Squirrels in the Attic: How to Get Them Out (And Keep Them Out)
(804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383
If you’re hearing scratching, running, or chewing in the attic—especially at dawn or early evening—you may have squirrels in the attic. Fall and winter are common times for this because squirrels look for warm, safe nesting spots.
This guide explains:
- how squirrels get in
- how to confirm it’s squirrels
- what you should not do
- what actually works to get squirrels out and prevent repeat break-ins
How Do Squirrels Get Into An Attic
Squirrels don’t “magically appear” in the attic. They usually enter through weak or damaged exterior areas near the roofline, including:
- Chewed or rotted soffit and fascia boards
- Gaps at roof returns, dormers, or roof intersections
- Damaged gable vents or attic vent covers
- Uncapped or vulnerable chimney areas
- Construction gaps that open up over time (warped trim, loose boards, etc.)
Tip: Squirrels are athletic climbers. They can reach rooflines by climbing brick corners, downspouts, siding corners, and nearby trees.
Signs You Have Squirrels in the Attic
Homeowners often think they have raccoons because squirrels can sound surprisingly loud.
Common signs of squirrels in the attic include:
- Fast “running” or thumping sounds overhead
- Scratching or digging noises (often early morning)
- Chewing/gnawing sounds (a serious concern)
- Insulation pulled apart, shredded, or piled into nests
- “Feathered” insulation trails where squirrels travel
- Droppings (often scattered near nesting areas)
- Staining/odor from urine in insulation
- Exterior damage near the roofline (often baseball-size entry points)
- Seeing squirrels entering/exiting near a gable vent, soffit, or roof edge
Ceiling circles or “golf ball” stains can mean nesting
Circular damaged spots on ceilings sometimes happen during baby season when squirrels dig down into insulation to create nesting pockets.
Why Squirrels in the Attic Are a Bigger Problem Than Noise
Squirrels can cause expensive damage quickly, including:
- Chewed wiring (real fire risk)
- Damaged vents, soffits, fascia, and roof edges
- Contaminated insulation (urine/droppings)
- Ductwork damage or displaced insulation that reduces energy efficiency
- Repeat break-ins if the entry point isn’t reinforced
If squirrels have been inside for a while, the odor and nesting scent can also attract other squirrels.
What NOT To Do If You Have Squirrels in the Attic
Don’t seal the hole right away
Sealing too early can trap squirrels inside (or leave babies behind), which often creates a much worse situation.
Don’t rely on repellents, lights, or noise devices
Most “DIY squirrel repellent” methods fail because squirrels are persistent and motivated once they’ve claimed an attic.
Be careful with one-way doors during baby season
In the wrong season, one-way doors can separate a mother from babies. That’s not only a bad outcome—it can create odor and sanitation issues in your attic.
How to Get Squirrels Out of the Attic (The Right Way)
The most reliable approach is:
1) Inspect and identify entry points
You need to know exactly where squirrels are entering and how many vulnerable spots exist.
2) Remove the squirrels safely (often trapping)
Every attic is different. The right removal plan depends on:
- where activity is happening
- whether babies are present
- how squirrels are accessing the structure
3) Monitor to confirm the attic is clear
This step prevents sealing animals inside.
4) Perform exclusion repairs (seal-out) to prevent repeat break-ins
This is the step that actually ends the cycle. Repairs must be:
- animal-resistant
- professionally secured
- built to last
For long-term prevention, see exclusion repairs.
What About Diseases?
Any wild animal can bring parasites into an attic, and droppings/urine can contaminate insulation. The bigger risk for most homeowners is not “rare diseases”—it’s the practical issues:
- contamination and odor
- fleas/mites
- damaged insulation
- chewed wires and fire hazards
If you suspect contamination, it may be smart to consider insulation cleanup or replacement after removal and exclusion.
Squirrels vs. Raccoons vs. Rats (Quick Clue)
- Squirrels: fast running, daytime activity, sharp chewing sounds
- Raccoons: heavier “stomping,” often nighttime, louder dragging noises
- Rats: lighter scratching, more frequent gnawing, often inside walls too
Professional Squirrel Removal in Virginia (Recommended Next Step)
If you want this handled correctly—without trapping animals inside or dealing with repeat break-ins—your best move is a professional inspection and plan.
We provide professional squirrel removal in Virginia to remove squirrels and seal entry points.
Call us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free (888) 824-7383
Request Service
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Quick Recap: Squirrels in Attic Checklist
- Confirm signs of squirrels in the attic
- Don’t seal holes until you know the attic is clear
- Use a proven remove + monitor + repair process
- Prioritize exclusion repairs to prevent repeat break-ins
- Call a licensed pro if you want it solved permanently
Call (804) 729-0046.
