That faint scratching or scurrying you hear above your head? If you’re a St. Louis homeowner, it’s often not the house settling or a figment of your imagination. More likely, you’ve got uninvited, bushy-tailed tenants: squirrels. From the historic homes of Lafayette Square to the quiet cul-de-sacs in Kirkwood, squirrels are a common sight in our beautiful city. While charming in our gorgeous parks like Forest Park, they become a significant problem when they decide your attic is the perfect new home.
Attics offer squirrels a warm, sheltered, and safe place to nest, raise their young, and escape the sometimes-unpredictable St. Louis weather. But this cozy arrangement for them can quickly turn into a costly nightmare for you. This guide will help you understand the signs of an attic squirrel invasion, the damage they can cause, and most importantly, how to reclaim your St. Louis home.
I. Are You Sharing Your St. Louis Home with Squirrels? Signs of an Attic Invasion
Detecting squirrels in your attic early is key to minimizing damage. Keep an eye (and ear) out for these tell-tale signs:
- Auditory Clues:
- Scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds: Often most noticeable in the early morning or late afternoon/early evening when squirrels are most active. You might hear these sounds in your ceiling or walls.
- Rolling or dropping noises: This could be squirrels carrying nuts or other debris across your attic floor.
- Visual Evidence (Inside the Attic & Around the House):
- Droppings: Squirrel droppings are typically 1/4 to 3/8 inch long, oblong, and rounded at the ends, similar to rat droppings but often a bit larger and more scattered. If you’re unsure, STL Pest Control can help with identification during an inspection.
- Nesting Materials: Squirrels will use whatever is available – leaves, twigs, shredded cardboard, and unfortunately, your attic insulation – to build their nests.
- Damage: Look for chewed wires (a major fire hazard!), gnawed wooden beams, damaged insulation, and teeth marks on stored items.
- Water Stains on Ceilings: Squirrel urine can seep through, or their activity can damage roofing materials, leading to leaks.
- Exterior Signs (Common on St. Louis Homes):
- Holes in Siding, Soffits, or Fascia: St. Louis has many homes with wooden elements that squirrels can easily chew through. Check gables, eaves, and along the roofline.
- Chewed Shingles or Roof Vents: Damaged roof vents or shingles are prime entry points.
- Frequent Squirrel Sightings: Seeing squirrels consistently on your roof, near vents, or disappearing into a particular spot is a strong indicator.
- Grease Marks or Dirt Smudges: Squirrels often leave behind dirty rub marks around their entry holes from the oils and dirt on their fur.
II. Why Worry? The Damage Squirrels Can Do to Your St. Louis Property
Ignoring squirrels in your attic is never a good idea. The damage they can inflict goes far beyond a simple nuisance:
- Structural Damage: Their incessant gnawing can compromise wooden beams, supports, and fascia boards over time. They will also shred and tunnel through insulation, drastically reducing its effectiveness and increasing your energy bills.
- Fire Hazards: This is one of the most serious risks. Squirrels habitually chew on electrical wires. Frayed or exposed wires in your attic create a severe fire hazard, endangering your home and family. STL Pest Control technicians are trained to spot this hidden danger.
- Water Damage & Mold: Nests can block soffit vents or roof vents, leading to poor attic ventilation and moisture buildup, which can promote mold growth. Damage to roofing materials can also allow water to enter, causing further issues.
- Health Concerns: Squirrel droppings and urine can contaminate your attic and insulation, potentially carrying bacteria or parasites. While direct transmission is rare, it’s an unsanitary condition you don’t want in your home.
- Noise & Nuisance: The constant sound of squirrels can be incredibly disruptive to your peace and quiet.
III. Taking Action: Getting Squirrels Out of Your St. Louis Attic
Once you’ve confirmed an infestation, you need a plan.
- Important Note: St. Louis & Missouri Wildlife Regulations Missouri has regulations concerning the trapping and relocation of wildlife. It’s important to be aware of these to ensure any action taken is legal and humane. For instance, relocating wildlife to public land often requires permission.
- DIY vs. Professional Help in St. Louis: While some minor, very early-stage squirrel issues might be handled by a determined DIYer, attic squirrel removal is often more complex and potentially dangerous than it appears. Working in attics can be risky (heights, confined spaces, uncertain footing), and dealing with wild animals always carries a risk of bites or scratches. This is where STL Pest Control shines. Our trained professionals have the experience, safety equipment, and knowledge to handle squirrel infestations effectively and humanely. We understand squirrel behavior and know how to locate all entry points, which is crucial for a long-term solution.
- Humane Eviction Strategies:
- One-Way Doors: These allow squirrels to exit the attic but prevent them from re-entering. This is a preferred humane method.
- Repellents: Store-bought repellents (like sprays or ultrasonic devices) have very limited, if any, long-term effectiveness. Squirrels often quickly get used to them.
- Trapping: Live trapping can be effective but requires proper placement, baiting, and daily checking. You must also have a plan for what to do with a trapped squirrel that complies with Missouri regulations. STL Pest Control utilizes humane trapping techniques as part of a comprehensive removal strategy, ensuring all local laws are followed.
- The Importance of Timing: Don’t Orphan Babies! Squirrels in Missouri typically have two birthing seasons: one in late winter/early spring (February-April) and another in mid-summer (July-August). If you seal entry points while babies are still in the nest, they will die, creating a terrible odor and a more complicated problem. The mother squirrel may also cause extensive damage trying to get back to her young. STL Pest Control professionals are experienced in identifying signs of active nesting and will ensure no young are left behind.
IV. Keeping Them Out for Good: Squirrel-Proofing Your St. Louis Home
Getting squirrels out is only half the battle. Preventing them from returning is paramount.
- Identifying and Sealing Entry Points (The Crucial Step!): This is the most critical part of any squirrel control plan. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
- Common St. Louis home vulnerabilities: Roof vents (gable, ridge, turbine), soffit and fascia gaps (especially on older homes), chimneys (a chimney cap is a must!), holes in siding, and gaps where utility lines enter the house.
- Materials to Use: Use robust materials like heavy-gauge steel mesh, sheet metal, or specialized wildlife exclusion products. Squirrels can easily chew through wood, plastic, or caulk alone. STL Pest Control offers expert exclusion services. We don’t just remove the squirrels; we find and seal all potential entry points with durable materials designed to keep them out permanently.
- Tree Trimming: Trim tree branches so they are at least 6-8 feet away from your roofline and home. Many St. Louis properties boast beautiful, mature trees that can act as squirrel superhighways right to your attic.
- Protecting Vents and Chimneys: Install animal-proof vent covers and sturdy chimney caps.
- Secure Trash Cans: While attic squirrels are primarily seeking shelter, readily available food sources nearby can make your property more attractive.
- Bird Feeder Management: If you have bird feeders, consider squirrel baffles or place them well away from the house.
V. When to Call the Pros: STL Pest Control is Your Solution
While the DIY spirit is commendable, squirrel infestations often require professional expertise. You should call STL Pest Control if:
- You suspect an infestation but aren’t sure.
- You can hear squirrels but can’t locate the entry points.
- You’re uncomfortable working in your attic or at heights.
- You’ve tried DIY methods without success.
- You want to ensure the removal is humane and thorough.
- You’re concerned about baby squirrels being present.
- You want professional-grade repairs and exclusion work to prevent future issues.
Why Choose STL Pest Control for Your Squirrel Problem?
- Local Expertise: We know St. Louis homes and the common ways squirrels invade them.
- Licensed & Insured: Giving you peace of mind.
- Humane & Effective Solutions: We prioritize humane removal methods that are also highly effective.
- Comprehensive Inspections: We don’t just look for squirrels; we identify how they’re getting in and any damage they’ve caused.
- Guaranteed Exclusion Work: We stand by our ability to squirrel-proof your home. Our exclusion services are designed for long-term protection.
- Safety First: We protect your home, your family, and our technicians.
- Knowledge of Regulations: We operate in full compliance with Missouri’s wildlife laws.
VI. Conclusion: Enjoy Your Squirrel-Free St. Louis Home
Squirrels in your attic are more than just a noisy nuisance; they’re a threat to your property and peace of mind. By understanding the signs, the risks, and the solutions, you can take back control. Vigilance and preventative measures are key to keeping your St. Louis home squirrel-free.
Don’t let squirrels make your attic their playground. If you suspect a problem or want to take preventative action, contact STL Pest Control today for a thorough inspection and a customized plan to protect your St. Louis home. Reclaim your attic and enjoy the peace and quiet you deserve!