Squirrels dashing across Piedmont Park or scurrying up the oaks in your backyard? Adorable. Squirrels nesting in your attic? Not so much. A squirrel infestation in Atlanta is more common than you might think, thanks to our mild winters and abundance of trees. These animals may be cute, but they can wreak havoc on your home if not handled quickly and carefully.

How do you spot the warning signs? And what’s the best way to deal with the furry intruders? Here’s your guide to identifying and addressing a squirrel situation—all while keeping it humane.

Why Atlanta Homes Are Popular with Squirrels

If you’ve lived in Atlanta long, you know nature is always nearby—even in the busiest neighborhoods. The city’s nickname, the “City in a Forest,” is well-earned with its abundance of tree-lined streets, sprawling parks, and lush green spaces. Our warm, temperate climate means that wildlife, like squirrels, thrive here all year long, darting across power lines, scurrying through parks, and adding a touch of nature to urban life.

Here’s what draws them to your home specifically:

• Easy Access to Food: Bird feeders, pet food left outside, or even leaky trash cans can act as a buffet for squirrels.
• Prime Real Estate: Attics, walls, and chimneys offer cozy shelter, safe from predators and the elements.
• Dense Vegetation: Overhanging branches create natural bridges to your roof, and thick foliage gives squirrels the cover they need.
• Accessible Water Sources: From birdbaths to dripping outdoor faucets, squirrels will use any nearby water source.

Now that you understand what attracts them, how can you tell if they’ve turned your house into their home?

5 Signs of a Squirrel Problem

Knowing the signs of squirrels in your attic or home can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s what to look (and listen) for:

1. Strange Noises in the Attic or Walls

Hearing scratches, scampering sounds, or gnawing in the early hours? That’s not your house settling; that’s squirrel activity. They’re busiest early in the morning and late in the evening. These noises are your first red flag that squirrels have moved in.

Why act fast? Squirrels chew on insulation, wood, and even wires, creating serious fire hazards.

2. Damage to Your Home’s Exterior

Squirrels are excellent at breaking and entering. Look for chewed or damaged wood around your roofline, vents, soffits, or eaves. Tiny holes in the siding or unexplained gaps in the structure? Those could be entry points that squirrels have gnawed their way through.

Do a quick walk around your home, paying close attention to these areas. You might spot their handiwork before things get worse.

3. Droppings and Odors

Noticed unpleasant smells wafting from your attic? Squirrel droppings and urine are likely to blame. Droppings look similar to grains of rice and may be scattered in clusters.

Keep in mind, that these messes aren’t just unappealing—they can also pose health risks. Cleaning them without proper precautions can expose you to harmful bacteria or parasites, so calling in professionals is always the safest choice.

4. Nests and Debris in Your Attic

Squirrels love to build nests, otherwise known as dreys, in warm, undisturbed spaces. If you peek into your attic and see clusters of twigs, leaves, or insulation, you’ve likely found their home base.

Beyond nests, squirrel “decor” often includes extra debris they drag inside, like food scraps or random bits of trash.

5. A Surge in Squirrel Sightings Near Your Home

Noticing squirrels darting across your roof or hanging around your eaves more than usual? They may be scouting spots to nest—or worse, already living in your attic.

Atlanta’s high number of trees means squirrels often hop from branch to roof, looking for an entryway. Building bridges with close-hanging tree branches is their specialty, so trim those back to limit access.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Act

Atlanta homeowners know how fast problems can escalate—hello, pollen-covered cars and those surprise summer downpours. A squirrel infestation in Atlanta is no different. Left unchecked, squirrels can chew through wiring, compromise insulation, and leave behind unsanitary messes.

What’s worse, ignoring the issue may allow them time to breed. A small problem could quickly turn into an entire squirrel family in your attic.

Humane Wildlife Control in Atlanta

You don’t want squirrels in your home, but that doesn’t mean they need to be harmed. At Skedaddle, we specialize in humane wildlife control in Atlanta, offering safe and effective solutions tailored to protect your home and the animals. Here’s how we help:

1. Inspection: We identify all entry points and determine where squirrels are nesting.
2. Humane Removal: Using techniques like one-way doors, we ensure squirrels leave your attic safely and cannot return.
3. Thorough Clean-Up: Droppings, debris, and smell? Gone. We restore your space to a clean, safe condition.
4. Prevention: Finally, we seal all access points with durable materials and provide tips to make your home squirrel-proof moving forward.

Our approach ensures that squirrels are safely and humanely removed from your property without causing them stress or harm. We take care to use methods that prioritize their well-being while also addressing any damage they may have caused. This gives you peace of mind, knowing your property is protected and the squirrels are handled responsibly.

Keep Wildlife Where It Belongs

Squirrels might be charming outdoors, leaping across the BeltLine or chittering in the trees at Grant Park, but they don’t belong in your attic. Recognizing the signs of squirrels in the attic early and acting quickly protects your home and ensures these furry guests are removed safely and humanely.

If you suspect a squirrel infestation in Atlanta, don’t wait. Contact Skedaddle today. With years of experience in humane wildlife control in Atlanta, we’ll get your home squirrel-free and help you keep it that way.

Reach out now to schedule your inspection and take the first step toward a safe, squirrel-free home!