8 Sneaky Spots in Your Home Where Squirrels Might Be Hiding

Richard Neumayer • July 30, 2024

Squirrels are agile, resourceful creatures, and when the urge for warmth and shelter strikes, they can transform from adorable backyard visitors to unwelcome houseguests. If you suspect a squirrel has taken up residence in your home, the first step is to identify their potential hideouts before attempting squirrel removal. Here are eight sneaky spots squirrels might be using as their secret den:

1. Attic

Attics are among the most common places squirrels invade. They offer a warm, dry, and safe environment, ideal for nesting and raising their young. The insulation in attics provides excellent nesting material, while the elevated location offers protection from predators. Signs of an attic squirrel infestation include:

Strange noises like scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds coming from the attic, especially at night
Insulation debris scattered around attic access points
Musty odors, a telltale sign of animal droppings
Visible damage to electrical wires or stored items in the attic

2. Crawlspaces

Crawlspaces provide a secluded and protected area for squirrels. These spaces often go unnoticed for long periods, making them perfect hideouts. Additionally, crawlspaces can offer easy access to other parts of your home. Here's what to watch out for:

Increased droppings and unpleasant odors emanating from the crawlspace
Entry holes around the foundation of your home
Scratching sounds originating from beneath the floorboards

3. Chimney

Believe it or not, some determined squirrels might find their way into your chimney. While less common than other entry points, chimneys can provide a vertical, hollow space that mimics a tree cavity, which is a natural nesting spot for squirrels. They can easily climb down the chimney to find warmth and shelter. Signs of a squirrel infestation in your chimney include:

Pattering or scratching sounds coming from the chimney
The smell of animal urine around the fireplace
Gnaw marks near the chimney opening

4. Wall Voids

Wall voids—the spaces between your interior walls and exterior siding—provide hidden and secure spaces that are rarely disturbed. Squirrels can access these areas through small openings, such as gaps in the siding or soffits. Here are some signs to look for:

Unexplained scratching or gnawing noises within the walls
Insulation bulging outward from walls
Electrical issues caused by chewed wires (which can be a fire hazard)

5. Basement

Basements can offer a cool, dark, and undisturbed environment that is very attractive to squirrels seeking shelter. They are often connected to crawlspaces or other entry points, like gaps around basement windows or doors, providing squirrels with easy access. Signs of a basement squirrel infestation include:

Droppings and musty odors present in the basement area
Food caches of nuts or seeds hidden in corners or behind boxes
Gnaw marks on wooden beams or stored items

6. Garage

While less common than other areas, garages can also provide temporary shelter for squirrels, especially if they offer easy access points like holes near the garage door or gaps in the siding. Garages also offer ample space and materials for nesting, and because they are often connected to other parts of the house, they can provide squirrels with access to food and warmth. Signs of a garage squirrel infestation include:

Food wrappers or other potential food sources scattered around the garage
Evidence of chewed wires near electrical panels (another potential fire hazard)
Droppings and unpleasant odors present in the garage

7. Ceilings

Ceilings offer high, secure spaces that are difficult for predators to reach. Squirrels can access ceiling cavities through gaps around light fixtures, vents, or attics. This situation requires immediate attention to prevent extensive damage to your home's insulation and electrical wiring. Here are some signs to look for:

Scratching, scampering, or gnawing sounds from above
Squirrel droppings around ceiling entry points
Chewed drywall or insulation

8. Storage Areas

Storage areas, such as closets or spare rooms, provide quiet, undisturbed spaces. These areas often contain materials, like cardboard or fabric, that squirrels can use for nesting. Signs of a squirrel in your storage area include:

Torn open bags of food or gnaw marks on containers
Droppings and the lingering smell of animal urine
Nesting materials like leaves, twigs, or fabric scraps

Conclusion

Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your home and pose health risks to your family. Identifying potential hiding spots is the first step in effective squirrel removal. If you suspect a squirrel has taken up residence in your home, don't attempt to remove it yourself. Squirrels can be aggressive when cornered. Here's why partnering with Catch A Critter, a professional wildlife removal company, is your best course of action:

Expertise and Experience: Our technicians are trained in the safe and humane removal of squirrels. We can identify the specific entry points the squirrels are using and develop a targeted exclusion strategy to prevent future invasions.
Safe and Humane Methods: Catch A Critter prioritizes the ethical treatment of wildlife. Our technicians use safe and effective trapping and relocation methods to remove squirrels from your home.
Quick and Efficient Resolution: A squirrel infestation can quickly escalate. Catch A Critter offers immediate service to address the problem before it causes a lot of damage.
Long-Term Solutions: Professional wildlife removal goes beyond simply removing the squirrels. Catch A Critter can identify and seal potential entry points to prevent future infestations, giving you peace of mind.
Minimized Risk of Damage: As mentioned earlier, attempting DIY squirrel removal can be risky, because squirrels can become aggressive when cornered. Professional wildlife removal companies like Catch A Critter have the experience and equipment to safely and efficiently remove squirrels without further harm to your property.

Don't wait until you have a full-blown squirrel infestation! If you suspect a furry tenant has taken up residence in your home, contact Catch A Critter today. Our experienced technicians will assess the situation, develop a safe and effective removal plan, and ensure your home is squirrel-free. Reach out to us today for a free estimate of our squirrel removal in Cumming, and to reclaim your peace of mind. Fill out our contact form or call us at 770-637-4942. Remember, “Don’t worry, we’ll catch that critter!”

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By Richard Neumayer • March 21, 2025

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Humane Methods to Permanently Remove Squirrels from Attics

By Richard Neumayer • February 20, 2025

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A squirrel is looking out of a wooden box in the snow.

Winter Squirrel Problems? Protect Your Home This January

By Richard Neumayer • January 29, 2025

Winter months bring more than just chilly weather. They can also bring squirrels seeking warmth into your home. If you're tired of dealing with noisy critters in your attic or walls, you're not alone. Many homeowners face this challenge in January, but don't worry, there are humane ways to handle squirrel removal . This post covers everything you need to know about keeping your home safe and squirrel-free this winter. Why Do Squirrels Invade Homes in Winter? When the temperature drops, squirrels search for cozy spaces to nest - spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities make perfect shelters. They’re looking for: Warmth: Squirrels can’t tolerate freezing temperatures and need a place to stay warm. Food Storage: They often bring nuts and seeds into their nesting areas. Safety: Indoor spaces protect them from predators. Unfortunately, their presence can lead to damage like chewed wires, insulation destruction, and unpleasant odors. Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem If squirrels have moved in, you’ll likely notice these signs: Scratching Sounds: Especially in the early morning or late evening. Droppings: Found near nesting or feeding spots. Chewed Entry Points: Damaged vents, soffits, or roof edges. Nesting Materials: Shredded insulation, leaves, or fabric. How to Protect Your Home from Squirrels This January Follow these tips to protect your home: 1. Seal Entry Points Inspect your home for openings where squirrels can sneak in. Focus on: Gaps in roofing or siding. Open chimneys (install caps for extra protection). Damaged vents or screens. A small gap the size of a quarter is enough for a squirrel to squeeze through. Use durable materials like wire mesh or metal flashing to cover these areas. 2. Keep Your Yard Tidy Squirrels are drawn to cluttered yards that provide food and shelter. To make your yard less appealing: Trim tree branches away from your roof. Rake fallen nuts and fruits. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house. This not only discourages squirrels but also other critters looking for a home. 3. Remove Food Sources Squirrels often invade homes in search of food. Take these precautions: Use sealed containers for pet food and birdseed. Avoid leaving food scraps outdoors. Keep garbage bins tightly closed. These simple steps can make your home far less attractive to wildlife. 4. Install Deterrents There are humane ways to discourage squirrels from settling near your home: Ultrasonic Devices: These emit sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels but safe for humans and pets. Natural Repellents: Use scents like peppermint oil near entry points. Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These can scare squirrels away from your yard. Why Humane Squirrel Removal Matters It’s tempting to resort to harmful methods, but they’re not necessary. Humane squirrel removal in Cumming , focuses on relocating squirrels without causing harm and preventing their return through exclusion techniques. This approach respects wildlife while protecting your property. According to the Humane Society, methods like one-way doors allow squirrels to exit safely but block re-entry. This minimizes stress on the animal and avoids unnecessary harm. When to Call for Professional Help Sometimes, DIY methods aren’t enough. If squirrels persist despite your efforts, it’s time to consider professional squirrel removal . A licensed wildlife removal service can: Safely trap and relocate squirrels. Repair damage and seal entry points. Provide advice on long-term prevention. Catch A Critter , with its eco-conscious and humane practices, is a trusted option for homeowners dealing with squirrel issues. FAQs About Squirrel Removal Can I Remove Squirrels Myself? You can try, but it’s tricky and may not be legal in some areas. Always check local regulations and prioritize humane methods. Do Squirrels Cause Fire Hazards? Yes. Squirrels often chew on electrical wiring, which increases the risk of fires. This is one of the top reasons to address the issue quickly. How Long Does Squirrel Removal Take? It depends on the size of the infestation. Professionals often resolve the issue within a week. Why Choose Catch A Critter for Squirrel Removal At Catch A Critter , we understand how frustrating and overwhelming squirrel problems can be. That’s why we prioritize humane removal techniques that are effective and eco-friendly. Our team is passionate about protecting your home and wildlife, giving you peace of mind without harming the environment. Conclusion Winter squirrel problems don’t have to ruin the start of your year. From sealing entry points to calling a trusted wildlife removal service like Catch A Critter , there are many ways to protect your home. Squirrels can cause significant damage, but with the right steps, you can keep your property safe and cozy this winter. If you’re ready to take action, contact Catch A Critter today for compassionate, effective squirrel removal solutions.