Symptoms
- Scampering or scratching sounds in the attic, mostly during daylight hours
- Gnawed holes at the roofline, soffit, or fascia
- Visible entry point with chewed wood or wire mesh damage
Likely causes
- CommonGap or weak spot at the roofline, soffit, or fasciaSquirrels can chew through wood and some vent covers to widen a small gap into an entry point.
- CommonNearby tree branches providing easy access to the roofBranches touching or overhanging the roof give squirrels a direct path onto the house.
- PossibleAttic offering a warm, safe nesting spot, especially for a female with youngAttics are attractive denning sites, particularly in late winter and spring.
What to do
- Confirm activity is during the day, which points to squirrels rather than the more nocturnal rats or raccoons.
- Inspect the roofline, soffits, and fascia from the ground with binoculars for a gnawed or damaged entry point.
- Trim back tree branches that overhang or touch the roof to remove easy access.
- Avoid sealing the entry point until you're sure there are no young inside, since trapping babies inside leads to worse problems and odor.
- Install a one-way exclusion door at the entry point, which lets squirrels leave but not re-enter, once you're confident the attic is clear.
- Seal the opening permanently with heavy-gauge metal flashing or hardware cloth once vacated.
- Call a wildlife control professional for the exclusion process if you're not confident handling it, or if young squirrels are suspected inside.
Tools and parts
- Binoculars
- Ladder
One-way exclusion doorSearch: “wildlife one way exclusion door”
Heavy-gauge hardware clothSearch: “galvanized hardware cloth”
When to call a pro
Call a licensed wildlife control professional for safe exclusion and to confirm no young are trapped before sealing.
Safety
Use caution
Avoid direct contact with wildlife, and don't seal an entry point without confirming no animals or young remain trapped inside.