How To Determine Where Squirrels Are Getting Into Your Home

Hearing strange scratching noises in your walls or attic? It could mean that squirrels have found their way into your home. These tiny intruders may seem harmless, but they can cause significant damage by chewing wires, damaging insulation, or leaving droppings behind. Worse, the longer they stay, the harder they are to evict! Identifying and sealing their entry points is crucial to protecting your home and avoiding major repair costs. Read on to learn more about squirrels and how to determine where they are getting into your home.

The Health and Safety Risks of Squirrel Infestations

Squirrels may appear harmless, but their presence in your home comes with serious risks. These critters are known for chewing through wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring, which can create costly structural damage and potential fire hazards. Their droppings and urine can introduce unpleasant odors, contaminate your living space, and even spread diseases, such as salmonella or leptospirosis.

Additionally, fleas, ticks, and mites carried by squirrels can infest your home, posing further health risks to you and your family. Left unchecked, a few squirrels can quickly multiply, turning a small problem into a major headache. That’s why addressing the issue promptly is essential to protecting both your property and your well-being.

Why Do Squirrels Love Our Homes?

Your home offers everything a squirrel could want—warmth, safety, and great spots for nesting. During colder months, attics and walls provide a cozy refuge from the elements while also keeping them safe from predators. Squirrels are resourceful, and they can easily chew through wood, siding, or vents to create entry points. Homes with overhanging trees or nearby food sources, such as bird feeders, are especially attractive. Once inside, they see your insulation as the perfect material for building soft, secure nests for their young. Ultimately, the inviting environment of your home makes it an irresistible hideaway for these tenacious creatures.

Common Signs of Squirrel Infestations

If you’ve got squirrels in your home, the first clue is usually the noise. Scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds coming from your walls or attic—especially during dawn or dusk—often signal their activity. You might also notice droppings, which are small, oval-shaped pellets that can sometimes be confused with those from mice. Look closely for chew marks on wood, wires, or even vents; squirrels are notorious for gnawing to keep their teeth sharp. Pay attention to unexpected damage, such as torn insulation or shredded materials, which they use to build their nests. You might also find nesting debris, such as leaves, twigs, or paper, tucked into hidden corners of your attic or crawl space.

Additionally, keep an eye out for small footprints in dust or grease marks along walls and beams where squirrels repeatedly travel. You might even spot fur snagged around possible entry points. Squirrels are creatures of habit, so repeated activity in the same area is a surefire sign. If you see these signs, act quickly before the damage escalates. Left undisturbed, squirrels can multiply and make the infestation harder to manage. Recognizing these indicators early can save you significant time and damage control later.

Finding the Source: Locating and Fixing Entry Points

To begin solving the problem, start with a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Squirrels often enter through small gaps in eaves, soffits, or rooflines, so pay close attention to these areas. Use a flashlight and binoculars to examine vents for signs of damage or teeth marks that indicate possible entry points. Don’t forget chimneys, where missing caps or gaps provide easy access for these agile climbers. Walk around your home’s foundation and siding, as squirrels can also dig or chew holes to create entryways. Document any potential spots by taking photos or notes so you can follow up and seal them later.

Once you’ve identified likely entry points, you can take action. Temporarily block smaller gaps with crumpled paper or lightweight fabric and observe if they’re disturbed. For long-term fixes, seal openings with durable materials such as steel mesh or hardware cloth, which squirrels can’t chew through. Repair damaged soffit vents and missing shingles, and install chimney caps to block one of their favorite access spots. Don’t forget to trim overhanging tree branches that serve as “bridges” to your roof. By methodically addressing their entry points, you’ll make your home far less inviting for these persistent pests.

Preventing Future Infestations

Keeping squirrels out for good requires proactive maintenance and vigilance. Start by inspecting your home’s exterior regularly to ensure there are no new cracks, holes, or damaged vents that could become entry points. Applying a fresh coat of paint, repairing loose siding, and sealing gaps around windows and doors can create a strong first line of defense. Trim tree branches that hang over your roof to reduce access points, and consider removing bird feeders or relocating them far from your house. Squirrels are drawn to food, so securing trash bins with tight-fitting lids and cleaning up outdoor food spills is essential. Adding motion-activated lights or sprinklers in your yard can serve as an effective deterrent as well.

For added protection, you can use animal-safe repellents or ultrasonic devices near areas where squirrels might frequent. Placing metal flashing or reinforced mesh over potential weak spots such as attic vents or chimney caps will further secure your home. Your garden can also become less appealing by incorporating plants that squirrels dislike, such as daffodils or peppermint. Maintaining a clean and clutter-free yard minimizes hiding spots and nesting materials. By staying on top of these preventive measures, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of squirrels viewing your home as a target. Consistency is key—routine upkeep can save you from future infestations and repairs.

When To Call In The Pros

Sometimes, a squirrel problem can go beyond what DIY solutions can handle. If you’re dealing with severe infestations, where multiple squirrels are nesting and causing extensive damage, it’s time to call in professional wildlife removal experts. Entry points located in steep or hard-to-reach areas, like high roofs or tight crawl spaces, may also require specialized skills and equipment to fix safely.

Another reason to contact the pros is if you suspect health hazards, such as contamination from droppings or the risk of zoonotic diseases. Professionals not only remove the squirrels but also offer thorough cleanup services to restore your home. They can inspect for damages you might miss, like compromised insulation or chewed wires, and implement prevention strategies to keep pests from returning. Getting expert help ensures the problem is resolved completely, giving you peace of mind and a squirrel-free home.

Get Rid of Pesky Squirrels with Legacy Rodent Control!

Knowing how to determine where squirrels are getting into your home may feel overwhelming, but taking swift action is vital to protecting your home and health. From identifying entry points to implementing preventive measures, every step counts in keeping these persistent critters out for good. When the problem becomes too much to handle on your own, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert help. At Legacy Rodent Control, our skilled team specializes in safe and effective squirrel removal, as well as preventative solutions to ensure they don’t return. With a Legacy squirrel exterminator on your team, you’ll regain peace of mind and a squirrel-free home. Contact us today to take the first step toward solving your pest problem with confidence!