Is it legal to remove squirrels myself in New Hampshire?

Within the established hunting season, homeowners in New Hampshire can trap and relocate gray squirrels under nuisance wildlife provisions. Out-of-season removal, however, requires a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO) per NH Fish & Game rules. The NH WCO directory is maintained at wildlife.nh.gov. More practically, DIY trapping without identifying and sealing the entry point first is a treadmill — you remove one squirrel and another finds the same gap within days. Lasting control is about exclusion, not repeated trapping.

Is the fire risk from squirrels real?

Yes, and it is underappreciated. Squirrels' incisors grow continuously throughout their lives, forcing them to gnaw constantly to keep the teeth at a functional length. Attic wiring is a convenient target. Industry professionals routinely cite NFPA data attributing a significant share of house fires of undetermined origin to rodents chewing electrical wiring, and squirrels are one of the most common attic rodents in New Hampshire. If a squirrel has been active in your attic — even briefly — have an electrician inspect the wiring before assuming it is undamaged. Do not skip this step.

What noise does a squirrel make versus a rat in the attic?

The most reliable separator is timing, not the sound itself. Gray squirrels are diurnal and most active 2–3 hours after sunrise and again in late afternoon. Norway rats are almost entirely nocturnal. Daytime attic noise — especially a thumping, bounding, or rolling quality — on a clear morning is the hallmark of a squirrel. Nighttime scratching or dragging sounds are more consistent with Norway rats, deer mice, or flying squirrels. Roof rats are not established in New Hampshire, so they can be confidently ruled out as a cause of NH attic noise.

What happens if I seal a squirrel inside the attic?

Sealing any animal inside a structure is dangerous and, depending on timing and species, may violate NH wildlife regulations. A sealed squirrel will immediately try to gnaw its way out — through drywall, insulation board, and wooden framing — creating additional damage in the process. If it cannot escape, it will die in the wall, producing weeks of intense odor and a secondary fly and beetle problem. The professional standard is to install a one-way excluder door for 5–7 days to confirm the attic is vacant before any permanent sealing is done. This step should never be skipped.

When do squirrels have pups in the attic?

Eastern gray squirrels have two breeding seasons. The first runs from late January through April, with pups born in March and April. The second runs from late July through October, with pups born in August and September. These windows align with two of the three peak attic-intrusion periods documented by wildlife professionals. If exclusion is attempted while young are present, the mother may carry pups to a secondary den, or — if the entry is sealed too soon — the young may be trapped. Professional exclusion during breeding season uses one-way doors with a sufficient waiting period to allow the family group to vacate.

Is it a squirrel or a roof rat in my NH attic?

Almost certainly a squirrel. Roof rats (Rattus rattus) are not established in New Hampshire in the way they are throughout the southeastern and coastal United States. New Hampshire's primary attic rodent pests are the gray squirrel (daytime noise), the Norway rat (nocturnal, primarily ground-level but will enter attics), and the deer mouse (nocturnal, lighter scratching). If you are hearing daytime thumping or bounding at roofline level in an NH home, gray squirrel is the overwhelming probability. Red squirrel and northern flying squirrel are the next most likely candidates.

How do squirrels get into an attic?

Eastern gray squirrels need only a 1.5- to 3-inch gap and will gnaw almost any building material to enlarge a promising opening. The most common entry points in New Hampshire homes are: rotted or open soffit and fascia boards; uncapped gable and soffit vents; damaged drip-edge or step flashing; open chimney flues; and gaps around plumbing or cable penetrations through the roof deck. They reach rooflines by running along overhead utility wires or by jumping from tree branches within 8 feet of the house — which is why branch trimming is the most effective preventive measure.

Do squirrels cause damage beyond noise?

Significantly so. Squirrels in attics gnaw electrical wiring (fire risk), tear and compress insulation (reducing energy efficiency and R-value), chew through vapor barriers (allowing moisture to penetrate the structure), and damage roofline wood at the entry point (creating water-intrusion pathways). Their droppings and urine accumulate in insulation over time, creating persistent odor and potential contamination. A squirrel problem left unaddressed for one or two full seasons often requires not just exclusion but a full attic insulation restoration — a far more expensive outcome than a timely exclusion.

What should I do immediately if a squirrel gets into my living space?

Open an exterior door or window in the room, then leave quietly and close interior doors to confine the squirrel to that room. Most squirrels locate the opening and leave on their own within 15–30 minutes when they are not being chased. Do not corner the squirrel — a cornered squirrel may bite. Once the animal has left, assess how it entered. A squirrel found in living space almost always entered through the attic; schedule a roofline inspection to identify and seal the access point.

How much does gray squirrel exclusion cost in New Hampshire?

Exclusion pricing varies with the number of entry points, roof accessibility, and whether wiring inspection or insulation restoration is also needed. Anchor Pest Services provides free, no-obligation on-site quotes and offers same-day service across southern New Hampshire. Because every roofline is different, we do not publish flat rates for wildlife exclusion — contact us for a site-specific assessment.

Eastern gray squirrel · Sciurus carolinensis

WildlifeNH resident

Eastern Gray Squirrel in New Hampshire — ID & Attic Control

The eastern gray squirrel is New Hampshire's most common attic invader — and the only one active during the day. Because its incisors never stop growing, it gnaws constantly: soffits, fascia, vents, and wiring are all targets. Gnawed wiring is a documented fire hazard. A proper exclusion means confirming every animal is out before sealing; trapping a squirrel inside is dangerous and can be illegal during breeding season.

At a glance

Activity pattern: Diurnal (daytime); Key separator from nocturnal rats; NC Wildlife / Piedmont Wildlife Control
Body size: 9–12 in body + bushy tail; 1–1.5 lb; Sciurus carolinensis adult
Entry gap needed: 1.5–3 inches; Will enlarge gaps by gnawing; Indiana Wildlife Control
Breeding seasons: Late Jan–Apr and late Jul–Oct; Two litters/year align with attic-intrusion spikes; Indiana Wildlife Control
Wiring risk: Gnawed wires = fire hazard; Industry-cited; NFPA
Gnawing driver: Incisors never stop growing; Constant gnawing required to wear down teeth; NC Wildlife / Piedmont Wildlife Control

The short of it

The daytime attic invader with a fire-hazard secret

The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is New Hampshire's most familiar urban wildlife — and the creature most commonly heard thumping and scurrying in attic spaces during the morning hours. That diurnal timing is also the single fastest way to tell a squirrel problem from a rat problem: if attic noise peaks before noon on a clear day, it's almost certainly a squirrel.

What makes gray squirrels a genuine property risk is biology. Their incisors never stop growing, forcing them to gnaw constantly to keep the teeth in check. In an attic that means electrical wiring, joists, insulation vapor barriers, and roofline wood are all fair targets. Industry sources citing NFPA data attribute a significant share of house fires of unknown origin to rodents gnawing wiring — and squirrels are prime candidates in New Hampshire attics.

Gray squirrels do not hibernate, so they are a year-round issue in NH homes. Two breeding seasons (late January–April and late July–October) produce spikes in attic intrusion as young disperse and search for den sites. The practical takeaway for NH homeowners: daytime scratching above you warrants an immediate roofline inspection, a wiring check, and a quick exclusion — not a wait-and-see.

Identify it

How to identify an eastern gray squirrel

The eastern gray squirrel is a medium-sized tree squirrel with a bushy tail, gray-brown coat, and — critically — daytime activity. If noise in your attic peaks in the morning and quiets by evening, think gray squirrel before anything else. Structural gnaw damage at roofline level is the companion field sign.

Species profile

Eastern gray squirrel

Scientific name: Sciurus carolinensis
Family: Sciuridae
Size: 9–12 in body; tail adds 7–10 in; weight 1–1.5 lb
Coloration: Salt-and-pepper gray-brown above; lighter gray to white belly; bushy tail with white-tipped hairs giving a frosted look
Habitat: Hardwood and mixed forests; suburban yards with mature oaks and maples; attics, soffits, and roof cavities in human structures
Active season: Year-round (does NOT hibernate); most active 2–3 hours after sunrise and again in late afternoon
Diet: Nuts (especially acorns and hickory), seeds, fungi, buds, and bird eggs; caches food for winter because it does not hibernate
Reproduction: Two litters per year: late January–April and late July–October; 2–4 young per litter; pups are born blind and helpless
Lifespan: 1–3 years in the wild; up to 12 years in captivity

Abundant throughout all of New Hampshire; one of the most common urban and suburban mammals in the state.

The tells — key ID features

Daytime activity — noise peaks mid-morning and late afternoon; the fastest and most reliable separator from nocturnal Norway rats and mice.
Bushy, plume-like tail held upright or arched over the back — visible at roofline entry points and during tree-to-roof travel.
Gray-brown coat with lighter belly; no mask, no stripes, no ringed tail (rules out raccoon, chipmunk, and ringtail).
Ragged, gnawed entry holes in soffits, fascia, or vents — squirrels enlarge gaps by chewing, leaving irregular splintered wood edges.
Oblong, raisin-sized droppings (~3/8 inch) in the attic; distinct from smaller mouse pellets and larger, blunter rat droppings.
Scattered nut caches and food debris near the entry point — squirrels frequently store food close to their den site.

Size, to scale

The insect

9–12 in body + 7–10 in tail; 1–1.5 lb

Compared to

About the length of a standard sheet of paper, nose to tail-base; the full tail roughly doubles apparent length

Looks bigger than it is

The bushy tail adds significant visual bulk — squirrels often look larger than their body weight suggests when spotted at roofline openings.

Is it actually this? — the confusion species

Red squirrel

How to tell — Smaller (7–8 in body), rust-red coat, white belly with a distinct dark side stripe, and a sharp territorial chatter. Also diurnal, but a separate species with a slightly different entry-gap preference.

Northern flying squirrel

How to tell — Similar gray-brown coat but strictly nocturnal — if attic noise starts after dark, flying squirrel is the likely candidate. Has a visible skin fold (patagium) along the sides used for gliding.

Roof rat

How to tell — Roof rats (Rattus rattus) are not established in New Hampshire. Daytime attic noise in NH is overwhelmingly squirrel, not roof rat. Nocturnal attic noise is more likely Norway rat or flying squirrel.

What you'll notice

Signs of a problem

Gray squirrels leave a layered set of evidence — timing, sound, and structural damage together give a fast, confident identification.

Thumping, scurrying, or rolling sounds in the attic during morning hours

What it means — Daytime attic noise is the primary ID flag — gray squirrels are active when Norway rats are sleeping.

Chewed or enlarged holes in soffits, fascia boards, or gable vents

What it means — Squirrels enlarge gaps by gnawing; ragged, splintered wood edges distinguish gnaw damage from weathering or rot alone.

Entry holes 1.5–3 inches or larger at roofline level

What it means — A squirrel can enter a 1.5-inch gap and will gnaw it larger over time; a clean, rounded hole suggests weathering, not gnawing.

Gnawed electrical wiring or damaged wire insulation in the attic

What it means — A direct fire hazard — have an electrician inspect immediately if wire damage is found, regardless of whether the squirrel is still present.

Torn or compressed attic insulation in a corner or along an exterior wall

What it means — Indicates an active den or nesting site; may contain young during the January–April or July–October breeding seasons.

Oblong, raisin-sized droppings (~3/8 inch) scattered through attic insulation

What it means — Gray squirrel droppings are larger than mouse droppings and smaller than rat droppings; the oblong shape and scattered distribution (not latrine clusters) are characteristic.

How much it matters

The real risks, calibrated

Gray squirrels pose no direct threat to people under normal circumstances, but the property and safety risks from an attic infestation escalate quickly and get more expensive the longer the animals remain.

Overall risk

High

Electrical fire from gnawed wiring

High

Onset: Can occur weeks to months after entry

Squirrels gnaw wire insulation to wear down incisors; exposed conductors can arc and ignite attic insulation. Industry sources citing NFPA data link rodent wire-gnawing to a significant share of house fires of unknown cause. An electrician inspection is essential after any confirmed squirrel activity.

Structural damage — roof, soffit, and insulation

Moderate

Onset: Within weeks of entry

Gnawed soffits and fascia allow water intrusion; torn insulation loses R-value; prolonged occupancy degrades the roof deck and can allow mold to establish over a season or more.

Contamination from droppings and urine

Moderate

Onset: Ongoing while active

Accumulated droppings and urine saturate insulation, produce persistent odor, and can harbor Salmonella and Leptospira bacteria on contact surfaces. Heavily soiled insulation typically requires full replacement.

Trapped pups during an improper exclusion

Moderate

Onset: If exclusion is attempted Jan–Apr or Jul–Oct without one-way door protocol

Sealing entry points while young are present traps pups in the attic — they die in the wall causing weeks of odor, or the mother gnaws through drywall to reach them. Exclusions during breeding season require one-way door protocols and a waiting period.

What you can do

DIY — what works, what backfires

DIY exclusion is feasible for a single, clearly identified entry point, but it requires confirming every animal is out before sealing — the step most homeowners skip with costly consequences. The following guidelines mirror licensed WCO practice.

What actually works

Confirm ALL animals have vacated before sealing — install a one-way excluder door over the entry point for 5–7 days and watch for re-entry attempts before permanently closing the gap.
Seal entry gaps with 16-gauge or heavier galvanized hardware cloth in 1/2-inch mesh; caulk and wood alone will be gnawed through within days.
Trim tree branches to 8 feet or more from the roofline — the standard professional recommendation to eliminate the primary squirrel access route.
Cap all uncapped chimneys with a heavy-gauge spark-arrester chimney cap, and cover gable and soffit vents with hardware cloth secured on the interior.
Inspect the full roofline after exclusion for secondary gaps, especially at soffit-fascia junctions, drip edges, and roof valleys where freeze-thaw damage is common in NH.

What backfires

NEVER seal an entry point before confirming the squirrel is out — a trapped squirrel will chew through drywall, insulation, and framing to escape, or die in the wall and create a secondary odor and fly problem lasting weeks.
Don't use mothballs, ammonia-soaked rags, ultrasonic repellers, or strobe lights — no credible field evidence supports these methods for squirrel exclusion, and some create secondary hazards.
Don't ignore chewed wiring found in the attic — wire damage is a fire hazard regardless of whether the squirrel is still present; an electrician inspection is non-negotiable.
Don't attempt exclusion during the January–April or July–October breeding seasons without professional guidance — you risk sealing dependent young inside.

Local Context

Gray squirrels in New Hampshire attics

Across Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and southern New Hampshire, eastern gray squirrels exploit the aging soffits, rotted fascia boards, open gable vents, and uncapped chimneys common in the region's older housing stock. Fall is peak discovery season: the late-summer litter disperses just as NH nights cool toward the first hard frost (Manchester average: October 19–29, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals), pushing young squirrels to seek warm den sites. Spring intrusions follow the January–April breeding season. NH Fish & Game requires that out-of-season nuisance removal be performed by a licensed Wildlife Control Operator (WCO).

Peak season

Year-round; intrusion spikes late Jan–Apr and late Jul–Oct (breeding seasons); fall dispersal peak near NH frost dates

You might actually have

Red squirrel (smaller, rust-colored — equally aggressive about attic entry; territorial chattering)
Northern flying squirrel (nocturnal; enters through same gap types but heard only after dark)
Chipmunk (ground-level; rarely in upper attic spaces)

We serve these communities

ManchesterNashuaConcordDerryBedfordSalem

Hillsborough · Rockingham · Merrimack Counties

NH-licensed applicator · #782664
Same-day service
Family-owned since 2017

Service Area Map

Southern New Hampshire

When it's past DIY

When to call a Wildlife Control Operator (WCO)

A licensed WCO brings the full toolkit: a roofline inspection to map all entry points (including secondary gaps), one-way excluder doors to guarantee the attic is vacant before sealing, and galvanized hardware-cloth installation that holds against re-gnawing. For multi-entry situations, suspected wiring damage, or active breeding, professional exclusion prevents the far more expensive second round of repairs.

Signals it's past DIY

When to call a pro

You hear daytime attic noise but cannot locate the entry point from the ground.
You've found chewed electrical wiring in the attic — an electrician AND a WCO are both needed.
The intrusion is during a breeding season (Jan–Apr or Jul–Oct) and you suspect young are present.
DIY sealing has failed — squirrels have gnawed through your repair within a week.
The problem is in a multi-family building or rental where a licensed professional must be on record.

Keep them out — prevention

Keep branches 8+ feet from the roof

The most effective long-term prevention — squirrels rarely make ground-level leaps to rooflines when branches are properly trimmed away from the structure.

NH-specific

Cap chimneys and cover gable vents before fall

Install a heavy-gauge spark-arrester cap on every open flue and hardware-cloth covers on gable and soffit vents before October. NH's late-summer litter dispersal coincides with the first cold nights, making uncapped openings especially attractive.

NH-specific

Inspect the roofline every September

NH's freeze-thaw cycles open new gaps each winter. A short roofline walk-around in early fall catches new damage before squirrels find it — a 20-minute inspection can prevent a multi-thousand-dollar attic restoration.

Not sure it's a eastern gray squirrel?

A licensed NH technician can confirm the species and tell you honestly whether it's a DIY fix or a job for a pro — free inspection, same-day service across Southern New Hampshire.

Get a Free Inspection (603) 785-0118

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Sources(5)

[1]
Piedmont Wildlife Control — Gray Squirrels
Incisors never stop growing; constant gnawing behavior; year-round activity (no hibernation)
industryverified 2026-06-30
[2]
Indiana Wildlife Control — Squirrels in the Attic
1.5–3-inch entry gap; two breeding seasons; attic-intrusion spike timing
industryverified 2026-06-30
[3]
Faircloth Chimney Sweeps — Squirrels in the Attic
Wiring fire risk; industry-cited NFPA attribution for rodent-caused fires
industryverified 2026-06-30
[4]
Skedaddle Wildlife — Why Do Squirrels Chew Wires
Wiring gnawing behavior; fire-risk documentation and attic inspection guidance
industryverified 2026-06-30
[5]
NH Fish & Game — Wildlife Control Operators
NH WCO licensing requirement; nuisance wildlife regulations and WCO directory
govverified 2026-06-30

Written & reviewed by

Verified

Daniel Brady

NH-Licensed Pesticide Applicator · License #782664 (NHDAMF, RSA 430)

Daniel Brady is the New Hampshire–licensed applicator behind Anchor Pest Services, a family-owned pest control company serving the Manchester area since 2017.

Verify license

Last updated 2026-06-30

New Hampshire pest control

Dealing with eastern gray squirrels in your home?

Anchor Pest Services identifies and handles eastern gray squirrel problems across southern and central New Hampshire. Family-owned since 2017, NH license #782664.

Get a Free Inspection (603) 785-0118

NH-licensed applicators (#782664)
Same-day service · free inspection
Family-owned since 2017

Keep Exploring

Eastern Gray Squirrel in New Hampshire — ID & Attic Control

The daytime attic invader with a fire-hazard secret

How to identify an eastern gray squirrel

The tells — key ID features

Size, to scale

Red squirrel

Northern flying squirrel

Roof rat

Signs of a problem

Thumping, scurrying, or rolling sounds in the attic during morning hours

Chewed or enlarged holes in soffits, fascia boards, or gable vents

Entry holes 1.5–3 inches or larger at roofline level

Gnawed electrical wiring or damaged wire insulation in the attic

Torn or compressed attic insulation in a corner or along an exterior wall

Oblong, raisin-sized droppings (~3/8 inch) scattered through attic insulation

The real risks, calibrated

Electrical fire from gnawed wiring

Structural damage — roof, soffit, and insulation

Contamination from droppings and urine

Trapped pups during an improper exclusion

DIY — what works, what backfires

What actually works

What backfires

Gray squirrels in New Hampshire attics

When to call a Wildlife Control Operator (WCO)

Keep branches 8+ feet from the roof

Cap chimneys and cover gable vents before fall

Inspect the roofline every September

Not sure it's a eastern gray squirrel?

Frequently asked questions

Dealing with eastern gray squirrels in your home?

Your next step

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Chemical Squirrel & Small-Mammal Control: The Wrong Tool

Roof Rat in New Hampshire — Or Is It a Squirrel?

Why do squirrels damage attics and insulation?