Wildlife in the attic — squirrels raccoons bats and birds
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.
You hear something moving around in your attic. It sounds like an animal. It’s scurrying, or you hear thuds, or there’s scratching. You don’t know what you’re dealing with. Is it dangerous? Can you ignore it? Can you remove it yourself? What the animal is determines how urgently you need to act and what approach is appropriate.
Different animals behave and nest differently. Identifying what you have narrows down the situation.
Squirrels are active during the day, so you hear them during daylight hours. They’re less worrisome than other attic animals but they can cause damage. Squirrels chew on wood, insulation, and electrical wiring. They’re loud and active. They don’t typically carry serious diseases but they can gnaw through structural elements. Professional removal costs $500 to $2,000 depending on severity. Squirrels can be excluded with fencing or netting if they’re entering from accessible areas.
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, so you hear them at night. They’re larger and you’ll hear substantial thuds and movement. Raccoons are intelligent, destructive, and they can be aggressive. They carry roundworms in their feces and urine that can be hazardous to humans. They also damage insulation and structures as they nest and move around. Raccoon removal is more involved and more expensive—$1,000 to $3,000. Professional removal is necessary because raccoons are dangerous and trapping them is often illegal. Exclusion (finding and sealing their entry points) is the proper approach.
Bats are quiet, nocturnal, and they roost in attics. Many people don’t realize they have bats until they notice guano (droppings) or smell them. Bats are actually beneficial—they eat thousands of insects nightly. In most areas, bats are legally protected, so killing or trapping them is illegal. If bats are in your attic, professional exclusion is appropriate. Find the entry points and seal them one-way so bats can exit but not re-enter. Cost is typically $500 to $1,500. Bats carry rabies, so don’t handle them under any circumstances.
Birds nest in eaves, vents, and attic openings. You might hear chirping, movement, or nesting activity. Birds are less dangerous than mammals but they can block vents and make messes. Professional removal involves finding nests and removing them, then sealing vents and openings to prevent re-entry. Cost is $300 to $800. Prevention is key—screen vents and seal gaps.
Professional removal and exclusion is necessary for all of these. DIY removal isn’t just ineffective, it’s often illegal. Many states prohibit homeowners from trapping and relocating wildlife. Professionals are licensed and know the regulations. They also have the expertise to identify what you have and approach it appropriately.
Safety is critical. Don’t attempt to handle or remove any animal yourself. Raccoons can be aggressive and bite. Bats carry rabies—one tiny bite can be fatal if untreated. Squirrels can bite and scratch. Birds can peck. Even wildlife that seems harmless is unpredictable when threatened. Leave removal to professionals.
Cost for professional removal and exclusion typically runs $500 to $3,000 depending on what animal, how established they are, and what exclusion is necessary. This is a legitimate expense for dealing with wildlife. It’s cheaper than ignoring the problem and letting damage accumulate.
The proper approach after removal is exclusion—sealing the entry points so they can’t return. Find where they entered and seal it. Trim tree branches touching your roof and walls so animals can’t use them as highways. Maintain your roof, vents, and fascia so there are no entry points. Remove food sources—don’t leave garbage accessible.
If you’re hearing movement in your attic, act soon. Identify what you’re hearing if possible. Call a wildlife removal professional. Get them to assess and remove the animal, then seal entry points to prevent return.
Don’t ignore attic wildlife hoping it goes away. It won’t. It will establish itself, breed, cause damage, and multiply. Professional removal is the correct solution.
© The Whole Home Guide