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Wood is the best attic stairs.
We have a client that recently dealt with a similar situation, but it was a racoon. They installed a one-way door, made from galvanized mesh, over the hole. Once the varment was out, the clean-up and repairs could be made. There are liquids that be applied that will keep them away once everything is sealed up.
here is a link to a good article on How to get squirrels out of an attic.
http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/squirrels-attic.htm
On the squirrel removal, best to call a trapper or get a trap.
That area agains the home can be covered with some heavy guage counter flashing and sealed up prior to that with some fast setting mortar.