Squirrels may seem like harmless backyard visitors, but when they invade attics and walls, they can cause serious damage. These rodents chew through insulation, wiring, and wooden beams, leading to potential fire hazards and costly repairs.
In Alberta, red squirrels and gray squirrels are the most common species to invade homes, especially during the colder months. If you suspect squirrels in your attic or walls, it’s important to take action before the problem worsens.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
Squirrels are noisy and destructive, making their presence hard to ignore. Look for these signs:
- Scratching, scurrying, or chewing noises in the attic or walls, especially in the early morning or evening.
- Droppings near entry points, around the attic, or in crawl spaces.
- Teeth marks on wood, wiring, or insulation.
- Entry holes around vents, eaves, or rooflines.
- Nests made of twigs, leaves, or insulation in secluded areas.
If you notice these signs, it’s important to act quickly before the infestation worsens.
How Do Squirrels Get Into Homes?
Squirrels are expert climbers and can squeeze through small openings around the roofline, siding, and vents. Some of the most common entry points include:
- Roof vents and soffits – Squirrels chew through plastic or weak metal coverings.
- Chimneys – Open chimneys provide easy access to attics.
- Gaps in siding or roof edges – Small openings allow them to squeeze inside.
- Damaged eaves and fascia boards – Weak or rotting wood can be gnawed open.
Once inside, squirrels will build nests and may stay year-round if conditions are suitable.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Entering Your Home
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for small gaps, holes, and weak areas that squirrels can exploit. Use steel mesh, hardware cloth, or metal flashing to reinforce potential entry points.
- Cover chimneys with a secure metal cap.
- Repair holes in soffits, eaves, and rooflines.
- Seal gaps around vents and exhaust fans.
2. Trim Overhanging Branches
Squirrels often use tree branches to jump onto roofs. Keep trees trimmed at least 6 to 8 feet away from your home to limit their access.
3. Use Squirrel-Proof Barriers
Install metal guards around poles, gutters, and wires to prevent squirrels from climbing onto your house. Squirrel-proof bird feeders and garbage bins can also help reduce attractants.
4. Remove Food Sources
Squirrels are drawn to food, so eliminating easy access can help keep them away.
- Store birdseed, pet food, and trash in secure containers.
- Avoid leaving food scraps outside.
- Keep gardens and fruit trees clean of fallen produce.
5. Use Deterrents
Natural deterrents can make your attic or walls less appealing to squirrels:
- Cayenne pepper or garlic sprays – These scents can discourage squirrels.
- Motion-activated lights or sound devices – Startling them can encourage them to leave.
- Predator urine (fox or coyote) – This can create the illusion of a threat.
6. Inspect Your Home Regularly
Routine inspections can help catch problems early before squirrels establish nests. Check rooflines, vents, and attic spaces seasonally for signs of damage or activity.
How to Remove Squirrels from Your Attic or Walls
If squirrels have already made their way inside, removal must be handled carefully to avoid further damage.
1. Identify Entry Points
Before removal, locate where the squirrels are entering and monitor activity.
2. Use One-Way Exclusion Doors
A one-way exclusion door allows squirrels to leave but prevents them from returning. These should be placed over the main entry hole and left in place for several days.
3. Avoid Trapping and Relocating
Trapping squirrels and releasing them elsewhere is not always effective. If the home is not properly sealed, new squirrels may move in to replace them.
4. Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service
If the infestation is severe, professional removal services can safely and humanely evict squirrels while securing your home to prevent re-entry.
Why Squirrel Infestations Are a Serious Problem
Ignoring a squirrel problem can lead to significant damage.
- Chewed wires can create a fire risk.
- Damaged insulation reduces energy efficiency.
- Urine and droppings can cause health issues and attract other pests.
- Structural damage weakens rooflines, siding, and wooden beams.
Squirrels are persistent, so prevention and quick action are key to keeping your home protected. Squirrels may be entertaining to watch outside, but they become destructive once inside your home. By sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using deterrents, you can prevent infestations before they start.
If you suspect a squirrel problem in your attic or walls, contact Birch Fumigators for expert wildlife control services.