Hearing noises above your ceiling is stressful. It usually starts with scratching at dawn. Or perhaps the sound of rolling nuts.
You likely have a squirrel infestation.
Squirrels in the attic are more than a nuisance. They chew electrical wires. They trample insulation. They create fire hazards.
You need them out fast.
This guide explains exactly how to get rid of squirrels in the attic safely and effectively. As a wildlife researcher, I will walk you through identification, removal, and cleanup.
Signs You Have Squirrels in the Attic
Before you set traps, confirm the intruder. Is it a rat, a raccoon, or a squirrel? The signs are distinct.
What Do Squirrels in the Attic Sound Like?
Squirrels are heavy runners. You won’t hear light pitter-patter. You will hear thumping, jumping, and scratching.
- Grey Squirrels: They are diurnal. You hear them early in the morning or just before sunset.
- Flying Squirrels: These are nocturnal. If you hear commotion at 2 AM, you likely have flying squirrels in the attic.
- Sounds: Listen for scratching on wood or the sound of acorns rolling on drywall.
Identifying Droppings and Nests
Inspect your insulation.
Squirrel droppings in attic spaces look like oblong pellets. They are slightly larger than rice grains. They are often rounded at the ends. Rat droppings are more tapered.
Look for nesting materials. Squirrels in the attic shred cardboard, insulation, and leaves to build beds. While inspecting the insulation, look for piles of shredded material or leaves. These are classic signs that a female is building a home. do squirrels make nests
How Do Squirrels Get in the Attic?
Squirrels are persistent. They chew through fascia boards. They squeeze through roof vents.
Common entry points include:
- Uncapped chimneys.
- Loose soffits.
- Rotten wood near gutters.
- Gaps in the roofline.
How do squirrels get in the attic if there are no holes? They make them. A squirrel can chew through wood, aluminum, and even soft plastic shingles.
Squirrel vs. Rat vs. Raccoon: Knowing the Difference
Knowing the species matters for removal.
- Rats: Leave grease marks along walls. Active at night.
- Raccoons: Sound like heavy walking. Create large “latrines” (toilet areas).
- Squirrels: Chaotic running patterns.
- Mice: Constant light scratching.
If you are unsure if you have rats or squirrels in the attic, check the entry hole size. A rat needs a quarter-sized hole. A squirrel needs a hole the size of a baseball.
The Removal Strategies (Step-by-Step)
Once you confirm the intruder, you must act. Do not wait. They reproduce quickly.
How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic (Step-by-Step)
The goal is eviction, not just trapping. You want them to leave and never return.
Humane Removal Methods: Trapping and Exclusion
The most effective method is a one-way exclusion door.
- Find the main entry hole.
- Seal all other secondary holes with steel mesh.
- Install the one-way door over the main hole.
- The squirrel leaves to find food but cannot get back in.
Live traps are another option. Place them near the entry point. Bait them with peanut butter or walnuts. Trapping squirrels in attic spaces requires patience. Check traps daily to reduce stress on the animal.
If you prefer avoiding harsh chemicals or traps, there are several home remedies like cayenne pepper sprays. DIY ways to keep squirrels away
Do Repellents Work? Mothballs, Strobe Lights, and Vinegar
Many homeowners ask how to get rid of squirrels in the attic naturally.
- Mothballs: Do mothballs repel squirrels in attic spaces? Rarely. You need a toxic amount to bother them. It smells bad for you, too.
- Strobe Lights: How to get rid of squirrels in attic strobe light tactics are temporary. Squirrels get used to the flashing.
- Vinegar: Soaking rags in apple cider vinegar is a weak deterrent. It dries out too fast.
- Ammonia: This mimics predator urine. It can work for a short time but is not a permanent fix.
How to Get Rid of Specific Species
How to Get Rid of Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels live in colonies. You rarely have just one. If you catch one flying squirrel in attic, assume there are ten more. Exclusion doors are best here. They leave as a group at night to feed.
Dealing with Red Squirrels and Grey Squirrels
Red squirrels in attic spaces are aggressive. They are smaller but louder. Grey squirrels are larger and more destructive.
Behavior differs by species. If you hear noises strictly at night, you might be dealing with flying squirrels. Grey squirrels are awake during the day and settle down once the sun sets. where do squirrels sleep
The Dangers of Using Poison in an Attic
People often search for how to get rid of squirrels in attic poison.
Do not do this.
- It is inhumane: The animal suffers.
- The smell: The squirrel will die in your walls. How to get rid of dead squirrel smell in attic is much harder than removing a live one.
- Secondary poisoning: predators that eat the sick squirrel will also die.
There are no legal poisons registered specifically for squirrels in the US.
Cleanup, Costs & Prevention
The squirrels are gone. Now you have a mess to clean.
Cleanup, Repair, and Prevention Costs
Squirrels leave behind urine, feces, and parasites.
How to Get Rid of Dead Squirrel Smell and Urine
Remove all soiled insulation. Wear a mask and gloves. Squirrel feces in attic insulation can carry salmonella or leptospirosis.
Use an enzyme-based cleaner on wood beams. This breaks down the proteins in the urine. It eliminates the pheromones that attract other squirrels.
Sealing Your Home: Preventing Future Infestations
You must squirrel-proof your house.
- Cover vents with heavy-gauge steel mesh.
- Replace rotten fascia boards.
- Trim tree branches back at least 8 feet from the roof.
Once you have evicted them from the roof, you must ensure your yard doesn’t attract them back. Removing bird feeders is the first step. keep squirrels out of your garden
Squirrel Removal Cost: DIY vs. Professional Exterminators
How much to get rid of squirrels in attic? Costs vary by location and infestation size.
| Service | Estimated Cost | Notes |
| Initial Inspection | $99 – $250 | Identifies entry points. |
| Trapping (Per Animal) | $50 – $150 | Often includes relocation. |
| Exclusion Door Setup | $200 – $400 | The most effective long-term fix. |
| Cleanup & Repairs | $500 – $2,000+ | Depends on insulation damage. |
| DIY Traps | $40 – $100 | High effort, lower cost. |
Squirrels in attic removal cost rises if they die in the walls. Drywall repair adds to the bill.
If you cannot handle the ladders or the wildlife, hire a pro. Look for “wildlife removal” rather than just “pest control.” Wildlife experts specialize in exclusion and humane handling.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of squirrels in the attic requires a system. Identify the noise. Install a one-way door. Seal the entry points.
Do not ignore the problem. A small scratching sound today can turn into a rewiring bill tomorrow. Act fast and reclaim your home.
