attic for roof rats and squirrels, as they can both squeeze in. But squirrels will mostly use any vents you have on your roof to access your attic, as they’ll usually fit or easily chew a hole in them.


Why Are Squirrels Dangerous


Admittedly, many wouldn’t consider squirrels dangerous. After all, there’s something adorable when you watch them roaming around your yard. However, it’s when they enter your house that they can become very dangerous.


Squirrels are rodents, so chewing and gnawing are part of their lives. And what better thing to chew on than cables and pipes? In turn, the damage done to these can lead to power outages, water damage, or house fires in a worst-case scenario.


Also, though it’s unlikely, some squirrels might carry rabies, making them aggressive, contrary to their natural docile behavior. And with that said, it’s time to find out how to get rid of squirrels in your attic.


How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic


Squirrels are very similar to skunks when it comes to nesting. They just want a simple, quiet, dark place with no weird smells or big metal traps lying around, hence why your attic is their perfect house.


In turn, getting rid of them is pretty straightforward.


  • Lighten up your attic. A simple strobe light will do the trick.


  • Put on some music. It doesn’t have to be too loud; just make sure it’s loud enough to be heard all over the attic.


  • Use home repellants. Anything with a pungent smell, like ammonia or garlic, will be enough to get the squirrels out of the house.

How to Prevent Squirrels From Coming Back to Your Attic


Once you’ve ensured that all the squirrels have left your attic, it’s time to ensure they never come back. Generally, this requires checking the entire house (including the roof) for holes where rodents can fit. Ensure that these are all sealed off so no squirrels can access the interior.


Also, if you’ve got a tree hanging over your roof, it’s a great idea to trim that, as squirrels will easily use it as a springboard, heading straight to the attic. Lastly, remove any food sources from your yard and cover off bird feed stations, making your property as unattractive to squirrels as possible.


Contact Us for the Best Squirrel Attic Removal Services


Getting rid of squirrels in your attic isn’t that hard. All you really need to do is make it as unappealing to them as possible, and they’ll happily go hunting for a different house. However, in some cases, you’ll need to consult a squirrel attic removal expert. That’s where we come into play.


At Green Rodent Restoration, we pride ourselves in providing the best rodent control services in SoCal. We’ll take a look at the infestation you’re dealing with and let you know the best course of action. Plus, we’ll make sure that you won’t have to deal with any squirrels in your attic ever again.


Contact us now for a free estimate!


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