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Squirrels in the Attic: 9 Signs and What to Do
Squirrels are the most common animal in New Jersey attics. Catching it early saves a lot of damage. Here are the nine signs we see most, and what to do next.
Quick answer: Scratching or running in the ceiling in the early morning and late afternoon, plus a chewed hole at a roof corner or soffit, almost always means squirrels.
9 signs of squirrels in the attic
- Noise at dawn and dusk. Squirrels are active by day — they leave in the morning and come back before dark. Middle-of-the-night noise points to mice, rats, flying squirrels or raccoons (compare the sounds).
- Rolling or rattling sounds — squirrels move and store nuts.
- Chewed holes at roof returns, the corners where the roof meets the gutter.
- Gaps behind gutters or in soffits with chewed, lighter-colored wood around the edges.
- Squirrels on the roof going in and out at the same spot — watch for 20 minutes after sunrise.
- Droppings in the attic: larger than mouse droppings, rounded, often in piles.
- Shredded insulation, leaves or paper balled into a nest.
- Stains or smell on ceilings below the attic.
- Electrical problems — chewed wires can cause flickering lights or dead outlets.
What to do
- Don’t seal the hole yet — you could trap squirrels (or babies) inside.
- Note when you hear them and where. That helps pinpoint the entry.
- Check the season: babies are common in late winter–spring and again in late summer (baby season).
- Get an inspection of the whole roofline — squirrels rarely use only one gap.
- Use one-way exclusion and seal with steel.
Don’t use poison in the attic. A squirrel that dies in a wall or ceiling causes weeks of odor and flies.
Watch: wildlife removal & proofing
Want it handled? Silver Bullet removes squirrels and raccoons humanely and seals your home with steel. Call 973-510-2585 or request a free quote.
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Our wildlife services
- Squirrel Proofing in New Jersey
- Raccoon Proofing in New Jersey
- Animal Proofing & Wildlife Exclusion in New Jersey
- Chimney Animal Proofing & Chimney Caps in New Jersey
- Wildlife Damage Repair in New Jersey
- Animal entry point sealing
More tips & questions
- Noises in the Attic: Squirrels, Rats, Mice or Raccoons?
- How Raccoons Get Into Attics (and How to Stop Them)
- Raccoon in the Chimney: What to Do (and What Not To)
- One-Way Doors: How Squirrel & Raccoon Exclusion Works
- Squirrel Damage to Soffits, Fascia, Vents and Wires
- Home Remedies for Squirrels and Raccoons: What Works and What Doesn't
- How Much Does Squirrel or Raccoon Proofing Cost in NJ?
- Baby Squirrel and Raccoon Season in New Jersey
- Raccoon Latrines and Attic Cleanup: The Health Risks
- 15 Tips to Keep Squirrels and Raccoons Out of Your House
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Common questions
What time of day are squirrels active in the attic?
Mostly early morning and late afternoon. They usually leave after sunrise to feed and return before dark.
Can squirrels damage my house?
Yes. They chew wood, wires, vents and insulation, and enlarge entry holes that let in water and other animals.
Will squirrels leave the attic on their own?
Rarely. An attic is a safe, warm nest. Even if they leave, the hole stays open for the next squirrel.
Do I need to call a professional?
It’s the safest route if you can’t reach the roofline safely, if there may be babies, or if you’ve sealed holes before and they came back.
Schedule today
Call 973-510-2585, text us or request a free quote online. Silver Bullet Pest Control is licensed and insured in New Jersey.