Are You Feeding Squirrels Without Knowing It?

Squirrels are cute until they move in. You might think you’re being careful with food, but you could still be feeding them unintentionally. And when food’s easy to find, it’s only a matter of time before they head for your attic, too. 

Understanding what squirrels eat and how their food sources relate to their nesting habits is the first step in controlling them. 

How Squirrels Find a Food Source in Your Home 

Squirrels are opportunistic. They don’t need a bird feeder or an open trash can to find a meal. If your home has accessible crumbs, pet food, or even poorly stored bulk grains, you may be feeding them without realizing it. 

Here’s how it happens: 

• Leftover food in outdoor grills or fire pits 

• Birdseed that’s fallen onto decks or patios 

• Pet food bowls on porches or in garages 

• Compost piles are too close to the home 

• Open bags or containers in sheds or storage bins 

Once they find reliable food nearby, squirrels are more likely to investigate the structure itself, often leading them straight to your attic. 

What Do Squirrels Eat and Why It Makes Attics More Appealing 

Squirrels mostly eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and grains. But they’re also happy to scavenge human food, garden scraps, and even insulation or nesting material when needed. 

Their diet drives their behavior. If a squirrel is finding food outside your home, it will often explore further seeking warmth, shelter, and nesting space. 

That’s where attic trouble begins. 

What to Do if Squirrels Might Be Nesting Above You 

Step 1: Listen for Movement 

Scratching, rolling, or fast-paced scurrying sounds in the early morning or evening can indicate nesting activity in the attic. 

Step 2: Inspect the Exterior 

Look for roof damage, lifted shingles, open soffits, or gaps around vents. These are common entry points for squirrels. 

Step 3: Remove Accessible Food 

Bring in bird feeders at night, seal up pet food, and store trash bins securely. Cut off their incentive to stay nearby. 

Step 4: Avoid DIY Trapping 

Trapping squirrels without understanding local wildlife laws can create legal issues or separate mothers from their babies. Use caution. 

Step 5: Call Wildlife Control 

If you notice signs of squirrels in attic spaces or repeated outdoor activity, 1st Choice Pest Solutions offers humane removal and full attic protection across Wisconsin. 

Homeowner Questions About Squirrels and Feeding 

Can bird feeders attract squirrels to my home? 

Yes. Even feeders labeled as “squirrel-proof” can drop enough seed to keep squirrels interested. 

What do squirrels eat near homes? 

They’ll go for seeds, fruits, grains, garbage, pet food, and even insects when needed. 

What are the signs of squirrels in the attic? 

Look for noises in the ceiling, insulation damage, droppings, or gnaw marks near roof vents. 

Can squirrels survive on human food? 

Absolutely. Once they discover a source of crumbs or stored food, they may stop foraging in nature altogether. 

Should I feed squirrels on purpose? 

It’s not recommended. Feeding wildlife encourages nesting near your home and can increase the risk of property damage. 

Remove the Buffet, Remove the Problem 

If squirrels are finding easy meals outside, worse, inside, they’ll stick around. And when that happens, it’s only a short jump from the backyard to your attic. 

Call 1st Choice Pest Solutions for help identifying food sources, sealing entry points, and safely removing any squirrels already inside. We’ll help you stop the problem at the source and keep it from coming back.