The Squirrel Invasion: How to Spot and Stop Property Damage

If you've heard scampering in your attic or noticed gnawed wires and insulation, you may be facing more than just a curious critter — you might be in the midst of a squirrel invasion. In Southeast Michigan, squirrels are more than a charming part of our local wildlife; they’re also among the most common culprits of residential property damage.

At Wildlife X Team of Southeast Michigan, we’ve seen firsthand how these agile animals turn homes into playgrounds, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Let’s take a closer look at how to spot the signs of a squirrel infestation — and more importantly, how to stop it.

Why Squirrels Invade Homes

Squirrels are resourceful animals looking for three things: shelter, food, and safety. Unfortunately, your attic or crawl space offers all of these. During colder months, especially in the fall and winter, squirrels look for warm nesting sites. If your home has any openings — even as small as 2 inches — a determined squirrel can chew its way in.

Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem

Noises in the Attic Hearing scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds — especially in the early morning or evening? That’s a common sign squirrels are nesting above your ceiling.

Droppings or Odors Squirrel feces are similar to rat droppings but slightly larger. Over time, the buildup creates a strong, unpleasant odor.

Chewed Wires or Wood Squirrels have teeth that never stop growing, so they chew constantly — on electrical wires, wood beams, insulation, and even piping. This can create fire hazards and costly damage.

Visible Entry Points Look for holes along your roofline, soffits, vents, or chimney. Squirrels often leave telltale gnaw marks around their entryways.

Nesting Materials Twigs, leaves, and insulation bundled together are a sure sign of squirrel nesting.

How to Stop Squirrel Damage

Squirrel removal isn’t a DIY job. Attempting to trap or exclude them without proper equipment or strategy can make things worse. Here’s what Wildlife X Team of Southeast Michigan recommends:

1. Inspection

A full property inspection helps identify how squirrels are getting in, where they’re nesting, and what damage has already occurred.

2. Humane Removal

We use humane, non-lethal trapping and exclusion techniques to safely remove squirrels without harming them or your property.

3. Entry Point Sealing

Once the squirrels are out, it’s crucial to seal every potential access point with durable materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth.

4. Damage Repair & Clean-Up

Our team restores damaged areas, removes contaminated insulation, and sanitizes to eliminate health risks from droppings or urine.

5. Prevention

We install squirrel-proof caps on chimneys and vents, trim tree branches away from roofs, and offer year-round protection plans to keep pests out for good.

Don’t Wait — Protect Your Home

Squirrels might look cute climbing trees, but inside your home, they can become a destructive force. Left unchecked, a squirrel infestation can lead to structural damage, electrical fires, and health concerns.

If you suspect squirrels are making themselves at home in your attic, call Wildlife X Team SE Michigan today. We’re your local experts in humane wildlife removal and damage prevention — here to protect your home, your family, and our Michigan wildlife.