Squirrels

Eastern gray squirrels are the most common attic-invading species in the Myrtle Beach area, measuring 16-20 inches total length including their bushy tail. They have gray fur with lighter underparts and may show reddish-brown tinges. Flying squirrels are smaller (8-10 inches) with large dark eyes, a gliding membrane between front and back legs, and are strictly nocturnal. Red squirrels are small (11-14 inches) with reddish fur and are especially vocal. Squirrel sounds in the attic are louder and more persistent than rodent activity.

Loud scrambling, running, and gnawing sounds in the attic, especially in early morning and late afternoon, are the most common indicator. Look for chewed-out entry holes 2-3 inches in diameter at soffit returns, gable vents, roof-to-wall intersections, and around plumbing vents. Squirrel droppings are slightly larger than rat droppings and more rounded. You may notice damaged fascia boards, chewed soffit material, or leaf and twig nesting material visible at entry points.

MBPC uses humane trapping and one-way exclusion doors to remove squirrels from attic spaces in the Grand Strand. Live traps are set at or near entry points and checked daily. Once all squirrels have been removed, entry points are permanently sealed with heavy-gauge galvanized hardware cloth, metal flashing, or steel plates that squirrels cannot chew through. Tree branches providing roof access are identified for trimming. Damaged insulation and contaminated areas are cleaned and restored as needed to prevent mold growth in our humid SC climate.

Trim all tree branches at least 6-8 feet from the roofline — squirrels can jump 8-10 feet horizontally. Install hardware cloth over gable vents and soffit vents, especially important in older homes along the Grand Strand. Repair any damaged or soft wood trim along the roofline before squirrels exploit it, as our humid subtropical climate accelerates wood rot. Remove bird feeders or switch to squirrel-proof designs, as feeders attract squirrels to your property and encourage them to explore the roofline.

Eastern gray squirrels nest in tree cavities and leaf nests (dreys) but commonly invade attic spaces in Myrtle Beach homes, especially during fall and winter for warmth and during spring for birthing. They enter through gaps at roofline intersections, damaged soffit material, gable vents, and by gnawing through wood trim. Flying squirrels enter through surprisingly small gaps and can colonize attics in large numbers. The Grand Strand's wooded residential lots with mature live oaks, palmetto trees and hardwoods near salt marshes and tidal creeks provide abundant squirrel populations adjacent to homes built on sandy soils.

Peak activity: Fall-Winter