If you’ve noticed small, dark droppings in or around your home, you might be wondering what kind of animal has left its mark. For homeowners in Newmarket, being able to identify squirrel droppings is a critical step in understanding whether these furry invaders have taken up residence, especially in spaces like your attic. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent bigger problems down the line and keep your home safe.

Squirrel droppings are usually oval-shaped, dark brown to black, and slightly larger than mouse droppings. They are often scattered in clusters, particularly in areas where squirrels are active. You’ll commonly find them in quiet, hidden spots like attics or near walls. One key difference from mouse droppings is that squirrel feces tend to have smoother, rounded edges, making them easier to spot if you know what to look for. If you’re seeing these squirrel feces signs in or around your attic, it’s time to act.

Throughout this post, we’ll help you pinpoint the most common places to look for squirrel droppings in your attic, around your property, and elsewhere in your home. Plus, you’ll discover why Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Newmarket is your best choice for safely and effectively addressing the problem. Stay tuned to learn what these telltale signs mean for your home and how you can protect your space from further damage.

Recognizing Squirrel Droppings at a Glance

When trying to identify squirrel droppings, knowing what to look for can make the job easier. Below are key features and tips to help you differentiate them from other animal waste:

• Size and Shape: Squirrel droppings are around 1 cm long, similar to the size of a raisin. They have an oval shape and rounded ends, making them distinct from rodent droppings, which are typically smaller and pointier.
• Colour: Fresh squirrel feces are dark brown to black. Over time, they dry out and take on a lighter, chalky appearance.
• Clustered Piles: Unlike rodents that might leave droppings scattered everywhere, squirrels often leave theirs in small piles near nesting or feeding spots.

These details can help you confirm whether the droppings you’ve found are from squirrels. If you’re still unsure, it’s best to reach out to experts who can help identify squirrel droppings accurately.

Where You’ll Spot Squirrel Droppings

Squirrels are creatures of routine, often following the same paths between their food sources and nesting areas. As a result, their droppings tend to accumulate in consistent, predictable locations. Below are the key areas where Newmarket homeowners are most likely to notice signs of squirrel activity.

Attics

Attics are a favourite spot for squirrels because they are warm, quiet, and safe from predators. These animals often nest in dark corners, hide food, and create pathways along beams or rafters. Their droppings might be scattered around these areas, especially near nests or chewed insulation. If you notice droppings here, it’s likely squirrels have been making themselves at home.

Soffits and Rafters

Squirrels use soffits, rafters, and other hidden spaces as their personal highways in and out of your home. These areas provide a sheltered pathway, making it harder for predators to spot them. Droppings often collect near entry points like vents or gaps in your soffit, as squirrels stop to climb or squeeze through these spots. If you find droppings in these areas, it’s a good clue about where they’re entering your home.

Garages or Sheds

Garages and sheds are another place squirrels love to explore, especially if food or nesting materials like paper, fabric, or bags are stored there. You might find droppings along walls, under shelving, or near any clutter they’ve been rummaging through. Evidence of chewed items or disrupted storage spaces often goes hand in hand with droppings in these spots.

Outdoors

Outdoors, squirrel droppings can help identify areas where these animals are active before they make their way into your home. Check the ground near large trees they use as food sources or shelter. Droppings are also common under bird feeders, where squirrels scavenge for spilled seeds. If they’re nesting under your deck or patio, you’re likely to see droppings there, too, along with tracks or fur marks.

Identifying squirrel droppings in your attic or anywhere else in your home is an important first step in dealing with the problem.

Why Squirrel Droppings Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Squirrels may seem harmless, but their droppings are a warning sign of larger issues. Ignoring these feces signs can lead to serious problems for your health and home. Here’s what squirrel droppings might mean:

• Health Risks: Like other wildlife, squirrels can carry diseases and parasites. Their droppings may contain harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, which could spread if the waste isn’t cleaned up correctly.
• Structural Damage: The presence of droppings often goes hand in hand with other damage caused by squirrels chewing through insulation, wood beams, or even electrical wiring.
• Ongoing Infestation: Finding droppings indicates that squirrels have a foothold in your home. Without action, their numbers (and the damage they cause) can quickly grow.

If you see squirrel droppings in your attic or elsewhere in your home, don’t delay addressing the problem. Wildlife infestations never resolve themselves.

Other Signs Squirrels Are in Your Home

Besides droppings, there are other clues that squirrels may be living in your home. Spotting these additional signs can confirm whether squirrels are the culprit behind the mischief in your attic:

• Unusual Noises: You may hear scratching, scampering, or even gnawing sounds during the day. Squirrels are active during daylight hours, so if you’re hearing noises at night, it could be a different animal.
• Chewing Damage: Squirrels chew constantly to wear down their teeth, leaving teeth marks on your woodwork, plastic pipes, or even electrical wiring.
• Entry Points: Look for holes in your roof, soffits, or vents. These gaps often act as doorways for squirrels to sneak in.
• Track Marks or Grease Stains: Repeated trips through tight spaces often leave smudges from their fur or small footprints around their entry spots.

If you spot these signs along with squirrel droppings, it’s a strong confirmation that squirrels have invaded your space.

Safe and Humane Solutions for Newmarket Homeowners

When it comes to removing squirrels and cleaning up their droppings, calling professionals is always the best option. Left unchecked, squirrels can cause lasting damage to your home and pose health concerns for you and your family.

We at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offer safe and humane solutions that address the problem without causing harm to the animals. Using one-way doors, squirrels are allowed to leave your home while being prevented from returning. Along with expertly sealing entry points, this leaves your home squirrel-free without unnecessary stress.

We also handle the cleanup process to ensure your home is safe and sanitary. Squirrel droppings are properly removed, contaminated areas are cleaned, and measures are taken to prevent another infestation.

Don’t Wait to Request Help

Spotting droppings or other signs of squirrel activity in your home is a call to action. Identifying squirrel droppings isn’t just the first step in combating an infestation; it’s also an opportunity to protect your health, your home, and your peace of mind. For Newmarket homeowners, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers the expertise and tools you need to reclaim your attic and keep it wildlife-free.

Request an estimate today and take the first step toward a cleaner, safer home. With us on your side, you can count on a professional solution that ensures squirrels leave your home for good.