How to deal with squirrels

This page provides information about squirrels and squirrel removal. It includes tips on how to identify, manage, and keep them away from your property. As with all nuisance wildlife - early removal can prevent costly repairs!

If need help with squirrel removal, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

How to tell if you have a squirrel problem

Suspect that squirrels are causing trouble around your home or office? If you notice these signs below, chances are you have some furry intruders making themselves at home and it might be time to take action!

Chew Marks, Chewed Wires, Broken Soffits

Squirrels have strong teeth and love to gnaw so you can start by looking for key signs like chewed-up wood, wires, or siding. They may expand a smaller opening so they can fit in. So look for signs of damage. If you store any sort of food outside like bird feed - you may notice ripped backs and spilled food.

Listen for Scratching or Scampering Noises

Squirrels are most active during dawn and dusk, so if you hear scratching, scampering, or rustling noises in your attic or walls at these times, it’s a strong sign they may be inside. Unlike nocturnal pests like rats or bats, squirrels tend to move around during daylight hours, often making rapid, erratic sounds as they climb, dig, or chew. Pay close attention to ceilings, vents, and walls near your roof, as these are common areas where squirrels enter and nest. If the noises persist, it’s important to investigate further before they cause damage to insulation, wiring, or structural materials.

Tracks and Droppings

Squirrel droppings are small, dark, and cylindrical, often found in attics, garages, or near food sources like bird feeders and gardens. Unlike rat droppings, squirrel droppings tend to be slightly larger and more scattered. You may also notice tracks with small claw marks in dusty areas or soft soil, indicating frequent squirrel activity. Additionally, nests made of shredded insulation, leaves, or twigs in hidden spaces like attics or chimneys are a strong sign that squirrels have taken up residence in your home. Identifying these clues early can help prevent further damage and make removal efforts more effective.

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Using our professional services vs DIY squirrel removal

A squirrel infestation might seem harmless, but it can lead to serious risks and damage. Like we said, these rodents love to chew, which means they can gnaw on electrical wires, increasing the risk of fires. In fact, they may cause as few as a thousand house fires every year to as many as tens of thousands. They also tear up insulation, making your attic less energy-efficient. Squirrels can carry parasites like fleas and ticks, which pose health risks to pets and humans. Their droppings can also lead to unpleasant odors and potential disease transmission. If left unchecked, a squirrel problem can quickly get out of control and devalue your property, create unnecessary and costly repair work; so professional removal may truly be the best solution for long-term peace of mind.

DIY Squirrel Removal

If you still want to try and tackle the problem yourself here are some possible strategies to take from natural deterrents to physical barriers and trapping.

Physical Barriers and Exclusion of Squirrels

Physical barriers and exclusion are the most effective way to keep squirrels out of your home or structure. Start by sealing up any gaps, cracks, or holes in your roof, walls, and around windows with materials like steel mesh, wire, or caulk. Pay special attention to areas around vents, chimneys, and utility lines, as squirrels can easily squeeze through small openings. Installing a mesh barrier around the base of trees or decks can also prevent squirrels from climbing up and gaining access.

Trapping Squirrels for Removal

Trapping squirrels for removal is the best way to address infestation but before engaging in any sort of wildlife trapping, be sure to consult your local laws and regulations. States may require permits or otherwise heavily restrict trapping and relocating nuisance wildlife. If you do end up trapping, use traps which can be baited with foods like peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or fruits to lure squirrels inside. Place the traps near areas where you’ve noticed activity, such as along walls or near entry points. Once captured, you’ll have to strictly adhere to local regulations for your next steps.

Professional Squirrel Removal

Hiring a professional pest control service can save you time and provide peace of mind. Experts have the knowledge and experience to assess the situation accurately and implement effective removal strategies. They can also identify potential entry points and offer advice on how to prevent future infestations.

Moreover, professionals can ensure that the animals are treated ethically. They can also provide follow-up services to monitor the area and ensure that the problem is fully resolved.

So if all else fails don’t worry! Piedmont Wildlife Control is here to help with your squirrel infestation problems. We can take care of your squirrel problem as well as any other nuisance wildlife you may be dealing with on your property.

Piedmont Wildlife Control’s Squirrel Removal

In the end, choosing between DIY squirrel removal and hiring a pro depends on how comfortable you feel with the process. It also depends on how serious the problem is and what your budget is. If you feel confident in your ability to handle the situation, DIY methods can be effective. If you want an easy and managed solution then getting help from professionals might be the best choice. If that’s the case give us a call and we will address the issue promptly to protect your home, garden, or property from further damage.

Wildlife Experts You Can Trust For Squirrel Removal

  • "Excellent work! The owner was professional, reasonably priced and knows his stuff. Highly recommend."

    Lisa, 2024

  • "Thorough, knowledgeable and committed! My farm was overrun with a vole population and nothing I was trying was working. He developed a plan and adapted until finding a solution that worked. The population is obviously greatly reduced and steadily declining and they are not longer eating my plants out by the roots. So thankful!! I had lost hope that anything would help! Totally recommend Piedmont Wildlife Control!"

    Katherine, 2024

  • Conrad was a consummate professional throughout the process of trying to locate a snake that had somehow gotten in the attic of my new house. He set several traps & showed me a couple of potential access points and was very helpful & thorough in explaining best products to use to seal the gaps. He also unexpectedly cleaned all the leaves off my roof and gutters. Kudos to Conrad Shadel w Piedmont Wildlife Control!

    Mary, 2024

Convinced? Let’s get started then!

How to get rid of Squirrels and discourage their return.

With the right approach, you can safely remove them and keep them from coming back. Follow these steps to get rid of squirrels and make your property less inviting to future intruders.

Seal Entry Points Around Your Home

Check for gaps, cracks, or holes around your roof, attic vents, and foundation, as squirrels can squeeze through small openings. Use steel mesh, caulk, or metal flashing to seal off these entry points and prevent them from getting inside.

Remove Food Sources

Squirrels are drawn to easy food sources like birdseed, pet food, or fallen fruit. Keep your yard clean, store food in sealed containers, and use squirrel-proof bird feeders to make your property less appealing.

Install Physical Barriers

Place wire mesh over chimneys, vents, and other potential openings to keep squirrels out. You can also wrap trees or power lines with squirrel baffles to prevent them from easily accessing your home.

Set Traps for Removal

Live traps can be used to safely capture and relocate squirrels away from your home. Be sure to check local wildlife regulations before relocating, it is illegal in many areas to relocate squirrels.

Consult the Professionals at Piedmont

If the problem persists and you’re unsure how to proceed, it may be best to consult a wildlife control professional here at Piedmont Wildlife.