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Squirrel in your attic: what to do right now

Squirrels in the attic are noisy and stressful, but rarely dangerous to you directly. The most important thing is not to seal the entry hole yet. A squirrel or babies trapped inside will chew their way out or die in the attic.

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Do this now

  1. 1Note when you hear noises. Morning and evening activity points to gray, fox or red squirrels.
  2. 2Keep the attic door or hatch closed so a squirrel cannot get into the living space.
  3. 3Walk outside and look for chewed holes at soffits, roof vents, gable vents and roof edges.
  4. 4Watch the hole from a distance in the morning to see if squirrels go in and out.
  5. 5Check for exposed or chewed wiring if you can see it safely, and avoid touching it.

Don't

  • Don't seal the hole while squirrels or babies may still be inside.
  • Don't use poison. Squirrels can die in the walls and cause odor problems.
  • Don't reach into nests or handle squirrels with bare hands.
  • Don't trap and move squirrels without checking Michigan DNR rules first.

Get help immediately if

  • A squirrel is loose in your living space: close interior doors, open an exterior door, and leave the room.
  • You smell burning plastic or see chewed wiring: call an electrician and get same-day help.
  • Someone was bitten or scratched: wash with soap and water and call a doctor.

Squirrels, raccoons or mice: what the noise tells you

Tree squirrels are active during the day, so scratching and running around early in the morning and again late in the afternoon usually means squirrels. Heavy thumping at night points more toward raccoons. Light scratching at night is more often mice or flying squirrels, which are small and nocturnal. Knowing which animal you have helps a pro choose the right approach.

Squirrels chew constantly to keep their teeth worn down. In an attic, that can mean chewed wiring, which is a real fire risk, along with torn insulation and damaged vents. Squirrels often have litters in spring and again in late summer, so a mother with babies is common in the attic during both seasons.

How pros get squirrels out for good

The standard approach is to find every opening, then install a one-way door on the main entry so squirrels can leave but not get back in. Once the attic is empty, the holes are sealed with sturdy material. If babies are present, a good pro will plan around them rather than trap them inside. Learn more on our wildlife control page.

Michigan wildlife rules vary by species, and licensed nuisance wildlife control operators work under Michigan DNR rules. Moving trapped animals is restricted, so check with the DNR before trapping or relocating anything yourself. After removal, ask about insulation damage and droppings, since an attic used for months can need cleanup.

What it costs

$300 to $900removal and exclusion

Price depends on the number of entry points, roof height, whether babies are present, and repair work needed. After-hours or same-day emergency visits often cost more. These are typical ranges, not quotes.

Typical ranges, not quotes. More on wildlife and the Michigan cost guide.

Common questions

Will squirrels leave the attic on their own?

Rarely. An attic is warm, dry and safe, which makes it an ideal nest site. Noise and lights sometimes help, but squirrels usually come back unless the openings are closed. One-way doors followed by sealing is the reliable fix.

How long does it take to get squirrels out of an attic?

Many jobs take a few days to a couple of weeks. The one-way door has to stay up long enough for every squirrel to leave, and babies may need extra time.

Is it dangerous to have squirrels in the attic?

The main risks are to the house: chewed wiring that can start a fire, damaged insulation, and new holes that let water and other animals in. Squirrels rarely come after people, but they will bite if handled or cornered.

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