As with many pests, squirrels and other rodents are finding their way into your attic this winter to take shelter from the cold. Squirrels may be cute but we can assure you that your attic is not where you want them to make their home. Squirrels can cause a great deal of damage if they take up residency in your attic. And if they are not taken care of, they may stay until spring which just so happens to be their breeding season…and that’s a problem that you don’t want to have.
Squirrels and other rodents are a nuisance to have in your home. Squirrels will often defecate and urinate in your attic which leads to a horrible stench. Not only will it stink, but they can also damage storage and insulation. When you’re insulation is damaged, it can cause the insulation to be less effective (see TAP Insulation). Speaking of stench, you will be in for a rude awakening if a decaying squirrel is stuck in the attic. And awakenings…you will most surely be awakened by the constant noise making of their gnawing or their scurrying.
Squirrels are known to carry hitchhikers such as fleas and mites and in some cases carry diseases. This is worrisome because they can attack if they feel they are in danger. They can also cause serious damage to your home. With their constant need to chew, they will chew on sheetrock, wood, insulation and roofing which could give them a path right into your living area. Chewing on wiring could potentially be a fire hazard for your home. If they chew a hole in the roof you could have a major moisture problem on your hands. All of this on top of damaging any storage that you may have in your attic.
To keep squirrels from entering your attic, seal any holes that lead into the attic, trim back trees from your house (they are great jumpers) and limit the food sources outside of your home such as bird feeds, pet food or garbage cans. If you hear scurrying in your attic call a pest professional that specializes in the exclusion, removal and control of these nuisances.