Scratching during the day? Probably not mice.

Attic noises tend to trigger the same assumption every time: mice. But timing is actually one of the more reliable clues available without an inspection — squirrels are diurnal, meaning they're active during daylight hours, while mice and rats are nocturnal and typically most active at night. Daytime scratching, scampering, or thumping in an attic is often a squirrel, not a rodent.

How little room a squirrel needs

Squirrels are surprisingly capable of fitting through small gaps — an opening around the size of a golf ball is often enough. Common entry points on Hampton Roads homes:

• Gaps or damage around the roofline, soffits, or fascia boards
• Vents without proper screening, particularly attic and gable vents
• Areas where tree branches overhang or touch the roofline, giving direct access
• Chimneys without a properly fitted cap

Why a squirrel in the attic is more than a noise problem

Beyond the disruption, squirrels in an attic can chew through electrical wiring — a genuine fire risk — and cause insulation damage that affects energy efficiency. Nesting material and droppings also create sanitation concerns. None of this tends to improve on its own; once a squirrel has found a comfortable spot, it's establishing a den, not just passing through.

What proper exclusion actually involves

• Full exterior inspection — roofline, soffits, vents, and any tree branches providing direct roof access
• Safe removal of any animal currently inside before sealing anything — never seal an active entry point with an animal trapped behind it
• Sealing with durable materials — steel mesh or hardware cloth built for the animal in question, not just foam, which squirrels can chew through easily
• A follow-up check to confirm no new entry points have appeared, since a squirrel that's used to accessing a specific spot will often try nearby areas if the original entry is sealed

This is the same underlying principle behind rodent and stink bug exclusion — removal alone is temporary, sealing the actual entry points is what makes it permanent.