Squirrels in your Charlotte attic: A hidden fire hazard

As a design/build remodeling and construction firm, we’ve seen a lot in over 38 years at Palmer Custom Builders—from outdated kitchens to homes with serious structural issues. But one hidden problem that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late is the presence of squirrels in an attic or crawl space. These seemingly harmless (and cute!) critters can pose a significant fire hazard to your Charlotte home, putting your family and property at risk. 

Why squirrels are a fire hazard.

Squirrels are resourceful and persistent creatures. During the colder winter months, they are particularly likely to seek shelter in your attic or crawl space, where they can cause significant damage in several ways:

1. Chewing electrical wiring

Squirrels have teeth that grow continuously, so they need to gnaw on hard objects to keep them in check. Unfortunately, electrical wiring is often one of their favorite targets. Chewed wires can lead to exposed copper, which increases the risk of electrical shorts and sparks. In the worst-case scenario, this can ignite surrounding insulation or other flammable materials, leading to a fire. We recently heard a family story about a total home loss due to a fire caused by a squirrel chewing wiring in the attic, underscoring just how serious this issue can be.

2. Nesting materials

Squirrels build nests using a variety of materials, including leaves, twigs, and shredded insulation. These nests are often located near electrical components, creating a combustible environment. A single spark from a chewed wire or an overloaded circuit can set these materials ablaze.

3. Damage to insulation and ventilation

By burrowing into insulation, squirrels not only compromise your home’s energy efficiency but also create fire hazards. Damaged insulation can come into direct contact with exposed wiring, increasing the risk of ignition. Attic gable and roof exhaust fans or even turbine fans get clogged with nesting materials.

4. Clogged vents

Squirrels often block vents with nesting materials. This can lead to poor airflow, overheating of electrical systems, or even the buildup of flammable gases in your home.

Do you have a squirrel problem? 

Identifying a squirrel infestation early is key to preventing serious damage. Here are some common signs to watch for:

1. Unusual noises

One of the first signs of squirrels in your home is the sound of scratching, scurrying, or gnawing, especially in the early morning or late evening. These noises are often more noticeable in late fall or winter when squirrels are more active indoors to escape the cold. These noises often come from the roof soffit, gutters, attic, walls, or crawl space.

2. Droppings

Squirrel droppings are small, dark, and oval-shaped. You may find them in areas where squirrels are active, such as near insulation, along beams or close to your soffits.

3. Chewed wires and wood

Inspect your attic or crawl space for signs of gnawed wiring, wood, or other materials. Squirrels often leave behind visible damage as they chew their way through your home.

4. Nests

Look for nests made of leaves, twigs, and shredded insulation. These are usually located in corners, near vents, or along beams.

5. Entry points

Squirrels can squeeze through very small openings to access your home. Check for holes, gaps, or damaged vents around your roofline, eaves, and foundation.

6. Foul odors

A strong, unpleasant smell in your attic or crawl space could indicate the presence of squirrel urine, droppings, or even a dead animal.

Why you can’t ignore them.

Failing to address a squirrel infestation can have serious consequences:

• Increased fire risk: Damaged wiring and flammable nesting materials create a perfect storm for a potential fire.
• Costly repairs: Squirrels can cause extensive damage to insulation, wiring, and structural components, leading to expensive repairs.
• Health hazards: Squirrel droppings and urine can spread diseases and create unsanitary conditions in your home.
• Decreased property value: Visible damage and pest infestations can lower the value of your home and make it harder to sell.

How to address the problem.

If you suspect squirrels in your attic or crawl space, it’s essential to act quickly. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Inspect your home

Conduct a thorough inspection of your attic, crawl space, and exterior to identify signs of squirrels or other unwanted small animals, even birds, woodpeckers (although protected, they can cause considerable siding damage) that can create potential entry points. If you’re unsure, hire a professional to assess the situation.

3. Remove squirrels safely

Trapping and removing squirrels should be done carefully to avoid harm to the animals and to comply with local wildlife regulations. Consider hiring a pest control or wildlife professional to handle this step.

2. Seal entry points

Once you’ve identified how squirrels are getting in, work with a qualified professional remodeler like Palmer Custom Builders to seal these openings with durable materials like metal flashing, galvanized mesh or heavy-duty caulk and then check for gaps around vents, chimneys, and rooflines.

4. Repair damage.

Address any damage caused by the squirrels, including chewed wiring, damaged insulation, and structural issues. This is where a remodeling company like ours can help ensure your home is safe and secure.

5. Take preventive measures

To prevent future infestations, consider deterrents such as:

• Squirrel-proof vents and chimney caps
• Trimming tree branches near your home to reduce access to your roof
• Ultrasonic repellents that emit high-frequency sounds to deter pests
• Large plastic owls (found online at Tractor Supply, Home Depot or Lowes) can be mounted around your house or up on a gutter.

Partnering with a professional company.

If squirrels have damaged your attic or crawl space, it’s essential to work with professionals who can restore your home to its original condition. At Palmer Custom Builders, we have in the past and will tackle these issues as part of a larger renovation project. If remediation is all you need, there are firms who specialize in that. Among the things your professional should handle:

• Electrical repairs: Fixing and replacing damaged wiring to eliminate fire hazards.
• Insulation replacement: Installing fire-resistant insulation to improve safety and energy efficiency.
• Structural repairs: Addressing any damage to beams, soffits, fascia, vents, or roofing caused by squirrels.
• Preventive solutions: Implementing long-term measures to keep pests out.

Squirrels may look cute, but they can wreak havoc on your home, especially during the winter months when they are more likely to invade Charlotte homes and homes everywhere seeking warmth. By recognizing the signs or infestation and taking swift action, you can protect your family and property from the hidden fire hazards or damage these and other critters pose. If you need assistance with repairs, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you create a safe, secure, and beautiful home—free from unwanted guests.

• By: Gary Palmer, Licensed NC Residential General Contractor and Licensed SC Residential Builder

Need help envisioning how a home addition, kitchen remodel or bathroom renovation could improve your family’s home? Reach out to us at 704.544.0367, Ext. 101 to take the first step or visit www.PalmerCustomBuilders.com for inspiration. Want to avoid costly mistakes when planning and building your project? We suggest you check out our book. Remodeling and New Construction With No Regrets can help you ask the right questions to ensure your project fulfills your expectations.