Squirrels are fun to watch, and most people do not consider them a nuisance; however, when the animal finds its way into your attic or house, it can cause significant damage. If you suspect the animal has found its way into your home, you should contact humane squirrel removal in Niagara, but are you certain it is a squirrel?

Many people automatically assume a squirrel has broken in because they hear strange noises during the night and see the animals near their home in the mornings. However, the strange noises in the evening are an indicator that your problem likely does not stem from a squirrel.

The Nightlife of a Squirrel

Squirrels are not nocturnal; they are crepuscular mammals, meaning they are active during the day, specifically early morning to early evening. In fact, all squirrel species have a sleep pattern similar to humans in that they nest and sleep during the night.

Therefore, if you hear rustling or running around during the night, it is most likely a different species. Common nocturnal animals that can find their way into your attic include raccoons, mice, possums, bats, etc. Any of the critters can create strange noises during the night, but a squirrel is unlikely.

If those noises occur during the day, a squirrel could be the culprit, especially if you hear scratching sounds, like a nail across the wood. It is common for homeowners to report hearing scurrying or scratching across attic beams during the day. The sounds might be more frequent on sunnier days because squirrels are more active when the sun is out.

The Cause of Initial Attic Noise

While squirrels are not nocturnal animals, that does not mean they are never active at night. The animal is more inclined to break into a house at night because it is dark, cool, and quiet. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a homeowner to hear a commotion one evening followed by noises during the day.

However, after the initial night, the attic will most likely be quiet on consecutive nights, with further noises only happening in the mornings and afternoons. If you have experienced a noise pattern like this, you should contact a humane wildlife control service in Niagara to assess your property and avoid unnecessary damage.

Potential Damage From Squirrels in the Attic

While squirrels are fun to watch, they can cause significant damage to a house, especially when nesting in an attic. Squirrels, like other rodents, must gnaw on things to ensure their teeth are filed down. Their teeth never stop growing, and failing to gnaw will ensure the teeth eventually grow through the roof of the mouth and into the skull.

Because squirrels gnaw on anything, your home’s electrical and structure are at risk when the animal is in the attic. It is not uncommon for a squirrel to chew through wires or the wire casing, which can cause a significant fire hazard. Additionally, your roof beams and joists can provide a tempting chew toy. Beyond gnawing, a squirrel will gather insulation from around the attic to build a nest; the animal might also tear apart items stored in the attic to contribute to its size and comfort.

Finally, the exterior of your home might be affected as well because, unlike other rodent species, a squirrel needs more than a quarter-inch-sized hole to get into your attic. Therefore, you might find damage to the siding or roof of your home. While some damage might be hidden, some will be visible.

Do you believe you have a squirrel or squirrel family in your attic? If so, do not hesitate to contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control for assistance. The company will send qualified technicians to assess your property and provide you with a game plan for removal.