Hearing scratching, running, or chewing above your ceiling is unsettling. If the noise is coming from the attic during the day, squirrels may be responsible.
Squirrels enter attics for warmth, shelter, and a safe place to nest. Once inside, they can damage insulation, wiring, wood, and vents.
The key is to remove them safely and secure the entry point afterward.
What Are the Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic?
Squirrels are usually active during the day, making daytime scratching or running sounds an important clue.
Other signs of squirrels in the attic include:
- Scratching, running, or gnawing sounds
- Shredded insulation or nesting material
- Chewed wood, soffits, or vents
- Droppings or urine stains
- Damage around roofline openings
- A squirrel entering or leaving the roof
You may not see the animal. Squirrels can move between the attic and outdoors through surprisingly small openings.
How Do You Get Squirrels Out of the Attic?
The first step is finding out how the squirrel is getting inside and whether there are young in the attic.
Do not simply seal the most obvious hole. If a squirrel is still inside, it may become trapped and chew through another part of the structure. The City of Edmonton recommends making sure the squirrel has left before closing the final entry point.
A proper approach is to:
- Inspect the attic and exterior for nests, damage, and entry points.
- Check for young squirrels before attempting exclusion.
- Allow the squirrel to leave safely, potentially using a one-way exclusion device.
- Seal the opening once the attic is confirmed empty.
- Inspect for damage to wiring, insulation, vents, and roofing.
This is important because removing the animal without repairing the entry point can allow another squirrel to get inside.
Can Squirrels Get Into an Attic Through Small Holes?
Yes. Squirrels can enlarge existing weaknesses to create an entrance.
Common access points include soffits, roof vents, gaps around eaves, damaged roofing, and openings around utility lines.
An opening may look insignificant from the ground but still be large enough for a squirrel to exploit. Look for gnaw marks or damage around potential entry points rather than relying only on visible holes.
Should You Seal the Hole If the Squirrel Is Still Inside?
No.
Sealing an opening while a squirrel is inside can trap the animal and cause it to chew through another section of your home.
There may also be babies in the nest. If you see one adult squirrel repeatedly entering and leaving, do not assume it is the only animal present.
The entry point should be closed only after you are confident that the squirrels have left and no young are trapped inside.
What Damage Can Squirrels Cause in an Attic?
Squirrels are persistent chewers, and an infestation can cause more than just noise.
| Problem | Why It Matters |
| Chewed wiring | Can create electrical and fire hazards |
| Damaged insulation | Reduces insulation effectiveness |
| Chewed wood | Can damage attic components |
| Damaged vents and soffits | Creates larger access points |
| Droppings and urine | Creates sanitation and cleanup concerns |
| Nesting material | Can accumulate in insulation and other areas |
The longer squirrels remain in the attic, the more opportunities they have to cause damage.
How Do You Keep Squirrels Out of the Attic?
Once the squirrels are gone, focus on exclusion.
Inspect and repair vulnerable areas around the roofline, soffits, eaves, and vents. Use durable materials that squirrels cannot easily chew through.
Tree branches can also provide easy access to the roof, so keeping them trimmed away from the house can help.
It is also worth reducing outdoor food sources. Keep garbage securely closed and avoid leaving pet food or other easily accessible food outside.
If you are also dealing with mice or other rodents, our rodent control services in Edmonton can help address related problems around the property.
Are Squirrel Traps a Good Idea?
Trapping is not always as straightforward as it seems.
The location and timing matter, particularly if young squirrels are present. The City of Edmonton recommends considering one-way exclusion doors in appropriate situations and advises against poisoning squirrels.
If you do not know where the squirrel is entering, whether there are babies, or how many animals are present, professional assistance can help avoid making the situation worse.
When Is Professional Squirrel Removal Necessary?
Professional help is useful when the entry point is difficult to locate, the squirrel cannot be safely accessed, young squirrels may be present, or there is visible property damage.
It can also be worthwhile if the noises have stopped but you are not sure the squirrels are gone. A quiet attic does not necessarily mean the problem has been resolved.
At We Clean Pest Control, we focus on identifying the actual pest problem before recommending a solution. Our approach is to recommend the most appropriate and economical option rather than automatically choosing the most expensive treatment.
For homeowners who need help dealing with squirrels in the attic, our squirrel control service in Edmonton can help identify the problem and determine the appropriate next step.
How Long Does It Take to Get Squirrels Out of an Attic?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on the number of squirrels, whether there is a nest, how many entry points exist, and whether repairs are needed.
A simple case may be resolved quickly once the animal leaves and the opening is secured. A nesting situation can take longer because young squirrels need to be accounted for before the entrance is permanently closed.
The important thing is not to rush the final exclusion step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrel Removal
How Do You Get Squirrels Out of the Attic Without Killing Them?
One-way exclusion is one option. It allows squirrels to leave while preventing them from returning through the same opening. The entrance can then be repaired once the attic is confirmed empty.
How Do You Get Squirrels Out of the Attic When There Are Babies?
Do not immediately seal the entrance. First determine whether a nest is present and whether young squirrels are still dependent on the adult. The opening should only be blocked once you are confident the animals can safely leave.
What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Squirrels in an Attic?
The fastest approach is to identify the entry point, determine whether young are present, and use the appropriate exclusion method. Sealing an opening too early can create additional problems and delays.
Will Squirrels Come Back After Removal?
They can if the original access point remains open. Repair vulnerable areas around the roof, soffits, vents, and other openings, and trim branches that provide squirrels with access to the roof.
Need Help With Squirrels in Your Edmonton Attic?
Squirrels may look harmless outside, but an attic is not a suitable place for them to live. Chewing and nesting can turn a small entry point into a costly problem.
The priority is to remove the squirrels safely, make sure no young are left behind, and secure the building afterward.
If you are hearing squirrels overhead or seeing damage around your roofline, investigating early can help prevent a much larger infestation. We Clean Pest Control focuses on identifying the actual pest problem and recommending a proportionate solution.
