8 Signs Your House is Being Infested with Squirrels 

If you’ve ever had a squirrel infestation in your home, you know how destructive and frustrating they can be. 

To help prevent an infestation from happening or from helping you get rid of one if it’s already underway, here are eight signs to look for that indicate your house is being infested with squirrels.

1) You hear scratching noises in your walls or attic.

This is usually one of the first signs of a squirrel problem. The scratching noises are generally most noticeable at night when the squirrels are active. 

If you hear these noises, taking immediate action is essential to resolve the issue. Otherwise, the squirrels will likely cause significant damage to your home as they gnaw on wires and insulation to find food. 

In addition, their droppings can contaminate your living space and lead to health problems for you and your family. 

Thankfully, there are several steps that you can take to get rid of squirrels, such as sealing up entry points, setting traps, and using repellents. 

Quick action can prevent the problem from worsening and safeguard your home against further damage.

2) You find strips of bark peeled off your trees.

If you look closer, you may also see chew marks on the exposed wood. These are likely the work of squirrels. Squirrels will often strip the bark off trees to get to the inner layers that they eat.

This can damage the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and pests. 

In addition, the damaged bark can provide an entry point for other animals, like mice and rats. If you have squirrels stripping the bark off your trees, you should take steps to remove them. 

Otherwise, you may end up with severe damage to your trees.

3) You find piles of nuts or other food items around your property.

If you find piles of nuts or other food items around your property, likely, squirrels are nearby. Squirrels are known for hoarding food, so they’ll often bury nuts or stash them away in hidden spots. 

If you suspect squirrels are responsible for the piles of food, it’s essential to take action to prevent them from getting into your home or causing damage to your property. 

You can take several steps to deter squirrels, such as removing potential nesting sites, sealing up holes and cracks, and ensuring there’s no easy access to food.

4) You notice holes in screens or gaps in the ductwork.

If you notice holes in your screens or gaps in your ductwork, it’s a good indication that squirrels are already inside your home. 

Squirrels will try to enter your home any way they can, so it’s essential to look for potential entry points. 

In addition to repairing any damage that squirrels have already caused, you should also take steps to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Sealing up any gaps or holes they could use to get inside.

5) You see droppings around your property.

If you see small, tubular droppings around your property, likely, squirrels are nearby. 

Squirrel droppings are similar in size and shape to mouse droppings, so they can be easy to miss. 

But if you’re vigilant, you may be able to spot them in gardens, on patios, or even in your attic or crawlspace. 

If you do find squirrel droppings, there’s no need to panic. These animals are generally harmless and pose no threat to humans or pets. 

However, if you have a squirrel infestation, it’s essential to take steps to remove the animals from your property. 

Otherwise, they may cause damage to your home or spread disease.

6) Your pet is acting strange.

If your pet starts behaving oddly, it might not be something to worry about. 

Sometimes, pets can sense when things are going on that we humans can’t perceive. 

For example, if your dog starts barking for no apparent reason, it could be because they’ve picked up on the scent of a squirrel or other small animal nearby. 

Similarly, if your cat starts acting aggressively, it could be because they’ve sensed the presence of another cat in the vicinity. 

So before you assume something is wrong with your pet, it’s worth considering whether they might just be reacting to their surroundings in a way we can’t understand.

7) You see LIVE squirrels running around your property. 

Nothing compares to seeing a squirrel scurrying across your lawn or chasing its tail up a tree.

But while they may be cute, these furry critters can also be a significant nuisance. 

If you see live squirrels running around your property, it’s time to take action before an infestation gets out of control. 

Squirrels are known to chew through wiring, damaged insulation, and build nests in attics and chimneys. 

They can also carry diseases that pose a risk to humans and pets. 

If you have a squirrel problem, the best action is to contact a wildlife control expert who can safely and effectively remove the animals from your property.

8) You find dead squirrels on your property.

If you find dead squirrels on your property, the first step is to remove the body. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and keep other pests from being attracted to the area. 

If possible, bury the body or dispose of it in a trash bag. Contact your local waste management company if you can’t remove the body yourself.

There is likely an infestation if you find several dead squirrels on your property. Take action quickly to prevent the problem from getting worse.

• Start by trimming back tree branches and bushes that provide shelter for squirrels. 
• Set up live traps baited with food to catch any remaining squirrels. 
• Contact a pest control company to eliminate any remaining squirrels and seal entry points into your home. 

Taking these steps will help eliminate a current infestation and prevent future problems.

Conclusion

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to squirrels until you see one darting across your yard. 

However, these rodents can cause severe damage to your property if they find their way into your attic or crawl space. 

In addition to causing structural damage, squirrels can contaminate your insulation with their urine and droppings. 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to take action quickly to prevent an infestation from getting out of control.

You can take several steps to squirrel-proof your home and keep them out for good.

• Start by trimming back any trees or bushes that are close to your house, as these provide easy access for squirrels.
• Seal any cracks or openings in your foundation and install mesh around vents and other potential entry points.
• Keep your gutters clean and debris-free, as this will provide another potential pathway for squirrels to get inside.

Taking these simple precautions can protect your home from the damaging effects of a squirrel infestation.