If you’ve ever heard scratching, thumping, or scurrying noises coming from above your ceiling, there’s a good chance you’ve got some uninvited guests in your attic. Squirrels and raccoons are among the most common culprits. While it may seem like they’ve simply chosen your home at random, there are specific reasons why these animals are attracted to attics and why they are so determined to make your home theirs. Understanding the science behind this behavior can help you take effective steps to keep them out for good.
Why Do Squirrels and Raccoons Target Your Attic?
Both squirrels and raccoons are resourceful creatures. They are driven by basic needs—shelter, food, and safety. Your attic, unfortunately, provides all of these in abundance.
1. Shelter from the Elements
One of the primary reasons squirrels and raccoons seek out attics is to escape the harshness of the outdoors. During colder months, these animals need a warm, safe place to take refuge. Attics are typically warmer than the outdoors, offering an ideal environment to nest and avoid predators. For raccoons, attics mimic the hollow trees they naturally inhabit, while squirrels see your attic as an elevated, cozy spot to raise their young away from ground-level dangers.
2. Protection for Raising Young
Both raccoons and squirrels are highly protective of their offspring, and an attic can seem like the perfect nursery. The quiet, undisturbed environment of an attic is appealing as it offers a safe space to give birth and nurture their young away from predators and human interference. A mother squirrel or raccoon will go to great lengths to find a secure location for her babies, and once she finds your attic, she may return season after season.
3. Easy Access to Food Sources
Squirrels and raccoons are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever is readily available. If your home is near a food source—whether it’s garbage bins, pet food, bird feeders, or a garden—your attic becomes even more attractive. Raccoons, in particular, have an incredible sense of smell and can detect food from a long distance. Once they associate your home with easy meals, they’ll keep coming back.
4. Weaknesses in Home Structure
Squirrels and raccoons are skilled climbers, and they can exploit even the smallest weaknesses in your home’s structure to gain entry. This could be anything from a loose roof shingle, a gap in the eaves, an uncapped chimney, or a vent that’s not properly secured. Squirrels, in particular, are known for their ability to chew through wood and other materials to enlarge openings and create access points.
The Risks of Having Squirrels and Raccoons in Your Attic
While they might seem harmless or even cute from a distance, squirrels and raccoons can cause significant damage and pose health risks when they invade your attic.
1. Structural Damage
Both raccoons and squirrels are notorious for causing structural damage. Squirrels can chew through insulation, wood, and even electrical wiring, which can increase the risk of fire. Raccoons, on the other hand, are strong and can tear through roofing materials, soffits, and fascia boards. They are also known to rip up ductwork and insulation to create nests.
2. Health Hazards
Having these animals in your attic can also pose serious health risks. Squirrels and raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonella. Raccoons, in particular, are known carriers of raccoon roundworm, a parasite that can be dangerous to humans. Additionally, their droppings and urine can lead to unpleasant odors and contribute to the growth of mold, which can affect the air quality in your home.
3. Increased Risk of Infestation
If one animal finds its way into your attic, others may follow. Squirrels and raccoons leave behind scent markers that can attract more wildlife. An infestation can quickly escalate from one or two animals to a larger colony, making removal more difficult and increasing the damage to your home.
How to Prevent Squirrels and Raccoons from Invading Your Attic
Given the risks, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent squirrels and raccoons from gaining access to your attic. Here are some effective strategies to keep these critters out:
1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points
The first step in preventing an infestation is to conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior. Look for any gaps, cracks, or holes that could serve as entry points for squirrels and raccoons. Pay particular attention to areas around the roofline, eaves, vents, and chimneys. Seal any openings with durable materials such as metal flashing or heavy-duty mesh. For chimneys, install a cap to prevent animals from getting inside.
2. Trim Tree Branches and Remove Climbing Aids
Squirrels and raccoons are excellent climbers, and they often use tree branches to access roofs. Trim back any branches that overhang or are close to your roof to eliminate this route of entry. Additionally, remove any objects like firewood stacks, trellises, or gutters that could act as a ladder for these animals to climb onto your roof.
3. Secure Trash and Food Sources
To deter raccoons and squirrels from approaching your home, make sure all food sources are securely stored. Use animal-proof garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, and store pet food indoors. If you have bird feeders, place them on poles away from your home and use baffles to prevent squirrels from reaching the food. Additionally, clean up any fallen fruit from trees and secure compost bins to eliminate attractants.
4. Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers
Raccoons, in particular, are nocturnal and prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. Installing motion-activated lights around your home can startle and deter them from approaching. Similarly, motion-activated sprinklers can be an effective way to scare off both raccoons and squirrels, making your yard less inviting.
5. Use Natural Repellents
Natural repellents can also be effective in deterring squirrels and raccoons from your attic. Sprinkling predator urine (available at garden stores) around the perimeter of your home can create the illusion of a predator nearby. You can also use strong-smelling substances like peppermint oil, ammonia, or vinegar-soaked rags placed near potential entry points to keep these animals at bay.
6. Consider Professional Wildlife Control Services
If you’ve already noticed signs of squirrels or raccoons in your attic, or if you want to ensure your home is fully protected, it’s wise to consult with a professional wildlife control service. Experts can provide a comprehensive inspection, seal all potential entry points, and safely remove any animals that may have already taken up residence in your attic. They can also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure your home remains wildlife-free.
Why Call STL Pest Control?
When dealing with the threat of squirrels and raccoons in your attic, it’s crucial to act quickly and effectively to prevent serious damage to your home and potential health risks to your family. While DIY solutions might seem appealing, they often provide only temporary relief and can fail to address the root of the problem. This is where STL Pest Control comes in.
Expertise and Experience:
STL Pest Control has years of experience in wildlife control, specializing in humane and effective methods to remove pests like squirrels and raccoons. Our team of licensed professionals is trained to handle the unique challenges posed by these animals, from identifying all potential entry points to implementing long-term prevention strategies.
Comprehensive Inspections:
We begin by conducting a thorough inspection of your property, identifying not only the animals present but also the specific vulnerabilities in your home’s structure that allowed them to enter. Our detailed assessments ensure that we target the problem at its source, providing you with a comprehensive solution that addresses both immediate and future concerns.
Humane and Safe Removal:
At STL Pest Control, we prioritize the humane treatment of wildlife. Our removal techniques are designed to safely and ethically relocate animals without causing harm. We use specialized equipment and methods that comply with all local wildlife regulations, ensuring that the removal process is both effective and responsible.
Long-Term Prevention Solutions:
Getting rid of the animals is only half the battle. To ensure they don’t return, STL Pest Control provides long-term prevention solutions tailored to your home. We seal all entry points, reinforce vulnerable areas, and offer advice on how to make your property less attractive to wildlife. Our goal is to give you peace of mind knowing that your home is secure against future infestations.
Customer-Centric Service:
Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. We understand that dealing with wildlife in your home can be stressful, so we make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. From the moment you call, our team is dedicated to providing prompt, professional service, answering all your questions, and ensuring that you are fully informed at every step.
Trusted by the Community:
STL Pest Control has built a strong reputation in the St. Louis area for our commitment to quality and customer care. We are proud to be a trusted partner in protecting homes and businesses from pests. Our many satisfied customers and positive reviews are a testament to our dedication and expertise.
When squirrels and raccoons invade your attic, don’t take chances with DIY solutions or inexperienced providers. Call STL Pest Control, and let our professionals handle the problem with the expertise and care your home deserves. We’re here to ensure that your attic—and your entire home—remains safe, secure, and pest-free.