How do you know if you have a Squirrel in Your Attic?

Introduction
Squirrels generally live in rain forests and semiarid areas, they never hesitate to seize the slightest opportunity to find shelter in the attic. Depending on type of colony, you may be able to see them physically as they move out or in for the night. It is only flying type of squirrel that is known to be nocturnal.

Squirrel Facts
• A frightened or scared squirrel will normally remain motionless.
• Squirrels are very trusting; they can literally eat from your palms.
• Squirrels are very intelligent animals; they plan ahead of time on how to survive during winter. Squirrels will normally dig in the ground to store their food, which they come to once winter season is over.
• A colony of squirrels will normally run erratically with the aim of deceiving predators as to the actual direction individual squirrels will take.
• Squirrels use their bushy tail to signal others in case of an approaching predator. They twitch the tail, which alerts other squirrels of the imminent danger.

Squirrel in Attic
Squirrels will seize the first opportunity to set up their nests in your attic when such an opportunity presents itself. They particularly look out for weak or rotten fascia boards that they gnaw on to gain entry to the attic.

Presence of squirrels in your attic should be a concern because of their tendency to gnaw on such utility lines as electrical wires in addition to damaging other structures therein.

The fact that squirrels are wild animals also means that they harbor pathogens that are a risk to your health.

Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic
The most obvious sign that you have a squirrel or a colony of squirrels in your attic is normally the scampering sound they produce as they move in and out of their nest. You are also most likely to hear scratching sound produced by juveniles when they fall into wall cavities. They will normally scratch in an attempt to get back to their nest. It is also possible to hear juvenile cries in the attic during the day when their mothers have gone out to forage for food.

Professional Help
Although there is no evidence that squirrels present serious health risk, the fact that they are wild animals is enough to not allow them in your attic. This calls for the need to carry out regular inspections with the aim of identifying weak fascia boards that squirrels can gnaw on.

You also need t install metal flashing to prevent their entry. This applies in case you live in an area known to have squirrels.

Although you can easily identify squirrel nests in your attic, it is always a good idea to seek the service of a wildlife company to undertake removal of the same.