As squirrels spend their days running up and down trees and jumping from branch to branch, they have a bird’s-eye view of your roof and its weaknesses. Squirrels can jump four feet vertically and jump six to eight feet horizontally. Squirrels can theoretically survive a fall from any height!

Video courtesy of Critter Control in Portland, Oregon.

The most common signs of squirrels in the attic include strange noises, strong odors, physical damage, and evidence of activity. If you have noticed any of these signs of squirrels in the attic, call Critter Control at 1-800-Critter as soon as possible! Squirrels left unchecked will continue to damage your house.

Daytime activity is almost always gong to be squirrel related. Homeowners will hear scratching and running, but it’s in the daytime.

Jason Leinneweber, Division Service Manager

1. Scratching and Scurrying Noises

2. Droppings and Urine Stains

Squirrel droppings are pill-shaped and cylindrical in appearance, sometimes with tapered ends. You will find them near nesting areas in the attic. The feces is predominantly brown like rodents but can contain a range of colors such as light brown, reddish, or greenish.

Urine stains on ceilings or strong ammonia-like odors can indicate a long-term infestation.

3. Entry Points (Holes or Damage to the Exterior)

Squirrels only need a gap about 3 inches wide. Squirrels can gnaw through most home construction materials like wood, vinyl siding, shingles, and even aluminum. The most common entry points for squirrels are around the roofline including the soffits, eaves, fascia boards, construction gaps, vents like gable vents and roof vents, the roof returns, and chimneys. These holes can lead to water damage. In extreme cases, the water damage rots away the wood creating a large gap.

You may see chewing (woodchips on the ground) but that is rare. Whether it’s scratching, chewing, or running, these noiss alert most homeowners to a problem with squirrels.

Jesse Fraser, franchise owner Critter Control of New Hampshire

4. Nesting Materials and Insulation Damage

Squirrels generally enter attics looking for safe, secure places to create nests. In the spring and the fall, these nests are to give birth and protect the kits. Squirrels use twigs, leaves, shredded paper, cardboard, and even insulation bunched together.

Baby squirrels sound like young birds due to their soft, high-pitched chirping. Twigs, leaves, and shredded paper or insulation bunched together in attic corners.

Squirrels in the attic can ruin the insulation. Damaged insulation is compressed from squirrel movements. Squirrels will tear insulation to use it for nests, and squirrel droppings and urine contaminate insulation. Squirrels create food caches of seeds and nuts like acorns. Food caches stored in the attic can decay and further damage insulation. All of these things reduce the energy efficiency of the house.

5. Chewed Wires and Structural Damage

Look for gnaw or teeth marks in the attic. Squirrels like all rodents constantly gnaw. They will chew on everything inside the attic. They will damage wood means, ductwork, and store belongings. The gnawing gets especially dangerous when squirrels chew electrical wires and pipes. Squirrels could puncture pipes creating leaks and water damage. Squirrels can fray electrical wires increasing the risk for house fires.

7. Squirrel Tracks

Finding squirrel tracks in the attic is not as common but still a clear sign of squirrel activity. Homeowners can most easily identify squirrel tracks in dust.

Squirrel tracks are relatively small at about two inches in length. Squirrels have front paws with four narrow toes tipped with tiny claws. A squirrel’s larger rear paws also feature five distinct toes with a large pad at the heel.

6. Increased Squirrel Activity Outside

An increase in squirrel activity in the yard might be a sign of a squirrel infestation. Squirrels will nest close to a food source. So if it seems like the same squirrel is raiding the bird feeder, be on the lookout for these other signs of squirrels.

Pay attention if the squirrel activity moves from the yard to the roof. if you see a squirrel suddenly disappear, it might have disappeared into your attic.

7. Foul Odors from Dead Squirrels

Squirrel droppings and urine create a strong ammonia stench. If a squirrel becomes trapped and dies, it can cause a strong rotting odor. This can attract flies and other pests to the attic.

How Do I Tell Signs of a Squirrel in the Attic vs Other Rodents?

Flying squirrels, rats, mice, and tree squirrels are all rodents that can get into the attic. The signs of these pests are similar.

Signs of Flying Squirrels in Attic

Squirrels are diurnal. Flying squirrels are nocturnal. Hear squirrel noises at night probably a flying squirrel.

Signs of Rats in Attic

Squirrels stay in the attic. You might find evidence around the house of rat problems including droppings along the walls and in the kitchen. Rat noises in different places like above the ceiling, inside the walls, across your floor.

Professional Squirrel Removal Near You

If you find signs of squirrels in the attic, move quickly to get them out. The longer the squirrels live in the attic, the more damage is done. Critter Control has been trusted to provide fast and efficient squirrel removal for over 40 years.

By Roger Maul, Region Sales Manager for Critter Control

As Houston grows and expands, so does the risk of squirrel infestations. While they may seem cute and harmless, squirrels are responsible for significant damage to homes and infrastructure. As a professional in wildlife management, I’ve seen firsthand how these furry creatures can wreak havoc, especially in urban settings like ours. Let me walk you through some key points to remember when it comes to squirrel infestations, particularly in Houston.

The Impact of Land Development on Local Wildlife

Houston’s land development directly contributes to the displacement of native species, including squirrels. When one species is displaced, the entire ecosystem feels the effects. Squirrels, like all animals, are driven by their need for three things: food, water, and shelter. As we build new homes, offices, and infrastructure, we’re inadvertently providing these animals with more shelter, driving them into attics, vents, and even weep holes in our homes.

Squirrel Behavior and Why They Love Your Home

Squirrels are highly adaptive animals. They can jump 5 to 6 feet vertically and 8 feet horizontally, which means even if you think the tree branches are far enough from your house, they can easily find their way in. Their natural ability to chew, particularly to file down their teeth, poses a serious threat to homeowners. Texas homes commonly use PVC and PEX piping, both of which squirrels can chew through, causing costly water damage. In addition, they can gnaw on wires, leading to electrical issues or even fires.

One of the most common entry points for squirrels is the roof, especially through vents created for attic air exhaust. Weep holes, which allow ventilation in homes, are another weak spot that squirrels exploit. In Houston, with its hot and humid climate, homes are particularly vulnerable to these types of entry points.

Recognizing the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

Most people don’t realize they have a squirrel problem until it’s too late. Because squirrels are diurnal, they’re active during the day and often spend time outside, returning to your attic at night. This sneaky behavior means you might not notice them until you hear scratching or gnawing sounds at sunset, or worse—discover plumbing issues due to chewed pipes. Other telltale signs include fresh wood exposed under paint (from chewing) or tic-tac-shaped droppings scattered around your attic.

One particularly deceptive aspect of a squirrel infestation is their ability to create paths through attic insulation without leaving obvious signs. Squirrels also leave small piles of debris where they chew and build nests.

Year-Round Problem in Houston

Unlike in colder regions, squirrels in Houston don’t hibernate. The warmer climate means that squirrels breed year-round, doubling their birthing season and multiplying their numbers at an alarming rate. This is especially true right now as land development in Houston is displacing more wildlife than ever.

Houston is home to several species of squirrels, including the gray squirrel, ground squirrel, and fox squirrel. These species are now thriving in our urban environments, creating a year-round headache for homeowners.

Squirrel Prevention: It’s Not About Chemicals or Traps

If you think the solution to a squirrel infestation is a quick spray or a trap, think again. The real preventative measures involve physically blocking off potential entry points. Sealing small holes, gaps in roofing, and weep holes are crucial steps to keep squirrels out. However, it’s important to note that common sealants like spray foam are no match for squirrels’ powerful teeth—they can easily chew right through wood.

The best solution is a professional wildlife inspection to identify potential entry points and secure your home. We at Critter Control focus on proactive strategies like sealing gaps and reinforcing vulnerable areas to prevent squirrels from entering your home in the first place.

A Delicate Balance: Protecting Wildlife and Your Home

One final point to remember: in Texas, squirrels are considered a state resource, which means they are protected by law. While they can be incredibly destructive, shooting or harming squirrels is illegal. Instead, if you suspect a squirrel infestation, it’s best to call in a professional wildlife service to handle the problem humanely and legally.

Squirrel Removal in Houston

As Houston continues to expand, the issue of squirrel infestations will only grow. It’s important to be aware of the signs and take preventative steps to protect your home. Remember, squirrels aren’t just pests; they’re part of our ecosystem, and managing them responsibly is key to preserving the delicate balance between urban development and native wildlife.

Stay vigilant, and if you hear that telltale scratching in your attic, don’t wait. Contact Critter Control to assess and address any rodent or wildlife issues before they lead to costly damage.

About the Author

Roger has over 20 years of experience in sales, management, and business development. Roger has over five years helping customers identify nuisance wildlife problems throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisana, New Mexico, and Colorado. As Region Sales Manager, he recruits, trains, and mentors Critter Control’s wildlife sales consultants throughout the South Central region.

Over 65 species of squirrels (Sciuridae) live in North America, and they are some of the most common animals in urban habitats. You’ve probably even seen one today.

Squirrel Problems

Most of the time, squirrels climbing through your trees are not a problem. Squirrels become problematic when they nest inside your house or on your roof. Squirrels will enter your home because competition for resources has increased from unchecked populations, land development eliminates habitats, or even escaping from natural predators like coyotes.

Squirrels easily access your roof by climbing tree branches. They only need a gap the size of a golf ball.

• Soffits – These are the finishing material, mostly made of wood or fiber cement, that covers the underside of a roof overhang. In addition to helping to make the roofline look aesthetically nice, soffits help keep moisture away from the rafters, reducing the chance of mold. Soffits that are not flush with the siding create a gap for squirrels to enter.
• Fascia Boards – These are thin longboards that run along the lower outer edge of a roof, covering the entire roofline. They help keep water out.
• Ridge Vents – Ridge vents are air exhaust vents installed on the peak of a roof that provides continuous exhaust ventilation at the highest part of the attic. Squirrels are attracted to the warm air that comes out of these vents.
• Gable Vents – On a gabled roof, these vents are located at the peak where the two sides meet. They usually have louvers, allowing air to flow into the attic, which works to cool it down in warm weather.
• Roof Returns – This is the part of the roof that doubles back to the wall of the house. It is between the end of the roof and a home’s walls.
• Chimneys – Chimneys conduct smoke and combustion gasses up from a fireplace, stove, or furnace and can run through the attic of a house.
• Siding Corners – This is the trim used to keep your siding in place where the corners meet.
• Gutters – Gutters capture rainwater and melting snow and channel it away from the house. Clogged gutters that prevent precipitation from running will cause deterioration along the roof edge through which a squirrel can enter.
• Plumbing Mats are rubber matting covering cylindrical vents on the roof that connect the plumbing system used to exhaust gasses.

Photos of Squirrel Entry Points & Damage to Exterior

Squirrel holes in metro Atlanta.

Squirrel Damage

Squirrels are determined creatures and will chew and rip their way into your attic, creating a hole that can let rain and snow enter. Once inside, they will continue gnawing on wood, tearing insulation to use for their nests, and chewing on electrical wires. These chewed wires create a fire hazard. In addition, they will defecate, and this causes rot as well as a health concern. Squirrels also carry parasites such as ticks, mites, and fleas that can infest your home.

Squirrel Exclusions- the Best Squirrel Control

The best squirrel control is exclusion. Squirrel trapping solves the immediate squirrel infestation. Your home has already been shown to provide ample resources for squirrels. Without exclusion, you are still at risk for future squirrel infestations.

Because squirrels only need a small entry point, finding all the potential weak spots takes skill and experience.

Exclusion methods keep squirrels from entering your home. Squirrel exclusions are a chemical-free squirrel control method that works immediately. Because squirrels can gnaw through plastic, wood, vinyl, and even metals like aluminum, using the right materials for squirrel control is vital.

The most effective exclusion seals the current squirrel entry hole and strengthens other potential entry points. At Critter Control, we seal all vulnerabilities in the roof, soffits, vents, fascia, and chimneys.

The Best Repellents for Squirrel Control

The internet is full of squirrel deterrent products, but none work well. There is no such thing as an effective squirrel repellent. Stores and the internet show products packaged in striking colors that they market as a cure-all.

Squirrels are attracted to rather specific areas of the home, making them relatively easy to locate. Inside the house itself, squirrels prefer areas that are elevated and not frequented by humans, such as roofs and attics.

How Critter Control Gets Rid of Squirrels in Attic 

Getting rid of squirrels on your own can be tricky and dangerous. Squirrels are smart, aggressive, and can transmit disease. If you suspect squirrels in your attic, the best defense is to call a Critter Control wildlife specialist.
 

Step 1: Identify Squirrel Entry Points

Look for entry points eaves, soffits, vents, or chimneys. Small openings with gnaw marks are a sign of squirrels. 

Step 2: Squirrel Trapping in Atlanta

A one-way door is the safest method of squirrel removal. It will allow squirrels to exit your home, but not re-enter. To use a one-way door, you must first locate all the entry points that the squirrels are using. Live traps with bait are another effective method to remove squirrels from your attic.

Note: If babies are present, you will need to retrieve the babies with proper animal handling gloves.

Step 3: Exclusion Repairs

The most effective squirrel control is home exclusions. The exclusion repairs block all current and potential squirrel entry points.

Step 4: Attic Clean-up and Sanitization 

Depending how long a squirrel lived in your house will determine how much damage it caused. After squirrel removal, Critter Control will clean up droppings, remove squirrel nests, apply sanitization agents, and in extreme cases install new insulation.
 

What are the Signs of Squirrels in the Attic?

Squirrel noises. There’s a good chance you’ll hear a squirrel before you see any visual evidence, especially during winter months, when you’re less likely to notice exterior damage. The sounds squirrels make are often described as scurrying, scampering noises. You might also hear chewing or gnawing sounds. Squirrels like building their nests in attics, so sound will often emanate from there. Squirrel sounds are often mistaken for rat sounds, but there’s one key difference: squirrels are diurnal, so you’ll hear them during the day, whereas rats are nocturnal, and will make more sound at night.

Squirrel nests. Squirrels are well known for nesting in attics, as they provide a safe hideaway for squirrels to raise their young. The inside of an attic is also full of things for them to nibble and sharpen their ever-growing teeth on, like wood and insulation. When a squirrel chews the insulation on electrical wiring, the possibility of a house fire arises. Squirrels enter attics through crevices, gaps, and cracks in soffits, fascia boards, and eaves, or open vents or broken shingles in the roof. Once squirrels reach the attic, they have free reign of the house.

Damage to roof. Another popular nesting site for squirrels is in the roof. Typically, they build these nests with roofing insulation. Take some time to carefully analyze your home’s exterior. Squirrels commonly damage roofs by:

• Chewing holes in soffits. This can allow other small pests to invade your home.
• Biting through shingles. This can lead to water damage.
• Gnawing through joists and siding. This can weaken your home’s structure.

Squirrel Droppings Inside Your Home. Squirrel droppings are often confused for rat droppings, and vice versa. While rat and squirrel droppings do look similar—dark brown to black in color with blunted ends, around 3/8 of an inch long—they are found in different places around the home. Squirrel droppings are often found in attics or around tree trunks, while rat droppings are more common along baseboards, in cupboards, and behind large appliances like washing machines.

What Damage Can Squirrels Cause in Attics? 

Squirrels often cause damage to attic insulation or electrical wiring in the attic. But the most damage is done over time as multiple litters of squirrels are born in or near the home. As these squirrels grow and leave the nest, they often will set up their own nests within the same attic. If the initial intrusion is not addressed in time, the damage to your home will increase quickly. Not only will they continue to chew through wiring and damage insulation, but in doing so, they will create more entry points for other squirrels.  

Should I Call an Exterminator to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic?

Using an exterminator for squirrel control in Atlanta is not a good pest control strategy. Exterminators are state-licensed technicians trained to control pests using chemicals. They apply solutions to interior and exterior spaces of homes, offices, restaurants, warehouses, and other structures.

Chemical and natural repellents will occasionally work but provide a short-term solution. Most mammals will grow accustomed to the repellent or deterrent. There are no toxicants registered for squirrel exterminators. It is inhumane. Also, killing a squirrel in your house creates another problem for you.

Who Should I Call for Squirrel Removal?

The professional wildlife control operators at Critter Control understand everything about squirrels, especially those that become a nuisance to property owners. They are certified and trained in methods to prevent, remove, and exclude wildlife from your home or office. Wildlife control operators avoid using chemicals and toxic products that kill, as they are unethical, inhumane, and rarely provide long-term squirrel control solutions.

Critter Control in Atlanta specializes in squirrel removal. To remove a squirrel or family of squirrels on your property, our wildlife specialist will perform a thorough inspection to determine the severity of the problem. After the inspection, they will build a custom solution to trap, remove, and seal all entry points. They will also provide warranty options as well as an estimate for preventative services.

As a homeowner, keeping squirrels away is crucial because they can chew wires, wood, and insulation, invade attics or gardens, and spread disease through droppings or parasites. Preventing them protects your home and your family’s health and avoids costly repairs.

Getting rid of squirrels on your own can be a tough nut to crack. Yet many homeowners decide to take matters into their own hands and purchase readily available squirrel repellents to rid their houses of them. From chemical to natural remedies, here are some common types you’ll find in stores and online.

Types of Squirrel Repellents and Deterrents

Most squirrel repellents work by making your property smell bad, taste bad, or feel uncomfortable, encouraging squirrels to move on without causing harm. There are two main options for keeping squirrels away: chemical and natural repellents.

1. Repellent Sprays

Repellent sprays are one of the most popular choices because they are so easy to use. Natural sprays can contain capsaicin from chili peppers, peppermint, eucalyptus, garlic, and citrus oils. These are supposed to be smells that squirrels dislike. Sprayed on garden beds or bird feeders, they are meant to deter squirrels. These sprays have limited use as wind, rain, and time reduce their efficacy. In addition, squirrels are tenacious creatures and will tolerate these scents until they fade.

It’s important to note that there are no specific squirrel poisons available, as poisoning squirrels is illegal.

2. Ultrasonic Repellent Devices

Sound deterrents are devices or methods that use noise to scare or irritate squirrels and keep them away from your property. The most common are ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds humans can’t hear, along with motion-activated units that produce sudden noises or play predator sounds, such as barking dogs or hawks.

These types of repellents have been growing in popularity as, unlike chemicals, they are seen as harmless to both the squirrels and house residents. However, there is no scientific evidence that these devices work, and the Federal Trade Commission has been warning consumers against them.

3. Granular Repellents

Granular repellents are typically made from natural ingredients, such as dried blood, predator urine, or hot pepper flakes. These granules can be scattered around gardens or outdoor areas to create a barrier that squirrels will avoid.

These have strong odors that you would not want to use in your attic. Used outdoors, just like the spray deterrents, these will also fade away, requiring frequent applications. In addition, predator urine, such as fox urine, can attract fox predators like coyotes. And coyote urine can attract coyotes looking for a mate.

4. Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Motion-activated sprinklers are another recommended natural deterrent for squirrels. When activated, they are supposed to startle and scare squirrels away. They might work on squirrels scampering outside, but most squirrels that nest in attics are tree squirrels that hop onto your roof from tree branches. These squirrels will not be affected by the sprinklers at all.

In addition, the placement of the sprinklers is key. They need to spray the path the squirrels take to approach your home or garden bed. And squirrels can learn how to avoid the spray.

5. Natural Repellents

Natural repellents typically rely on strong smells like peppermint, garlic, or cinnamon. These are a safer option for homes with pets or children, but they usually require more frequent reapplication and may be less effective against heavy infestations.

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Do Squirrel Repellents and Deterrents Actually Work?

Squirrel deterrents can help, but they have limitations and drawbacks. Examples include:

Inconsistent Effectiveness

One of the biggest issues is the inconsistency in effectiveness. Squirrels are persistent and smart, and they can become used to certain smells, tastes, or sounds over time.

Maintenance

Another common problem is frequent maintenance. Many repellents, especially sprays and natural solutions, need to be reapplied often, like after rain, snow, or even regular watering.

Safety Concerns

There are also safety concerns with some products. Studies show pesticides, including those containing strong irritants or compounds such as polybutenes, can cause long-term health risks if misused around pets, children, or edible plants. Products like mothballs are particularly problematic because they contain toxic chemicals and are not intended for open-air use.

Limited Coverage

Some deterrents also have limited coverage. For example, granules may only protect the exact area where they’re spread, and ultrasonic devices may not work through walls or around obstacles, leaving surrounding areas open for squirrel activity.

Doesn’t Treat the Root of the Problem

Deterrents don’t address the root problem. If squirrels have already found a way into your attic or are nesting on your property, repellents alone usually won’t remove them. In those cases, you need professional help to fully resolve the issue.

What to Do Instead

Instead of relying only on repellents and deterrents, the most effective approach is to remove what attracts squirrels and physically keep them out. The process should begin with a thorough inspection to learn more about squirrel activity on your property, like how and why they are present. Then, you must develop a plan of action that not only gets rid of squirrels but keeps them away in the future. This is where calling a professional wildlife removal service is recommended.

A professional, such as those at Critter Control, can safely locate entry points, remove squirrels and their nests, check for hidden damage, and ensure no animals are left behind, especially during nesting season when babies may be present. They also use proper exclusion techniques, like one-way doors, to prevent squirrels from re-entering without trapping them inside your home.

Working with Critter Control experts not only resolves the current issue but also helps prevent future infestations.