It usually starts with a faint scratching noise coming from the attic. You pause, brush it off, and blame the wind—or maybe the house is just settling. But then it happens again, louder this time. Before long, you’re staring up at the ceiling, wondering if you’ve got uninvited guests.
Despite their innocent appearance, squirrels are anything but harmless when they find their way indoors. They’re smart, persistent, and built to climb. With sharp teeth and strong claws, they can turn a small gap or loose vent into a full-on entryway—and once they’re inside, the real trouble begins. These bushy-tailed intruders aren’t just passing through. They’re looking to nest, chew, and settle in—often at your expense.
Common Entry Points: Where Squirrels Sneak In
Squirrels don’t need a wide-open door to invade your home—just a gap the size of a baseball is often enough. Their nimble bodies and sharp teeth make even the smallest weakness in your home’s exterior an opportunity.
Here are the most common entry points they exploit:
- Roof Vents: These often have plastic covers that are easy for squirrels to chew through or push aside.
- Chimneys: An open chimney is a direct highway into your attic if it is not protected by a cap or screen.
- Soffits and Fascia Gaps: Squirrels love these vulnerable edges under the roofline, especially if rotting or loose.
- Wall Cavities: Once inside, squirrels may move through gaps in walls or insulation to find warm, hidden areas for nesting.
- Dryer and Fan Vents: Warm air and easy access make these vents an ideal way in, especially if the covers are damaged or missing.
⚠️ Warning: Even a small, overlooked hole or a loose shingle can be all it takes for a determined squirrel to squeeze in. Regular inspections are key to staying one step ahead.
How They Get In: Squirrel Tactics
Squirrels are not just agile—they’re acrobatic, determined, and surprisingly destructive when they set their sights on your home. These small animals come equipped with an impressive toolkit that makes breaking in far too easy.
With powerful hind legs, squirrels can leap over 10 feet from tree branches to rooftops. Their sharp claws allow them to climb vertical walls, siding, and drainpipes with ease. And if that’s not enough, their strong, ever-growing front teeth can gnaw through wood, shingles, aluminum, and even plastic vent covers.
They don’t wait for a clear entry point. Squirrels will widen a tiny crack, chew open a roof corner, or pry into vents to make their way inside. Once they find a soft spot—be it aging wood, loose flashing, or an unprotected chimney—they take full advantage.
Seasonal changes often drive their determination. In spring, female squirrels seek safe, warm nesting areas to raise their young. Come fall, the need for warmth and shelter from the cold prompts them to scout for cozy attic hideouts. For them, your attic is a luxury suite.
Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem
Do you have a squirrel squatter upstairs? These clever invaders often leave behind very clear but easy-to-overlook clues. Catching the warning signs early can save you from bigger damage down the line.
Here’s what to watch (and listen) for:
- Strange Noises in the Attic: One of the first signs is the sound of scratching, scurrying, or thumping, especially during early morning or evening hours when squirrels are most active.
- Chewed Wires or Wood: Squirrels gnaw constantly to file down their teeth. You likely have an unwanted guest if you find frayed cables, chewed wood beams, or shredded boxes.
- Droppings and Urine Stains: Their waste resembles small, dark pellets, often found in clusters. You might also notice strong ammonia-like odours from urine-saturated insulation.
- Disturbed or Shredded Insulation: Squirrels use attic insulation to build nests. If yours looks like it’s been torn apart, that’s a red flag.
- Increased Pest Activity: Their presence can attract fleas, mites, or other predators looking to share the space.
How Pestong Stops Them
Our professional squirrel control service goes beyond simple removal—we focus on permanent, humane solutions that keep your home safe and squirrel-free for good.
- Thorough Inspection: Every service starts with a detailed inspection of your home. Our licensed experts identify all entry points, active nests, and vulnerable areas, from rooflines to basement gaps.
- One-Way Doors for Humane Eviction: We install specially designed one-way doors that allow squirrels to exit—but prevent them from re-entering. It’s a safe, non-lethal method that respects wildlife while solving your problem.
- Sealing and Exclusion: After eviction, we seal every access point using galvanized metal mesh, chimney caps, soffit reinforcements, and vent guards—strong enough to withstand future chewing or tampering.
Prevention Methods for Homeowners
Keeping squirrels out of your home starts with being proactive. Here’s a simple checklist every homeowner can follow to help prevent unwanted furry guests from moving in:
- Seal All Access Points: Use durable materials like metal flashing or wire mesh to close gaps around soffits, roof edges, attic vents, and foundation cracks.
- Trim Trees Near the Roof: Squirrels can jump more than 10 feet. Trim back any overhanging branches that give them easy access to your roof.
- Install Chimney Caps and Vent Covers: Fit chimneys and external vents with strong, squirrel-proof guards to block entry without affecting airflow.
- Remove Food Sources: Avoid feeding birds and refrain from leaving pet food outside. Squirrels are opportunists and will return if they find easy meals.
- Schedule Regular Home Inspections: Conduct at least one exterior inspection per season to identify signs of damage or potential entry points for squirrels.
When to Call Pestong
Sometimes, no matter how many vents you cover or branches you trim, squirrels still find a way in. That’s when it’s time to bring in the professionals.
- When DIY Methods Fail: If you’ve sealed gaps, set traps, or tried deterrents but the scratching continues, it’s a clear sign you need expert help.
- If Squirrels Keep Returning: Repeat invasions often mean there’s a hidden access point or scent trail drawing them back. We identify and eliminate these attractants for good.
- For Emergency Wildlife Situations: Whether it’s a squirrel trapped inside your living space or nesting near electrical wires, we respond quickly to prevent danger and further damage.
With over 18 years of licensed, government-approved service, Pestong is trusted across Scarborough and Toronto for safe, humane, and effective wildlife removal. Our 5-star Google rating reflects our commitment to customer satisfaction and long-term results.
FAQs
Do squirrels come back after removal?
Yes, squirrels are highly territorial and persistent. If the entry points aren’t properly sealed or if nesting scents remain, they may return, or new squirrels may move in. That’s why Pestong combines removal with professional exclusion and cleanup.
Can baby squirrels survive without their mother?
Young squirrels are dependent on their mother for several weeks. If separated too early, they will not be able to survive on their own. Pestong always inspects for nesting females and ensures that humane eviction is timed appropriately, often allowing mothers to relocate their young naturally.
Is it legal to relocate squirrels in Ontario?
According to Ontario regulations, squirrels can only be relocated within 1 km of the capture site. Pestong follows all provincial laws to ensure that wildlife is handled ethically and in accordance with the law during any removal process.
How far will a relocated squirrel travel to return?
Squirrels have a strong homing instinct and can navigate back to their home from distances of up to 15 km, especially if it provides food or shelter. That’s why exclusion is essential—even a relocated squirrel might come back unless your home is fully secured.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to squirrels invading your home, early detection and prevention make all the difference. What starts as a few odd noises can quickly escalate into structural damage and serious safety risks. But true squirrel control isn’t just about removing the problem—it’s about making sure it doesn’t come back. With our expert inspections, humane eviction methods, and long-term exclusion techniques, you can protect your home and peace of mind. Trust our experienced team to handle the problem the right way—from start to finish.
