Squirrels in the Attic: The Damage You Don’t See Until It’s Too Late
Why Squirrels Target Attics
Squirrels are highly intelligent, persistent animals. When they choose an attic, it’s not by accident.
Attics offer:
Warm, dry shelter year-round
Safe nesting space away from predators
Easy access through rooflines, dormers, and vents
Familiar return points season after season
Once squirrels establish a nest, they will aggressively defend and reuse that space unless the home is fully secured.
The Damage Most Homeowners Never See
Unlike mice, squirrels cause physical destruction, not just contamination.
Common hidden damage includes:
Chewed electrical wiring, increasing fire risk
Torn and compacted insulation that loses R-value
Broken rooflines, soffits, and fascia boards
Structural weakening around entry points
Much of this damage happens out of sight, above ceilings and behind walls, until it becomes severe.
Fire Risk: The Most Overlooked Danger
One of the biggest risks squirrels pose is electrical damage.
Squirrels instinctively chew to control tooth growth. Electrical wires are often mistaken for tree roots or branches, leading to:
Exposed copper wiring
Short circuits
Increased fire hazards
Many attic fires linked to wildlife start long before homeowners realize there was an animal problem.
Why Noise Is Just the Warning Sign
Scratching, running, or thumping sounds in the attic usually appear after damage has already begun.
By the time noise is noticeable:
Nesting is often established
Insulation has already been destroyed
Entry points are reinforced by repeated use
The longer squirrels remain, the more costly repairs become.
Why Removal Without Repairs Fails
Removing squirrels without reinforcing the home leads to repeat infestations.
If entry points are not sealed and strengthened:
New squirrels move into the same space
Existing squirrels attempt to re-enter
Additional damage occurs around weak areas
Squirrel problems are structural problems, not one-time events.
What Prevents Squirrels From Returning
Long-term solutions require:
Safe removal methods
Identification of all entry points
Reinforcement of vulnerable roof and dormer areas
Permanent sealing designed to withstand chewing and pressure
When exclusion is done correctly, squirrels lose access — permanently.
The Bottom Line
Squirrels in the attic are never harmless.
The real damage often happens quietly and invisibly, until it becomes expensive or dangerous. Addressing the issue early — and structurally — is the only way to protect the home long-term