How To Keep Squirrels Out Of Your Home

Homeowners in the metro Boston area know squirrel infestations are almost inevitable come fall when they seek a warm shelter for a winter home. Squirrels can make their way to your roof from nearby trees and branches and squeeze their way through the smallest gaps in vents or trim. Once they make a home in your roof or walls they can be difficult and even dangerous to remove. 

Why Do Squirrels Hide in Homes?

Squirrels are resourceful creatures that have adapted their behaviors to take advantage of the warm environments that well insulated homes offer. In New England, harsh winters and unpredictable weather drive them indoors in search of shelter and food. Here are some of the main reasons why squirrels choose to hide in your home:

• Protection from harsh weather: Cold weather forces squirrels to seek refuge in warm and secure places. The tight and insulated spaces within your walls and attic offer a safe and comfortable space for them to nest, hide their food, and settle in for the winter. These sheltered areas mimic the cozy, insulated dens found in their natural habitat.
• Access to food: Homes can inadvertently become a veritable buffet for squirrels. Squirrels are opportunistic eaters and if you have bird feeders near your walls, oak trees near your roof, or even unattended pet food left outdoors, you are providing a steady source of nourishment. Over time, this can lead to a full-blown infestation as they return to take advantage of a free meal.
• Safe nesting sites: Quiet undisturbed spaces in your attic or within your wall cavities offer ideal conditions for squirrels to build their nests. These hidden areas are not only secure from predators but also provide the perfect temperature and structure needed for their offspring. Unfortunately, once a squirrel family has established itself, the resulting damage from nesting materials, urine, and gnawed wires can be expensive to repair.

What Are The Signs Of A Squirrel Infestation?

Recognizing the early warning signs of a squirrel infestation can save you time, money, and potential damage to your home. The signs of a squirrel infestation are:

• Scratching or scurrying noises in the walls or ceiling: One of the most common signs of a squirrel infestation is hearing scratching or scurrying sounds coming from your walls or attic. Squirrels make lots of noise during quiet evenings or early mornings moving around, nesting, or foraging.
• Droppings or unusual odors: Small, pellet-like droppings in your attic are a sure sign of squirrels. A musky or ammonia-like odor from their urine creates an environment that is both unsanitary and unhealthy. The buildup of waste over time can lead to further complications, including the attraction of other pests and potential health risks for your family.
• Damage to insulation or wiring: Squirrels have a natural instinct to chew, and once they’re inside your home, they may target your insulation and even electrical wiring. This not only reduces the energy efficiency of your home but can also create serious hazards. Chewed wiring is a fire risk, and damaged insulation can lead to increased heating costs and structural issues. If you notice sudden spikes in your utility bills or unexplained electrical problems, it might be time to investigate further.

How Squirrels Enter Your Roof

Understanding the common entry points that squirrels use can help explain why they are often found in your attic or walls. These small openings, if left unchecked, can quickly turn into gateways for an infestation.

Rotten or broken roof fascia

Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause the roof fascia—the horizontal band that runs along the edge of your roof—to deteriorate. Rotten or broken sections of fascia create gaps and soft spots that are easy for squirrels to chew or squeeze through. This can go unnoticed until the damage is extensive, and by then, the squirrels have already established a secure route into your attic. Regular roof inspections by professionals can help identify these problem areas early on.

Vents and chimneys

Your home’s vents and chimneys are essential for proper ventilation and temperature regulation, yet they can also serve as unintentional doorways for wildlife. When vents are left open or chimneys are not properly sealed, they become attractive entry points for squirrels looking for a quick and easy path into your living space. Even a small, unnoticed gap can be all it takes for these agile creatures to make their way inside. 

Nearby trees and branches

Trees and overhanging branches provide a natural bridge that allows squirrels to access your roof with ease. If branches extend over your house, they create a direct path for squirrels to jump onto your roof. Regular tree trimming and landscape maintenance can help mitigate this risk, but a professional evaluation is often needed to determine the best long-term solution to keep these natural access points in check.

How To Remove Squirrels

When squirrels have already invaded your attic, the instinct to handle the problem yourself can be strong. However, safely removing squirrels requires careful planning and specialized techniques that only trained professionals can provide. Here’s how professionals usually remove squirrels:

One-way doors

One of the most effective methods employed by professionals is the installation of one-way doors. These devices are designed to allow squirrels to exit your attic while preventing them from reentering. Over several days, as the squirrels leave in search of a new shelter, the one-way mechanism ensures that they cannot return, thereby clearing the infestation in a humane and controlled manner.

Natural deterrents

In addition to physical removal, many pest control experts utilize natural deterrents to discourage future squirrel activity. These deterrents can include the application of predator urine, the use of essential oils like peppermint or citrus, or even sonic devices that create an environment that is uncomfortable for squirrels. By leveraging solutions that are both effective and environmentally friendly, professionals can reduce the likelihood of squirrels returning. These natural methods work in tandem with exclusion techniques to provide a comprehensive defense against re-infestation.

Humane trapping

When other methods are not sufficient, humane trapping is another technique used by professionals to remove squirrels from attics. These traps are specifically designed to capture the animals without causing them harm, ensuring that they can be safely relocated to a more appropriate environment. 

When To Hire A Professional

When it comes to dealing with squirrels, the best course of action is to hire a professional immediately. Attempting to manage a squirrel infestation on your own can lead to serious risks and complications.

Squirrels can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and even rabies, placing you and your family at risk if you attempt to handle them without the proper protective gear. Moreover, the entry points that these critters use are typically located in hard-to-reach areas near your roof or within your walls. Climbing onto your roof or trying to seal these openings without the right equipment and training can result in serious injuries.

Even if you successfully evict the squirrels, the aftermath—ranging from damaged insulation to compromised electrical wiring—requires specialized repair work that goes beyond simple DIY fixes. Professional pest control technicians carry the appropriate protective gear and tools to handle dangerous situations safely. For these reasons, it’s best to call in the experts at the first sign of a squirrel problem.

At Clancy Brothers Pest Control, we understand the challenges that squirrel infestations present to homeowners in the metro Boston area. Our annual recurring pest control plan offers year-round wildlife control and infestation prevention, ensuring that your home remains safe, secure, and squirrel-free.