As temperatures rise in March, squirrels and raccoons become increasingly active, searching for safe and warm nesting spots. Attics provide the perfect shelter, protecting from predators and unpredictable early spring weather. During this time, these animals are not just seeking refuge—they are also looking for a secure place to give birth and raise their young.
However, their presence can lead to significant issues for homeowners. Squirrels chew through insulation and electrical wires, increasing the risk of fires, while raccoons tear apart roofing and create entry points for other pests. Their nesting habits can also result in unpleasant odours, noise disturbances, and health risks due to droppings and parasites. Preventing them from entering your attic early in the season is crucial to avoiding costly repairs and potential infestations.
Why Are Squirrels & Raccoons a Problem in March?
Breeding Season
March marks the breeding season for squirrels and raccoons, making attics prime nesting targets. Squirrels typically have two litters per year, with the first born in early spring, while raccoons give birth around the same time, raising their young in secluded areas. Attics provide a warm, dry, and predator-free environment, making them ideal for mother animals to care for their newborns. Once inside, they can be difficult to remove without professional intervention.
Weather Conditions
March brings unpredictable weather, lingering cold spells, heavy rains, and fluctuating temperatures. Squirrels and raccoons seek shelter from harsh conditions, and attics offer a stable and insulated environment. With fewer food sources in late winter, these animals may also scavenge near homes, increasing their chances of finding a way inside.
Easy Access to Attics
Squirrels and raccoons are expert climbers and can easily access attics through roof gaps, vents, loose shingles, and soffits. Squirrels use their strong teeth to gnaw through small openings, while raccoons pry open weak points in roofing. Even a tiny gap can be an entryway, and once inside, they create nests, chew insulation, and cause significant structural damage. If not addressed early, they can return year after year, turning your attic into a permanent nesting site.
Signs of Squirrel and Raccoon Infestation
Identifying an infestation early can help prevent extensive damage. Squirrels and raccoons leave behind several clear signs when they invade an attic. If you notice any of the following, taking action immediately is crucial.
Scratching and Scurrying Noises
One of the first indicators of an infestation is unusual noises from the attic. Squirrels are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, while raccoons move around at night. If you hear scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds, it may indicate these animals are nesting, moving, or looking for food.
Droppings or Urine Stains
Both squirrels and raccoons leave behind droppings and urine, which can cause foul odors and stains on ceilings or walls. Squirrel droppings are small and pellet-shaped, while raccoon feces are larger and may contain visible food remnants. Raccoon droppings can also carry harmful parasites, such as roundworms, posing health risks to humans and pets.
Damage to Insulation, Wires, and Wood
Once inside, these animals tear through the insulation to create nests, reducing its effectiveness and increasing energy costs. Squirrels are known for their constant gnawing, damaging wooden beams and electrical wires, creating a fire hazard. Raccoons may also rip apart ductwork, vents, and shingles, weakening the attic’s structure.
Nesting Materials
Squirrels and raccoons build nests using leaves, twigs, shredded fabric, and insulation. If you find piles of debris in the attic, especially near corners or hidden spaces, it’s a sign that animals have moved in and are preparing to raise their young.
Visible Entry Points
Check for holes, chewed openings, and damaged vents on the roof, soffits, or eaves. Squirrels chew through small gaps, while raccoons can tear open larger sections to gain access. If you see scratch marks, fur, or signs of tampering near openings, it likely means an animal has entered.
How to Keep Squirrels & Raccoons Out of Your Attic
Preventing squirrels and raccoons from entering your attic requires sealing entry points, removing attractants, and using deterrents. Taking these steps early can help protect your home from infestations.
Seal Entry Points
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The most effective way to keep squirrels and raccoons out is by blocking all potential entryways. These animals can squeeze through small gaps and weak spots, making regular inspections crucial.
- Inspect the roof, soffits, vents, and attic for small holes, loose shingles, or damaged siding.
- Use metal flashing, heavy-duty mesh, or hardware cloth to cover gaps and prevent animals from chewing through.
- Install chimney caps and vent covers to stop raccoons from entering through large openings.
- Reinforce weak spots around eaves and fascia boards to prevent raccoons from prying them open.
Remove Attractants
Squirrels and raccoons are drawn to homes with easy food sources and shelter. Eliminating what attracts them can reduce the likelihood of them attempting to enter.
- Avoid leaving pet food or garbage outside, as raccoons are especially drawn to leftovers.
- Trim tree branches near the roof, as squirrels can use them as a bridge to reach the attic.
- Keep bird feeders away from the house, as spilled seeds attract squirrels and raccoons.
- Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent raccoons from scavenging.
Use Deterrents
Adding deterrents around your home can make it less inviting for squirrels and raccoons. These methods work best when combined with sealing and attractant removal.
- Motion-activated lights and sound devices can startle raccoons and make them avoid your property.
- Natural repellents like ammonia-soaked rags can deter animals from nesting in attics.
- Predator scents (fox or coyote urine) create the illusion of danger, discouraging squirrels and raccoons from settling in.
What to Do If Squirrels or Raccoons Are Already Inside?
If squirrels or raccoons have already made their way into your attic, removing them safely and effectively is crucial. Improper removal can lead to property damage, legal issues, or animal harm. Follow these steps to ensure a humane and effective solution.
Avoid Sealing Without Checking
Before sealing entry points, ensure no animals or babies are trapped inside. Squirrels and raccoons often give birth in March, and sealing off the entrance could separate mothers from their young, leading to desperate attempts to re-enter or, worse, baby animals dying inside your attic.
- Inspect for nests, droppings, and recent activity before closing any openings.
- If babies are present, allow time for the mother to relocate them naturally.
Use One-Way Doors
A one-way exclusion door is a humane method to remove adult squirrels or raccoons without allowing them to return. These doors allow animals to exit safely but cannot re-enter once outside.
- Install one-way doors over entry points to let animals leave at their own pace.
- Monitor the attic for a few days to ensure all animals have left before sealing the openings permanently.
Seek Professional Removal
Calling our licensed wildlife control expert is the safest option if you suspect multiple animals, an aggressive raccoon, or an inaccessible nest.
- Our professionals use humane trapping and relocation techniques that comply with local wildlife laws.
- We can assess the situation and implement preventative measures to ensure the problem does not recur.
- Our experts can also clean and disinfect the attic to remove harmful droppings and odors that might attract future infestations.
