Squirrel Removal: How to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Attic This Spring

Posted on 2025-04-17

As the weather warms up in Barrie, Toronto, and Richmond Hill, many homeowners start hearing scratching or scurrying noises from above. This is often a sign that squirrels have invaded your attic. Spring is peak breeding season for squirrels, and attics provide them with a warm, safe space to build nests and raise their young. However, allowing squirrels to remain in your home can lead to serious problems, including insulation damage, chewed electrical wires, and unpleasant odors. Here’s what you need to know about squirrel removal and how to keep wildlife out of your attic this spring.

How Do Squirrels Get Into Attics?

Squirrels are excellent climbers and can access attics through:

• Roof vents and soffits – Weak or damaged vents make an easy entry point.
• Gaps in fascia boards – Even a small opening along the roofline can be widened by determined squirrels.
• Chimneys and open ducts – Squirrels looking for shelter will squeeze into small openings.
• Tree branches close to the house – Overhanging limbs serve as bridges to your roof.

In areas like Barrie and Toronto, where homes are often surrounded by trees, the risk of squirrel infestations increases significantly.

Effective Squirrel Removal Methods

Once squirrels make their way into an attic, removal must be handled carefully—especially during spring when baby squirrels may be present. Here are the most effective squirrel removal strategies:

1. Inspect and Identify Entry Points – A thorough inspection by a wildlife removal expert will pinpoint how the squirrels got in. Sealing the entry points without removing the animals first can lead to trapped, distressed squirrels.
2. Use One-Way Exclusion Devices – These allow squirrels to exit but prevent them from re-entering. Professional squirrel removal services in Barrie often use exclusion techniques to ensure safe, humane removal.
3. Check for Baby Squirrels – If babies are present, a licensed wildlife removal specialist in Richmond Hill will relocate them with their mother to a suitable outdoor nesting area.
4. Seal Entry Points After Removal – Once the squirrels are gone, sealing entry points with steel mesh or heavy-duty materials will prevent future infestations.

Preventing Squirrel Infestations in the Future

• Trim overhanging branches – Keep tree limbs at least 10 feet from your roof to eliminate easy access points.
• Install squirrel-proof vents and chimney caps – Mesh covers prevent squirrels from squeezing in.
• Remove outdoor food sources – Secure garbage bins and avoid leaving pet food outside, which can attract squirrels and other wildlife.

When to Call a Professional for Squirrel Removal

DIY squirrel removal can be risky, especially if the animals become aggressive or babies are involved. Hiring a pest control and wildlife removal service in Toronto, Richmond Hill or Barrie ensures a humane, effective solution that prevents further damage to your home.

By taking action early in the spring, you can prevent costly repairs and ensure that squirrels stay in the trees—where they belong.