Squirrels: Frequently Asked Questions

Many customers have questions about how squirrels got into their homes and how the removal process works. Below are the most common squirrel removal questions.

How Do Squirrels Get Into The Attic?

Roof vents, attic louvers, and ventilation fan openings are places where squirrels can get into the attics. The rodents will chew through the vent’s plastic to create a large hole that allows easy entry and exit. The roof decking lid and fascia board are also common weak spots that squirrels use to gain access to the soffit and the attic.

Learn More: How Can Squirrels Gain Entry To Attics?

What Damage Can Squirrels Do In The Attic?

Squirrels and other rodents must manage the length of their teeth and the rate at which they grow. Chewing strengthens and sharpens a squirrel’s teeth, and wood or electrical wires are often damaged by attic invading squirrels.

If a squirrel comes into your home to build a nest, they may bring with them harmful parasites. Salmonellosis can be found in accumulated squirrel feces and urine. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills may occur as a result of accidental exposure.

Learn More:  How Much Damage Are Squirrels In The Attic Capable Of? 

Do Squirrels Leave The Attic During The Day?

Squirrels will remain in the attic until the young are large enough to survive on their own. A squirrel is full size at 14 weeks of age but that doesn’t mean they will leave after that time. If the attic is secure and rarely visited, there’s no knowing how long they will stay. Mother squirrels may leave during the day to forage for food, but baby squirrels will remain in the attic during this time. 

Learn More: Will Squirrels Leave The Attic During Day Light? 

How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Your Attic?

Installing a drip edge is a great way to protect your roof from squirrel damage. A drip edge will prevent squirrel entry to the attic. Food sources around your home will keep squirrels around. Secure garbage bins and gardens to prevent squirrels from feeding on your property.

Repairing damaged structures can deter squirrels from entering your home. It’s recommended to take preventative measures to ensure these rodents don’t take over your house.

Learn More: What Steps Can You Take To Prevent Squirrels From Entering The Attic? 

Will Squirrels Leave The Attic On Their Own?

Squirrels will not leave an attic unless they perceive a threat. A threat could be anything from human interference or another animal entering the attic. If left untouched squirrels can inhibit an attic for many years. Squirrels may use the same attic for generations.

Learn More: Will The Squirrels Leave My Attic? 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Squirrel Damage?

Most home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by rodents and vermin. Damage caused by larger mammals such as bears or deer will most likely be covered by your policy. Each insurance policy is unique, and your coverage may differ.

Unfortunately, long-term squirrel infestations and the waste they leave are usually not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance. Every policy has exceptions, so check with your agent to review your policy and ensure that you have the best insurance coverage possible for the area where you live.

Learn More: Is My Home Insured For Squirrel Damage? 

How Much Does Squirrel Removal Cost?

Wildlife services typically cost between $150 and $500, with the average visit costing between $250 and $250. Raccoons and squirrels are the most expensive pests to deal with, with visits costing anywhere from $200 to $1500. Damages caused by these nuisance pests are an often-overlooked cost that should be factored into the overall budget. The longer you wait to eliminate the pest, the more damage it can cause.

Learn More: What Factors Into The Price Of Squirrel Removal? 

How Many Flying Squirrels Can Live In Your Attic?

Flying squirrels are smaller than other squirrel species and can squeeze through small holes, cracks, and gaps in any structure. During the winter months, when squirrels seek shelter from the cold, it is common to find flying squirrels in the attic. In an attic is not uncommon for us to find up to 25 flying Squirrels. In the spring, we frequently see 5-8 squirrels in one roost.

Learn More: How Many Flying Squirrels Nest In One Attic?

Why Do Squirrels Chew On Wires?

Squirrels gnaw on wood, metal, and plastic to keep their teeth from becoming too long as they grow. Electrical wires that have been damaged can also cause a fire to start. Electrocution often occurs when a person comes into contact with chewed electrical wires.

Learn More: Why Are Wires Often Chewed By Squirrels? 

How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In The Home?

Squirrels are a type of mammal, and there’s no special scent that will compel them to leave an area. Some products contain fox or coyote urine, which is ineffective against squirrels. Ultrasonic sound emitters that make a high-pitched noise, for example, are completely useless.

The only way to completely eradicate a squirrel infestation is to have professional wildlife removal experts conduct the trapping and removal process. Animals Happen has removed thousands of squirrels, and our technicians are equipped with the proper squirrel exclusion equipment.

Learn More: How To Get Rid Of A Squirrel Infestation?

Have A Question We Didn’t Address?

If you have a question we didn’t touch upon, contact us via email or Call Us, and one of our expert wildlife technicians will be able to help you out. We understand that pests in the home can be off-putting and we’re willing to help in any way possible.