Squirrels might seem harmless at first glance, but when they find their way into attics, crawlspaces, or walls, the situation quickly shifts from amusing to problematic. These agile animals are constantly searching for food and warm shelter, especially when colder weather sets in. Once inside, they chew relentlessly on insulation, wood, and even electrical wiring. This destructive habit not only creates costly damage but can also pose a fire hazard. Droppings left behind may add another layer of concern by contributing to unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions.
Flying squirrels add a particular challenge. Unlike their more common gray or red relatives, these small nocturnal creatures slip into homes through gaps that seem impossibly tiny. Because they move in groups, it’s rarely just one. Hearing them scurry and glide overhead in the middle of the night is often the first clue they’re around. Their presence can disturb sleep and quickly escalate into major issues if left unaddressed.
The combination of property destruction, health concerns, and sheer nuisance makes removal of these creatures an essential service for homeowners who want to regain peace of mind. Dealing with them effectively takes an understanding of their habits, how they enter structures, and the right way to keep them from coming back.
How The Critters Enter And What They Leave Behind
Squirrels are excellent climbers, which means roofs, siding, and gutters provide easy access points. They’ll often gnaw through softened wood around eaves or exploit small gaps near vents. A loose soffit or missing piece of flashing is practically an invitation. Once inside, they waste little time creating nests out of insulation and shredded materials.
One of the biggest issues homeowners face is the chewing. Their front teeth never stop growing, so they file them down by gnawing on whatever they can find. Electrical wiring, ductwork, and even plumbing pipes may end up damaged. In some cases, the signs show up as flickering lights or unexpected leaks. Beyond that, the accumulation of droppings and urine can saturate insulation and produce long-lasting odors.
Flying squirrels complicate matters further. Since they are nocturnal, their activity peaks after dark, and many people don’t realize the full extent of the infestation until it’s well established. These animals are also known for living in colonies, which means multiple entry points and widespread damage. The noise of an entire group moving above a ceiling is disruptive and can be alarming if you don’t know what’s happening.
Why Professional Removal Matters
Trying to deal with squirrels on your own can quickly become overwhelming. They are fast, resourceful, and remarkably persistent. Trapping a single animal without addressing how it got in is ineffective, as others will quickly take its place. Proper removal requires identifying every access point and sealing them securely, which is easier said than done given their climbing skills.
Another challenge lies in distinguishing between species. The approach for squirrels is different depending on whether they’re the type that fly or not, since their habits differ. For example, nocturnal behavior means inspections often need to account for nighttime activity. Professional removal services rely on a mix of experience and specialized tools to handle these differences effectively.
The process often involves carefully locating nests, installing exclusion devices that allow squirrels to leave but not return, and repairing vulnerable spots around the home. In addition, proper cleanup of droppings and damaged insulation is crucial to restore the space to a livable condition. Without this step, lingering contamination can attract insects or create long-term air quality problems.
By relying on trained experts, homeowners can rest easier knowing the problem is resolved in a comprehensive way rather than through quick fixes that don’t last.
Long-Term Prevention And Peace Of Mind
Once squirrels have been removed, prevention becomes the next priority. These animals have strong homing instincts and will attempt to return if openings remain. Closing gaps around rooflines, reinforcing vents with heavy-duty screening, and securing chimney caps are all part of the strategy. Attention to detail is important, because even a gap the width of a thumb can be enough room to sneak through.
Beyond structural repairs, understanding what draws them in can help. Bird feeders placed too close to a home, branches hanging over the roof, or unsecured trash bins can all encourage unwanted visits. Removing these attractions makes the property less appealing.
Flying squirrels require particular attention because of their group behavior. An opening that might seem minor can lead to an entire colony moving in. Addressing potential vulnerabilities before they become problems can save homeowners a significant amount of money and stress.
The goal isn’t just to stop the immediate infestation but to give homeowners confidence that their attic or crawlspace will stay free of squirrel activity for the long haul. When prevention is done correctly, the relief of quiet nights and intact wiring is something people truly appreciate.
Squirrels and their flying relatives can create headaches that go far beyond a little noise in the attic. They chew, nest, contaminate, and multiply in ways that turn a house into an easy target for damage and disruption. Dealing with them requires a careful approach that handles both the immediate removal and the long-term prevention needed to keep them out. At Frontier Wildlife Solutions, we provide the expertise and services to address these issues thoroughly. If you’re hearing scurrying overhead or suspect that squirrels have made themselves at home in your property, contact us today to learn more about how we can help or to schedule an inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels
Q1. How Can I Tell If Squirrels Are Living In My Home?
A1. One of the first things people notice is unusual sounds, often described as scratching, scampering, or even light thuds coming from the attic or walls. Chewed-up wood, shredded insulation, or small piles of droppings are also clear signals. In the case of flying squirrels, their nighttime activity often gives them away, since the noise picks up after dark when most people are trying to sleep.
Q2. Why Is It Important To Remove Flying Squirrels Differently From Other Types?
A2. Flying squirrels behave quite differently from their gray or fox cousins. They’re smaller, more elusive, and usually travel in groups, which means a single opening can lead to a whole colony settling in. Because they’re active at night, inspections often have to focus on their nocturnal patterns. Removal and prevention need to be tailored to these behaviors, or the problem can quickly return.
Q3. What Steps Are Taken To Prevent Squirrels From Coming Back?
A3. The process doesn’t stop once the animals are out. After removal, attention turns to sealing every possible access point with durable materials, securing vents and chimneys, and addressing outdoor factors like overhanging branches or food sources that draw unwanted critters close to the house. By combining exclusion with environmental adjustments, the goal is to make the property less attractive to them in the long run.
