Kane & McHenry County

Squirrels in the attic or walls? Don't seal them in.

Squirrels get into attics through small chewed holes in the eaves, fascia or soffit, and they can move down into the walls. The fix is getting them out first and sealing the way in after, never the other way around.

How do I know it's squirrels?

The timing. Gray and fox squirrels are out during the day, busiest in early morning and late afternoon. Inside, you may hear rustling in the nest at night and nothing once they head out.
A small chewed hole. Look along the roofline at corners, the fascia and the soffit. Small holes usually mean squirrels; large torn openings mean something bigger.
Chewing. Squirrels gnaw siding, insulation and wiring.
Activity late at night? It could also be flying squirrels, about two ounces and the only squirrels active at night.

Why not just seal the hole?

If young are in the nest, the mother may chew her way back in to reach them. If a squirrel dies inside the attic or a wall, the smell can be strong. Sealing comes last, after the animals are confirmed out.

Quick check: stuff newspaper loosely into the hole. If it's pushed out within three days, something is still using it.

Can I trap them myself?

Tree squirrels are protected in Illinois. A homeowner needs a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit from the Illinois DNR before trapping, even to let the squirrel go on the same property, and the IDNR doesn't issue one for minor nuisances. A licensed operator already holds the permit.

What does a licensed operator do?

A licensed operator finds every opening, gets the squirrels out, and then seals and repairs the entry points. Illinois rules require them to explain the plan and estimated cost and get your written OK before starting.

Questions people ask

Do squirrels damage wiring?

They can. Wildlife Illinois notes that squirrels chew through siding or enlarge openings to get into attics, and chew insulation and electrical wiring once inside.

Are the noises at night squirrels or something else?

Tree squirrels rustle in the nest at night and go quiet once they leave to feed in the morning. Activity late at night can also be flying squirrels, the only squirrels active after dark. Constant small scratching day and night may be mice, which is a pest-control job.

Can I trap squirrels myself in Illinois?

Tree squirrels are protected. A homeowner needs a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit from the Illinois DNR before trapping, even to release the squirrel on the same property.