There are a variety of squirrels that live across the country. You will find the eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, and the Southern flying squirrel in the southeast parts of Canada. The red squirrel and Northern Flying Squirrel are present across the country. The Douglass squirrel and Humbolt flying squirrel are exclusively on the west coast of British Columbia. Tree squirrels do not hibernate, but they will stay in their nest when the weather gets too cold. If a squirrel has built a nest in your attic, you could be in for a long winter.
You can hear noises in the morning
Squirrels are most active in the morning. If you have a squirrel infestation in your attic, you will hear thumping, scurrying, scampering, gnawing, and scratching noises. If juveniles are present, you can also hear squeaking and chirping. Squirrels will make thumps or scurrying sounds you’ll hear overhead, in the walls, or down the chimney or vents.
You can smell them
Especially if they have built a nest and are rearing young, squirrels give off a musty odor that will eventually waft through the rest of your house. If a squirrel gets trapped somewhere, or if young are abandoned, you may also smell decomposition from a dead squirrel.
You find physical evidence
Bits of chewed-up insulation material or shingles, droppings, or even tracks in the snow around your walls or deck – all may be indicators of a squirrel problem within your home.
How to get rid of squirrels in the attic
Sounds in the attic can be a variety of culprits. Raccoons, rats, mice, and bats all seek out shelter of your home.
Squirrels cause significant damage in your attic. Their urine and feces can be hazardous, creating a risk to humans of Salmonella and respiratory diseases. Squirrels will store their food in your attic, create nests with any material available, and gnaw on anything available like pipes, electrical wires, and wood.
If you think there are squirrels in your attic, call a professional like the ones at Critter Control. We can humanely remove squirrels, repair the damage, and ensure they won’t be back by sealing any entry or exit points they made.
