Signs You Might Have Squirrels in Your Attic

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Budgetanimal

A scratching sound in the ceiling. A mysterious rustling above your bedroom at night. While these might seem like scenes from a horror movie, they often point to a much smaller, furrier cause: squirrels.

Squirrels are remarkably adept at turning your attic into their cozy nesting ground. But their uninvited stay can come with significant risks for your home and health. This guide will help you recognize the signs of squirrel activity, understand the dangers, learn prevention tips, and decide when it’s time to call a professional. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to handle these clever critters and reclaim your attic space.

Call 317-875-3099 for Professional Squirrel Removal Services in Indianapolis

Common Signs of Squirrels in the Attic

Before taking action, it helps to confirm whether squirrels are indeed your attic dwellers. Look out for these tell-tale signs:

Scratching and Rustling Noises: Squirrels are active during the day, so you’re most likely to hear them early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Droppings and Odors: Squirrel droppings and urine can create unpleasant smells and pose health risks.
Chewed Wires or Wood: Squirrels have sharp teeth and a habit of gnawing on wires, wood, and insulation.
Shredded Nesting Materials: Look for nests made from shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
Entry Points in the Structure: Squirrels can enlarge small holes or cracks to create their entryways.

If these signs sound familiar, it’s time to investigate further.

What These Signs Mean (And Why You Should Act Quickly)

1. Scratching and Rustling Noises

Squirrels are climbers and agile movers, often scurrying across your attic floor or within the walls. The noises may indicate they’re creating a nest, storing food, or simply exploring their new territory.

2. Chewed Wires and Fire Hazards

One of the most concerning issues with squirrels is their tendency to gnaw on electrical wiring. This behavior can lead to short circuits, power outages, and in the worst cases, dangerous fire hazards.

3. Damaged Insulation and Higher Energy Bills

Squirrels love burrowing into attic insulation. Over time, this damages the insulation’s effectiveness, leading to higher energy costs as you struggle to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.

4. Droppings and Health Risks

Squirrel droppings and urine can harbor diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, posing serious health risks to your family. Additionally, the smell can quickly become overwhelming if left untreated.

5. Nesting Materials and Structural Damage

Squirrels often shred important materials, such as documents or fabrics, to create their nests. Their gnawing and nesting activities can also weaken wooden beams or roofing structures, leading to costly repairs.

Ignoring these signs can worsen the impact over time, so it’s crucial to act as soon as possible.

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The Risks of Squirrel Infestations

Beyond the immediate damages, having squirrels in your attic can lead to the following hazards:

Compromised Safety: Damaged wiring increases the risk of electrical fires.
Health Concerns: Droppings can contaminate surfaces or the air in your home.
Structural Damage: Persistent gnawing weakens the integrity of beams and roofing.
Future Pest Problems: Squirrels can attract additional pests, like fleas or ticks.

How to Prevent Squirrels from Getting Into Your Attic

Prevention is your first line of defense when it comes to squirrel infestations. Here are some practical tips to keep them out:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, holes, or vents, and seal these openings with caulk or metal flashing.
Install Chimney Caps and Screens: Prevent access through your chimney with a properly fitted cap.
Trim Tree Branches: Squirrels often use overhanging branches as a highway to your roof.
Use Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeders: Keep squirrels away by choosing feeders designed to keep them out and avoid scattering birdseed near the house.
Apply Squirrel Repellent: Use repellent products around vulnerable areas, such as attic vents and eaves.
Regularly Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters can provide nesting material or shelter for squirrels.
Store Food Securely: Keep garbage, compost, and pet food in sealed containers to eliminate attractants.
Install Motion-Activated Deterrents: Lights or sprinklers can scare off squirrels before they gain entry.
Use Ultrasonic Devices: High-frequency sound emitters can serve as additional deterrents.

Staying proactive with these prevention strategies can save you from the larger headache of an infestation.

When to Call a Professional for Squirrel Removal

Sometimes, DIY methods just aren’t enough. If the problem persists or feels overwhelming, professional wildlife control services can help. Here’s when to consider reaching out:

Large Infestations: When multiple squirrels take residence, professional removal ensures they’re handled effectively.
Health and Safety Concerns: Professionals are equipped to clean and disinfect the attic to eliminate health risks.
Severe Structural Damage: Experts can assess and address structural issues caused by squirrels.
Humane Removal Needs: Many professionals follow local regulations to safely and ethically handle wildlife removal.

Securing Your Home for the Long Term

Protecting your attic from squirrels (and other wildlife) doesn’t end with removal. Follow up with regular home inspections and maintenance to keep your home secure. Additionally, maintaining clean outdoor spaces and trimming trees near your roofline can further discourage unwanted visitors.

Are you convinced that you have a squirrel problem on your hands? At Budget Animal Removal, our experienced team specializes in safe and humane squirrel removal, ensuring your attic is squirrel-free while minimizing harm to the animals.

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National Squirrel Appreciation Day: What You Should Know About These Critters

Posted on January 21, 2025 by Budgetanimal

Today is National Squirrel Appreciation Day!

Every year on January 21, nature lovers across the United States celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day. Organized in 2001 by wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove, this day serves as a gentle reminder of how vital squirrels are to our ecosystems and how we can coexist with them peacefully. Whether you’re a fan of observing their acrobatics or simply want to support your local wildlife, there’s so much to discover about these furry critters.

This post dives into why squirrels matter, the fascinating facts about them, and how to make the most of National Squirrel Appreciation Day—all while emphasizing safe and humane ways to deal with nuisance squirrels.

Call 615-337-9165 for Professional Wildlife Control Services in Nashville Tennessee — National Squirrel Appreciation Day 2025

The Importance of Squirrels Among Earth’s Ecosystems

Though they might seem like everyday backyard visitors, squirrels play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. One of their most notable contributions is their role as accidental tree planters. When squirrels bury nuts and seeds to save for later, they often forget about some of their stashes. These forgotten seeds germinate into trees, helping forests regenerate naturally.

Other ecological contributions include:

Dispersing seeds and spreading biodiversity.
Acting as prey for predators like owls, hawks, and foxes, helping maintain balance in the food chain.
Aerating soil as they dig holes for burying and retrieving nuts.

Without squirrels, the balance in many ecosystems would suffer.

Squirrel Species Found in Tennessee

If you’re in Tennessee, you’re lucky enough to encounter a variety of squirrel species. Each comes with its own unique features and quirks. Here are four species you’re likely to find in the Volunteer State:

1. Eastern Gray Squirrels

The most commonly spotted species in Tennessee, Eastern Gray Squirrels, are known for their agility and playful nature. They’re excellent climbers and are a delight to watch during their daily scurrying.

2. Fox Squirrels

Larger than Eastern Grays, Fox Squirrels are often reddish-brown and favor open woodlands over urban parks.

3. Southern Flying Squirrels

Not often seen due to their nocturnal habits, these tiny, wide-eyed squirrels glide from tree to tree using a membrane between their limbs.

4. Red Squirrels

Known for their territorial behavior, these squirrels have a striking reddish coat and are slightly smaller than their gray and fox counterparts.

Now that you know who’s hiding in your trees, it’s time to look at some fascinating tidbits about them.

Interesting Facts About Squirrels

Squirrels have exceptional memory, which helps them retrieve buried food.
Their teeth never stop growing, so they chew on hard objects like tree bark to keep their incisors in shape.
Flying squirrels don’t actually fly—they glide using a cartilage-supported membrane called a patagium.
A group of squirrels is called a scurry.
Squirrels can leap up to 10 times their body length in a single bound!

Fascinated yet? There’s even more to appreciate, especially on National Squirrel Appreciation Day.

How to Celebrate National Squirrel Appreciation Day

Looking to make January 21 special? Here are some fun and thoughtful ways to celebrate the day and support your local squirrel population.

Set Up Squirrel Feeders: Fill feeders with healthy squirrel snacks like unsalted nuts, chopped apples, and sunflower seeds.
Start a Squirrel Watching Guide: Grab a notebook and document the behaviors, species, and feeding habits of the squirrels in your area.
Plant Trees: Help squirrels—and the planet—by planting native trees that provide shelter and food.
Visit a Nature Reserve: Spend the day observing squirrels in their natural habitats.

Squirrel Watching and Feeding: A Beginner’s Guide

Squirrel feeding and watching can bring you closer to these tiny creatures, but here are some tips to ensure it’s beneficial for you and them.

Feeding Tips

Choose Nutritious Foods: Stick to squirrel-healthy options like acorns, pecans, or pumpkin seeds. Avoid processed foods like bread or salted nuts.
Don’t Overfeed: Balance is key to avoid disrupting their natural foraging habits.

Watching Tips

Find a cozy spot in your backyard or a nearby park with plenty of squirrel activity. With a little patience, you can observe fascinating behaviors like burying nuts or chasing each other.

Safe and Humane Squirrel Control Efforts

Love them or not, squirrels sometimes become uninvited guests in attics or gardens. If you’re dealing with nuisance squirrels, it’s essential to handle the situation humanely.

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home to ensure there are no gaps or holes where squirrels can sneak in.
Use Squirrel Repellents: Natural deterrents like cayenne pepper can keep them out of gardens without harm.
Install Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders: Invest in bird feeders that prevent squirrels from snatching birdseed.
Trust the Pros: Call a licensed and insured wildlife control professional for persistent issues to handle the situation ethically.

Remember, there are ways to coexist with these critters without causing harm.

Final Thoughts

National Squirrel Appreciation Day isn’t just about celebrating these nutty animals; it’s about fostering appreciation for nature and supporting the ecosystems we share with wildlife. By taking steps like setting up squirrel feeders, engaging in humane squirrel control, or even planting a tree, you’re contributing to a healthier and more harmonious planet.

Want to do more? Consider joining a local wildlife association or supporting conservation efforts in your community. Even small actions make a big difference.

Are you dealing with some nuisance squirrels around your Tennessee property? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for squirrels, chipmunks, and more. We serve commercial clients too.

Squirrels in Your Attic: A Guide to Safe and Humane Animal Removal

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Budgetanimal

Discovering that squirrels have made themselves at home in your attic can be a frustrating and concerning experience for any homeowner or property manager. The pitter-patter of little feet at first provides a quaint, woodland charm to the home’s atmosphere, but it quickly turns into a nightmare when the adorable intruders start chewing through your wiring or causing structural damage. This guide is designed to help you not only handle the immediate issue but do so with respect for the safety, well-being, and legal status of these commonly misunderstood creatures.

Call 317-875-3099 for Licensed and Insured Squirrel Removal in Indianapolis Indiana

Why are Squirrels an Issue in Attics?

Squirrels are crafty creatures, known for their agility and acumen. When they choose to set up camp in your residence, they’re usually not looking for trouble – just a cozy spot to call home. However, the consequences of their presence can be far-reaching, from the immediate dangers of electrical fires to the long-term implications of compromised housing insulation. While the urge to handle the situation swiftly is understandable, it’s crucial to remember that ensuring the safety of the animals and maintaining compliance with wildlife regulations are just as important.

The first step in resolving a squirrel infestation is identifying that it’s happening. This might seem straightforward, but signs of these nimble critters can be subtle. Once you’re confident that squirrels are the issue, employing safe and humane removal techniques should be your next priority. Understanding the relevant legal and ethical considerations is also vital, as it ensures that your actions are responsible and provide a framework for future interactions with wildlife.

Identifying Squirrel Infestation

Squirrel infestations are often first noted by scratching or scurrying sounds in the attic or chimney. You might also hear the animals vocalizing. Physical signs include damage caused by chewing, nesting materials such as shredded insulation, and droppings. Squirrels often enter buildings in search of shelter and a place to raise young, making your attic an ideal spot.

Sounds and Noises – One of the most tell-tale signs of a squirrel infestation is the sound of the animals moving around, particularly at dawn and dusk when they’re most active. They’re loud, and hearing them move is often the first indicator of their presence.

Damage – Squirrels have sharp teeth and are known to gnaw through wood, electrical wiring, and even PVC plumbing. This kind of damage poses both safety and structural risks.

Droppings and Odors – Accumulating droppings and the urine of these animals can lead to foul smells and can also pose health risks to the indoor air quality of your home.

Nesting Material – Squirrels build nests out of any material they can find, and your attic’s insulation and materials may be used to create these homes, leading to further structural and safety issues within the space.

Safest Squirrel Removal Techniques

Once you’ve confirmed a squirrel infestation, it’s critical to remove them safely. This is a task best handled by professionals. Licensed and insured wildlife removal companies not only have the expertise to handle the animals without harm, but they also have a suite of tools and techniques to ensure the removal is complete and permanent. Professional squirrel removal services are also well-versed in local wildlife regulations and will act in accordance with them, ensuring that your squirrel removal is legal. Furthermore, they will be equipped to deal with any biohazards created by the infestation.

Risks of DIY Animal Removal

When dealing with wildlife, you enter a different legal category than in simple pest prevention. Various local and national regulations exist to protect animals, and it’s important to understand the laws in your area so that you remain in compliance. DIY removal is risky for both humans and the animals. Squirrels can carry diseases such as rabies, and inexperienced individuals are more likely to be exposed to dangers during trapping and removal.

Recommended Squirrel Control Measures

Respect for animal welfare should guide all your interactions with wildlife. The goal is not just to remove the immediate problem but to ensure that the squirrels are unharmed in the process and that the solution is a humane one. With that being said, prevention is often more effective and less hassle than cure. In the case of nuisance squirrels, control measures can deter these creatures from considering your property as a potential nesting site.

Seal Entry Points

After the squirrels are gone, it’s essential to seal entry points. Carefully inspect your home’s exterior, looking for gaps and openings through which a squirrel might enter. Seal these up with the appropriate materials to prevent future access. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for new entry points. Remember, squirrels and other wildlife are persistent and opportunistic, and a small breach could be their way in.

Remove Attractants

The primary reason squirrels are attracted to your home is the presence of food or the potential for shelter. Store food securely and ensure there are minimal hiding spots like overgrown vegetation near the home. You may want to invest in squirrel baffles for bird feeders and other areas you don’t want them climbing.

Squirrel Repellents

Natural wildlife repellents can discourage squirrels from the immediate vicinity. These include things like hot pepper sprays, putrescent egg crumbles, castor oil, or even predator urine, but their effectiveness may vary.

Conclusion

A squirrel infestation in your attic is a disruptive event, but it is one that can be effectively and humanely resolved with the right approach. By acting responsibly and proactively, you can ensure the safety of both your home and the wildlife that might otherwise cause you trouble. Understanding your rights, the animals’ needs, and the most effective removal and prevention methods creates the foundation for a safe living environment for all parties involved.

Remember, while squirrels may be a nuisance to you, they’re neighbors in their own right, living in the very nature we strive to conserve. Treating them with respect as you address the situation not only aligns with ethical practices but also sets a positive example for the sustainable management of our shared environment.

Should you discover squirrels in your attic, don’t panic. Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured squirrel removal service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

Native Indiana Squirrel Species You Might See in Your Backyard

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Budgetanimal

Tree squirrels are a normal part of nature in most areas of the country. These furry little critters are most known for their long, bushy tails, sensational appetite for nuts, and their amazing tree climbing abilities. Here in Indiana, our state happens to be home to four squirrel species, all of which have their own unique and interesting attributes. But be careful! Squirrels can also be a nuisance if your property is not well-protected against wildlife tampering.

Continue reading to learn more about our Indiana squirrels, including what you can do to ensure your home or building is not a target for nuisance animal damage.

Indianapolis Squirrel Removal and Control 317-875-3099

Types of Squirrels in Indiana

The four species of squirrel that are native to Indiana and the surrounding regions include the Gray squirrel, Southern Flying squirrel, Fox squirrel, and the Red squirrel. The most common types of squirrels, and the ones you likely spot on occasion in your own yard, are Fox squirrels. These critters are quite loud, and love to hide, bury, dig up, and eat their nuts. Gray squirrels are also quite common, but mostly found in the Central and Southern parts of the state. Red squirrels are also referred to as “Pineys” and tend to remain mostly in the Central and Northern parts of Indiana. As for the Southern Flying squirrel, they are the smallest of the four, and nocturnal at that, making them extra special.

All four squirrel species share the same diet, including nuts like acorns, walnuts, pecans, and bird seed. Yes, they love bird seed! See our blog, “How to Prevent Nuisance Squirrels From Stealing Bird Feed” to learn how to stop this problem on your property. They also eat berries, insects, and sometimes tree bark. When it comes to their homes, all squirrel species in Indiana love to choose tree cavities and old woodpecker holes, or build nests among high, mature tree branches. They also find shelter in residential attics, which is a big problem for homeowners. Squirrel infestations are messy and destructive, and can cost thousands of dollars to renovate.

Protecting Against Nuisance Squirrels

In order to protect your home and property from nuisance squirrel damage and infestation, you must take certain precautions. Through environmental modification, you can thwart squirrel activity and divert their attention away from your property. One way to do this is to remove all things that attract squirrels, such as bird feeders, pet food, nut and fruit trees, and anything else they like. Of course, this is not always entirely possible, as most property owners do not want to remove trees simply to stop squirrel activity. But you can trim trees on a routine basis to prevent squirrels from gaining access to your roofing and siding.

The only way you can have a squirrel infestation removed from your property, whether in the attic or an outdoor shed, is to hire a licensed wildlife removal and control company. They are the only ones who have the proper permits, licenses, and resources, and offer residential wild animal extraction and exclusion services. Most companies offer 24 hour emergency assistance in the case that you find a squirrel in the house.

Affordable Squirrel Removal and Control in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for fast and affordable squirrel removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists offer nuisance wildlife abatement services, clean-up and minor restorations for animal damages, 24 hour emergency service, free estimates, and much more! Get started by requesting a free estimate or advice, today.