What to Do If You Find a Squirrel Nest in Your Attic

Discovering a squirrel nest in your attic can be a startling and frustrating experience for any homeowner in Plymouth or the South Shore. These agile creatures might seem cute in your yard, but when they set up residence in your home, they can cause significant damage, from chewing through electrical wires to contaminating insulation.

If you're hearing scratching noises above your head, seeing insulation debris, or even spotting a squirrel entering or exiting your roofline, it's crucial to act promptly and thoughtfully. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to safely and effectively address a squirrel infestation in your attic, helping you protect your home and restore your peace of mind.

If you suspect squirrels have taken up residence in your attic, don’t wait! Request a squirrel removal service from our licensed team at Combat Pest Control.

Why Squirrels Love Your Attic: An Unwanted Home Invasion

Your attic, with its secluded and often warm environment, can seem like a five-star hotel to a pregnant squirrel or a family looking for shelter. Especially for homeowners in Plymouth and the South Shore, particularly those near wooded areas or with older homes, attics offer an ideal, protected space from predators and harsh weather.

Squirrels are also naturally drawn to these spaces for nesting material and readily available access points. They are master chewers, capable of gnawing through fascia, soffits, and even small gaps to gain entry, often leaving behind a trail of damage and potential health risks.

Identifying a Squirrel Infestation: Signs to Look For

Before you can tackle the problem, you need to confirm that squirrels are indeed your uninvited guests. While the sounds of scampering might be the first clue, there are other telltale signs of a squirrel nest in your attic. Here are common indicators:

• Noises: Listen for scratching, scuttling, gnawing, or chattering sounds, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. These sounds can be particularly noticeable as squirrels move around or chew on your home's structure.
• Droppings: Squirrel droppings are small, dark pellets, often resembling large grains of rice. You might find them in concentrated areas or scattered throughout the attic.
• Damaged Wires or Wood: Squirrels have a constant need to chew to keep their teeth sharp. Look for chewed electrical wires, wooden beams, insulation, or even personal belongings stored in the attic. This damage can pose a significant fire hazard.
• Nesting Materials: Squirrels build nests using a variety of materials, including insulation, leaves, twigs, shredded paper, and fabric. You might spot these makeshift nests tucked away in corners or between beams.
• Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your home, especially around the roofline, eaves, vents, and chimneys, for any holes or gaps squirrels might be using to enter and exit. Common entry points include damaged soffit vents, loose fascia boards, and uncapped chimneys.
• Visual Sightings: The most definitive sign is actually seeing a squirrel entering or leaving your attic, or even spotting one inside your attic space. This confirms their presence and often indicates an established nest.

Noticing these signs is the first step in addressing the issue. Early detection can prevent more extensive and costly damage to your home.

Initial Steps When You Discover a Nest

Finding a squirrel nest can be unsettling, but it's important to react calmly and cautiously. Your first priority should be to assess the situation without putting yourself or the animals in harm's way. Consider these immediate actions:

1. Do Not Disturb the Nest Directly: While your instinct might be to remove the nest immediately, resist the urge. Disturbing a nest, especially one with young, can cause the mother squirrel to become aggressive or abandon her babies, creating a more complex and distressing situation.
2. Observe Their Behavior: Try to determine how many squirrels are present and if there are young. Watch their entry and exit points during daylight hours. This observation can provide valuable information for professional removal.
3. Secure Pets and Children: Ensure that pets and children are kept away from the attic entrance or any areas where squirrels might be present. Squirrels can bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
4. Avoid Blocking Entry Points Prematurely: Sealing off entry points while squirrels are still inside will trap them, leading to further damage as they try to chew their way out. Trapped squirrels can also die in your attic, creating unpleasant odors and potential insect infestations.

Taking these initial steps will help you approach the situation safely and prepare for professional intervention.

Professional Squirrel Removal: The Safe and Effective Solution

While it might be tempting to try a DIY approach, removing squirrels, especially a nest with young, is best left to experienced professionals. Wildlife removal requires specific knowledge and tools to ensure the process is humane, effective, and safe for both the animals and your home. Here's why professional help is crucial:

• Humane Trapping and Removal: Professionals use humane traps and techniques to capture squirrels without harming them. They understand squirrel behavior and can implement strategies that encourage the squirrels to leave the attic voluntarily.
• Identifying All Entry Points: Squirrels can be incredibly resourceful, finding the smallest cracks and crevices. Experts can meticulously inspect your home to identify all current and potential entry points, ensuring a thorough exclusion process.
• Preventing Re-Entry: After removal, professionals will seal off all identified entry points with durable, animal-proof materials. This might include repairing damaged vents, reinforcing weak spots, and installing chimney caps.
• Damage Assessment and Repair: Squirrels can cause extensive damage to insulation, wiring, and structural components. A professional can assess the extent of the damage and recommend or perform necessary repairs, including attic cleanout and decontamination.
• Addressing Potential Health Risks: Squirrel droppings can carry diseases like leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Professionals are equipped to safely clean and sanitize contaminated areas, minimizing health risks to your family.
• Legal Compliance: Wildlife removal is often subject to local and state regulations. Professional pest control companies are knowledgeable about these laws and ensure all procedures comply with them.

For homeowners in Plymouth and the South Shore, addressing a squirrel nest effectively means working with experts who understand local wildlife and home construction.

Preventing Future Squirrel Invasions

Once the squirrels are gone and your attic is restored, taking proactive steps can help prevent future infestations. Consider these preventative measures:

• Trim Tree Branches: Keep tree branches trimmed back at least 6-8 feet from your roofline. This eliminates easy access points for squirrels to jump onto your roof.
• Secure Vents and Chimneys: Install sturdy mesh covers over all attic vents, dryer vents, and chimney openings. Ensure these covers are properly secured and free of gaps.
• Repair Gaps and Holes: Regularly inspect your roof, eaves, and fascia for any cracks, holes, or deteriorated wood. Seal any openings promptly with durable materials.
• Maintain Your Roof: Keep your roof in good repair. Replace loose or missing shingles and address any water damage that could weaken your roof structure.
• Store Food Securely: While squirrels are looking for shelter, easily accessible pet food, birdseed, or unsecured garbage near your home can also attract them. Store these items in airtight containers.
• Consider Professional Inspections: Periodic professional inspections can help identify potential vulnerabilities in your home before squirrels or other wildlife exploit them.

Don't let a squirrel nest compromise the safety and integrity of your home. If you've discovered unwanted guests in your attic, reach out to Combat Pest Control. Our team is ready to provide safe, effective, and humane squirrel removal services for homeowners in Plymouth and the South Shore.

Let our trusted experts help you reclaim your attic and ensure your home remains protected. Contact us (781) 746-7393 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an inspection.