The Dangers of Ignoring Squirrel Activity in Your Attic

Squirrels are active year-round in Connecticut and frequently enter attics through small openings in rooflines, vents, and soffits. While they may seem harmless from a distance, squirrels inside your home can cause severe and costly damage. Ignoring the early signs of squirrel activity almost always leads to worse problems later.

One of the greatest risks squirrels pose is electrical damage. Their teeth grow continuously, and they chew wiring to control tooth length. Exposed wires can spark fires, short out circuits, or damage HVAC systems. Many house fires caused by “electrical issues” trace back to rodent chewing.

Another issue is insulation damage. Squirrels shred insulation to create nests, leaving your attic uneven and less energy efficient. The resulting gaps can cause heat loss in winter and raise energy bills year-round. Squirrels also bring in nesting materials such as leaves and twigs, increasing fire hazards.

Signs of squirrel activity include daytime running sounds, persistent scratching, chewing noises, or visible holes near the roofline. You may also see squirrels repeatedly entering the same area of your home. Squirrel droppings in the attic are another clear sign of infestation.

Attempting to remove squirrels yourself can be dangerous. They move quickly, may bite when threatened, and can become aggressive when babies are present. Squirrel nests often include litters of young in late winter and summer, and removing adults without locating babies can lead to dead animals inside your attic.

Professional wildlife technicians handle squirrels through humane trapping and exclusion. After removal, they seal entry points with chew-resistant materials such as metal flashing or heavy-gauge hardware cloth. Attic restoration can include insulation repair, sanitization, and cleanup of droppings—all of which improve home safety and air quality.

Ignoring squirrel activity is risky. Early detection and removal protect your home from fires, contamination, and long-term structural issues.