FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Replace squirrel-infested insulation?

MelissaMay1 | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on January 23, 2004 02:17am

We have an unfinished attic with fiberglass batt insulation with a paper moisture barrier.

We have a problem with squirrels nesting in the attic as a result of open soffits. Just to give you some perspective, we’ve trapped six squirrels just this week. On any given day, if we load the Havahart trap with bait, we’ll catch one within a few hours. We dispose of them by letting them loose in the forest at least ten miles away from our house.

We know that the soffits need to be closed in, so that’s a given. Assuming that we effectively prevent the suirrels from re-entering the attic, what, if anything, do we need to do with the insulation? The squirrels have torn up some of it, and tunneled into most of it. They have nested in the area between the sheetrock and the paper moisture barrier of the insulation batts. And they have done as all rodents do, and have left droppings and have soiled much of the insulation.

The ceiling under a few of their favorite areas is stained too. Is cleaning and repainting those areas sufficient? Or is the sheetrock going to need replacement in those areas too?

Any help or advice you can give us will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!


Edited 1/22/2004 6:18:49 PM ET by melissa

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. alhimprov | Jan 23, 2004 06:57am | #1

    When we bought our house we had flying squirrels in the eaves.  We trapped seven in about a week.  We were gutting the rooms affected by the squirrels so replacement of drywall and insulation was not a question.  The first thing you should do is repair and seal any entrance points.  It's worthless to do repairs and have new work ruined.  Then I would remove the insulation and drywall.  The flying squirrels actually made nests out of the old fiberglass insulation.  The paper was literallty left hanging in the stud bays with the fiberglass stripped out four to five feet high.  Just use caution when removing these materials.  Rodent droppings carry harmful diseases especially when airborne.  Use a good respirator-no paper masks-and seal the area off to protect living space.  A good solution to keep the dust down is to spray the affected insulation with water before removal.  It can create more of a mess but your health is worth it.  Good luck!!!

    1. caseyr | Jan 23, 2004 07:48am | #2

      Certain species of mice and voles are responsible for spreading hanta virus through their feces but I am not familiar with any vectors that are thought to be spread through squirrel feces.  If you know of any, I would be interested in knowing the name.  There is a suspicion that some type of typhus fever was possibly spread by a type of louse carried by flying squirrels, but I believe the link is uncertain and the disease is quite rare in the U.S.  All-in-all, it appears that squirrels have a relatively clean bill of health - however, all I know is what I read in the research reports.

      1. alhimprov | Jan 27, 2004 06:01pm | #9

        You obviously know more about the health risks than I do.  I have heard of the health risks associated with mice, however I don't know the particulars on squirrels.  I just know I wanted to err on the side of caution.  My wife was pregnant with twins when I started that project and I wasn't taking any chances.  I sent her out and sealed off all the doorways with plastic and removed everything. Drywall, insulation, and even replaced studs and believe it or not some 1X sheathing that the flying squirrels were chewing on.  The room with the bulk of the nests and activity is now the nursery so I didn't want to leave any squirrel remnants in the house.

        1. caseyr | Jan 27, 2004 10:16pm | #13

          I'm not saying that there are no health risks from squirrel feces, just that I haven't run accross it and it didn't show up in doing a quick search.  I was hoping someone else may have run across something.  I do tend to read secondary sources rather than the basic medical research reports.  Always better to be safe than sorry, there are concerns over inhaling fiberglass particles and even cellulose fibers (I have an alergy to fine wood dust).  A good respirator should be an essential part of anyones tool kit and used much more than they tend to be. 

          I had a pet ground squirrel as a kid, and I do know that they can take a healthy nip out of a finger...

  2. csnow | Jan 26, 2004 09:40pm | #3

    Hanta virus or none, I wouldn't mess around with my lungs on this one.  N-100 respirator is the way to go.

    Squirrels make a collossal mess.  As the other fellow said, ripping out sections of wall may be required.

    1. MelissaMay1 | Jan 27, 2004 04:24am | #5

      Well, they have made a bit of a mess. One section is really torn up and messy, but the rest isn't too bad. There are droppings everywhere, though.

      Thanks for the info!

  3. retiree | Jan 27, 2004 12:24am | #4

    Don't close up the opening until your sure they are all out.  I'd suggest you don't wait for warmer weather because they'll have young in the nest.  You'd be surprised how hard they are to get rid of if they have young.  Believe me, they'll eat their way back in to get to the nest.  I wouldn't worry about the cleanup.  Just take the proper precautions and wear a mask.  Tear out the damaged insulation and replace it, then paint over the stains on the existing ceiling with BIN to seal the stain.  Then just repaint the ceiling.  Been there - done this!

    1. MelissaMay1 | Jan 27, 2004 04:27am | #6

      All out? I've trapped 5 this week alone! I know there's at least one up there, but I'd expect there're more...

      I'm using a Havahart, and giving them an express ride out of town (usually 10-40 miles away) so they don't have a chance of coming back here.

      There seems to be no end to the supply of them.

      These are little ones, too, not the full-size ones I see out in the trees. These are so small that they were able to slip out the 1" or so metal that the traps' made of, so I had to use some hardware cloth to cover the whole trap so they wouldn't get out.

      Usually I can almost guarantee that I'll get one the same day I load up the trap...

      1. retiree | Jan 27, 2004 06:44am | #7

        I'd really like to know the outcome on this.  Do me a favor and come back when you solve it to let us know how you made out. Thanks!

      2. csnow | Jan 27, 2004 05:02pm | #8

        "I'm using a Havahart, and giving them an express ride out of town (usually 10-40 miles away) so they don't have a chance of coming back here.

        There seems to be no end to the supply of them."

        That's because someone 10 miles away is releasing them in your area...

        1. MelissaMay1 | Jan 27, 2004 10:27pm | #14

          There seems to be no end to the supply of them."

          That's because someone 10 miles away is releasing them in your area...

           

          LOL! I hadn't thought of that!

          You are funny!

          1. UncleDunc | Jan 28, 2004 05:19am | #21

            I don't think he's trying to be funny. I think he's trying to gently hint that it's rude to release your trapped squirrels in somebody else's neighborhood. After all, you wouldn't want them releasing their trapped squirrels in your neighborhood. If you're not willing to release the squirrels in your own yard, you need to kill them.

          2. MelissaMay1 | Jan 28, 2004 04:33pm | #22

            We dispose of them by letting them loose in the forest at least ten miles away from our house.

            The forest is a 5,441 acre state preserve. I've got to think there's already one or two squirrels there, and that our additions don't make a difference.

            We don't let them loose in somebody's neighborhood, though I can't imagine a neighborhood anywhere around here that has no squirrels at all...

      3. alhimprov | Jan 27, 2004 06:09pm | #10

        I assume that you would know if you had flying squirrels as opposed to grays.  I had the same problem.  I was using a Havahart that had 1 x 1 wire mesh on it.  When I caught one I set the trap out back and went to get the kids to show them.  By the time I got back, the trap was empty.  He was probably back in the warm house before I was.  I did the same thing and wrapped the whole trap with 1/4 inch hardware cloth.

        1. Jeff | Jan 27, 2004 06:23pm | #11

          As I do fix-ups on vents, I put a layer of 1/4 in hardware cloth over the screen to prevent squirrel and chipmonk passage.

          This has helped alot.

          In one place, I had to seal every joint crack with liquid nails to prevent passage.

          I've also started using poison in my shop, as much as I hate to.

          The little monsters were destoying everything.

          Jeff

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jan 27, 2004 06:56pm | #12

            mmmmmm...squirrell pie..

            Go Stab yourself Ya Putz! Ya think I Parked here?

          2. MelissaMay1 | Jan 27, 2004 10:30pm | #17

            Hey! Post your address, and I'll mail 'em to ya! It would save me some driving time.

            I wonder if they'll run out of the trap right into the mailing box...

            :)

          3. User avater
            Sphere | Jan 27, 2004 10:49pm | #18

            strap em to your doors and send them ..if they are flying sq.'s ya gotta go AIR MAIL..he, he, he..

            Go Stab yourself Ya Putz! Ya think I Parked here?

          4. MelissaMay1 | Jan 27, 2004 10:29pm | #16

            Well, Jeff, that does bring up a point.

            I was wondering if, when we finally close in the soffits and eaves, I should cover it all with hardware cloth first...

          5. Jeff | Jan 28, 2004 04:23am | #19

            Yes

        2. MelissaMay1 | Jan 27, 2004 10:28pm | #15

          I don't know if they're flying squirrels. I've thought that maybe they are, though. They seem to climb up the side of the house to get in, but I don't know how they get out.

          But I swear I saw one just dive out one day. It was such a blur past the upstairs window that I didn't notice how it went, or how it landed, so I don't know if it was flying, or just taking a big first step... :)

          Edited 1/27/2004 2:31:40 PM ET by melissa

          1. alhimprov | Jan 30, 2004 05:26am | #23

            Flying squirrels are smaller than grays.  They have beady round eyes much like a deer mouse would.  they also have shorter tails that are not as bushy as grays.  They have  flaps of skin under their front legs that act as a sail when they extend them. They can actually soar for quite a distance.  If you've never seen one they are definitely peculiar looking.  You won' t see them during the day though, they are nocturnal. 

          2. MelissaMay1 | Jan 30, 2004 06:11am | #24

            Thanks for the description. They do have buggy eyes! I haven't been able to see the flap of skin, but then again, I haven't really studied them much on their way out...

            They must be flyers, though, since I do seem to catch them more at night.

            Thanks!

  4. wflather | Jan 28, 2004 05:11am | #20

    Melissa

    Take out the FG insulation and pump in cellulose, it is a better insulation and rodents won't nest in it. While you have the fg removed, you can seal up all of the bypasses around junction boxes, wire chases and other holes.

    Simple.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

From work boots to power tools, these favorite picks make perfect gifts for moms and women who build.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data