How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels in My Attic

How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels in My Attic?

Expert Tips from Speedy Pest Control – Etobicoke’s Trusted Wildlife Removal Team

There’s nothing quite like the peace of your Etobicoke home on a winter morning — until you start hearing scratching, scurrying, or thumping sounds coming from the attic. If that’s happening, chances are you have squirrels taking up residence. While they may look harmless darting across trees, squirrels inside your attic can cause serious property damage and pose health risks.

So, how do you safely and effectively get rid of squirrels in your attic? Let’s take a closer look at why they invade homes, the signs you might have them, and what steps you can take to evict them — humanely and permanently.

1. Why Squirrels Move Into Attics

Squirrels are resourceful animals. When temperatures drop or they need a safe place to raise their young, attics offer everything they need: warmth, protection from predators, and easy access to insulation for nesting.

Common entry points include:

• Gaps in rooflines and soffits
• Damaged vents or chimney openings
• Loose shingles and fascia boards
• Gaps around eaves or attic louvers

Etobicoke’s mature neighborhoods, with tall trees and older homes, make perfect habitats for squirrels looking to nest. Unfortunately, once they find a cozy spot, they can be stubborn guests to evict.

2. Signs You Have Squirrels in the Attic

Squirrels are most active during the day, unlike raccoons or rats that move around at night. Here are telltale signs that squirrels have moved in:

• Scratching or rolling sounds in the ceiling or walls, especially in the morning.
• Chewed wires, wood, or insulation, as squirrels constantly gnaw to keep their teeth short.
• Droppings that resemble small, rounded pellets.
• Strong odor from urine-soaked insulation.
• Visible damage outside your roof — such as gnawed entry holes or loose soffit panels.

If you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms, it’s time to act fast. The longer squirrels stay, the more destruction they cause.

3. Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Problem

Many homeowners assume squirrels will leave on their own once the weather warms up — but that’s rarely the case. Once they’ve made your attic their den, they tend to return season after season.

Here’s why you shouldn’t delay:

• Fire risk: Chewed electrical wires can lead to short circuits and fires.
• Structural damage: They shred insulation, chew wooden beams, and rip apart stored belongings.
• Noise disturbance: Constant scratching and scampering can be highly disruptive.
• Health concerns: Squirrels can carry parasites, fleas, and diseases that may spread to humans or pets.

Acting early can prevent costly repairs and avoid unsafe situations.

4. Humane Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels

While it might be tempting to set a trap or block holes right away, removing squirrels requires patience and planning. Here’s a humane step-by-step approach recommended by Speedy Pest Control:

Step 1: Inspect and Locate Entry Points

Conduct a careful inspection of your roofline, vents, and eaves to find all possible entry and exit holes. Remember, squirrels can squeeze through openings as small as 2 inches.

Step 2: Identify Active Areas

Look for droppings, shredded insulation, or nests. This will help determine where they are most active and where to focus removal efforts.

Step 3: Install One-Way Exclusion Doors

This is the most humane way to remove squirrels. A one-way door allows them to exit safely but prevents re-entry. It’s crucial to ensure all babies have grown enough to leave; otherwise, separating a mother from her young can lead to more problems.

Step 4: Seal All Openings

Once you’re confident all squirrels are gone, permanently seal all entry points using heavy-gauge wire mesh, metal flashing, or hardware cloth. Avoid using foam or soft materials — squirrels can chew right through them.

Step 5: Clean and Restore

Remove contaminated insulation, droppings, and nesting materials. Sanitize the attic to eliminate odors that could attract other wildlife in the future.

5. Mistakes to Avoid

6. Professional Squirrel Removal in Etobicoke

At Speedy Pest Control, we understand the challenges homeowners face when dealing with wildlife intrusions. Our trained technicians specialize in humane squirrel removal and attic restoration services across Etobicoke and surrounding areas.

Here’s how we help:

• Thorough inspection of your roof and attic for entry points
• Safe removal using one-way exits or live traps
• Baby squirrel recovery when needed
• Professional sealing and exclusion to prevent re-entry
• Cleaning and sanitization of affected areas

We don’t just remove the squirrels — we make sure they stay out for good.

7. How to Prevent Future Infestations

Once your attic is squirrel-free, prevention is key:

• Trim branches at least 6–8 feet away from your roofline.
• Keep bird feeders away from your home.
• Inspect your attic every season for gaps or chew marks.
• Install metal vent covers and chimney caps.
• Secure garbage bins tightly to avoid attracting wildlife.

These proactive steps go a long way toward protecting your home year-round.

Dealing with squirrels in your attic can be stressful, but with the right knowledge and professional help, you can reclaim your space safely. Remember, squirrels aren’t trying to harm you — they’re simply looking for warmth and shelter. However, their nesting habits can lead to major property damage if ignored.

If you suspect a squirrel infestation or have already heard those telltale attic noises, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Contact Speedy Pest Control today for fast, humane, and guaranteed squirrel removal services in Etobicoke.

Protect your attic, your home, and your peace of mind — the Speedy way.