Straight answers from a licensed New York exterminator and Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) — serving all five boroughs, in English and Spanish.
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Quick answer: Squirrels in the attic usually announce themselves with scratching and scampering noises during the day (unlike nocturnal rodents), chewed wood/wires, gnawed entry holes at the roofline, and droppings or nesting debris. They’re a real concern because they gnaw electrical wiring (a fire risk), damage insulation, and may have young inside in spring/fall. The fix is humane removal plus sealing the entry points (exclusion) — never seal them in.
Signs you have squirrels (not rats)
- Daytime activity: squirrels are active by day, especially early morning and late afternoon — rats and mice are mostly nocturnal.
- Heavy scratching/rolling sounds in the attic or wall (acorns being stored, larger movement than mice).
- Entry holes at the roofline, soffits, vents, or gable — often gnawed and round.
- Chewing damage to wood, wires, and insulation; visible droppings (larger than mouse droppings).
Why squirrels in the attic are a problem
Beyond the noise, squirrels gnaw constantly — including on electrical wiring, which is a genuine fire hazard — and they shred insulation for nests and contaminate it with droppings and urine. In spring and late summer/fall, a female may have a litter of young in your attic, which changes how removal must be handled (you don’t want to trap a mother away from dependent babies).
What to do (and what not to)
Don’t just plug the hole — trapping squirrels inside leads to damage and dead-animal odor. The right sequence is: confirm how many and whether there are young, remove them humanely, then seal every entry point and reinforce vulnerable areas (roofline, soffits, vents) so they can’t get back in. Squirrels are persistent and will re-chew weak spots, so durable exclusion is what actually solves it.
Hearing daytime scratching overhead? New York Exterminating can assess the situation and handle exclusion — sealing the entry points wildlife use — led by an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE). Call (347) 210-4646 or request a free assessment. Not sure if it’s squirrels or rodents? See signs of mice and rats.
A Brooklyn-based, NYSDEC-registered company (Reg. #15140) led by Jorge Bedoya, an Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE). For pests in your home or building, NYE provides IPM-based, low-exposure control matched to the exact pest and verified with a follow-up. ACE-led work comes with a client portal of service reports and photos, fully bilingual service, and no long-term contract.
Squirrels in the Attic — FAQ
How do I know if it’s squirrels or rats in my attic?
Squirrels are active during the day and make louder scratching/rolling sounds; rats and mice are mostly nocturnal and quieter. Squirrel droppings and entry holes are also larger.
Are squirrels in the attic dangerous?
They can be — gnawed wiring is a fire risk, and they damage insulation and leave droppings. They’re not usually aggressive but shouldn’t be cornered.
Can I just block the hole they’re using?
No — that can trap animals (and babies) inside, causing damage and odor. Remove them first, confirm no young remain, then seal entry points.
How do I keep squirrels out for good?
Humane removal followed by thorough exclusion — sealing and reinforcing roofline gaps, soffits, and vents, since squirrels re-chew weak spots.
