Squirrel Removal From the Attic: A Guide to Spot, Fix, and Prevent

Dealing with animals in the attic can be stressful, especially when the culprits are squirrels. These little climbers might look harmless outside, but once inside, they can chew wires, shred insulation, and leave behind a mess. That’s where humane squirrel removal comes in, an approach that gets them out safely without causing harm. Before the damage gets worse, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs, remove them safely, and keep them out for good.

Signs of Squirrels in the Attic

Ever hear scratching above your ceiling in the early morning? That’s one of the first clues that you might have some furry squatters. Squirrels are noisy, especially when they’re nesting or storing food. Other signs include:

• Droppings around insulation or beams

• Chewed wires or wood (they love to gnaw)

• Nesting materials like leaves, twigs, or shredded paper

• Strange odors from urine or droppings

Think of it like having uninvited roommates who never clean up after themselves.

Critter Hero Tip: Take our quick quiz to identify the animals in your attic and learn the next steps for safe, humane removal.

Why Squirrels in the Attic Are a Problem

They might look cute outside, but indoors, it’s another story. Squirrels can:

• Create fire hazards by chewing on electrical wires

• Destroy insulation, making your home less energy-efficient

• Spread fleas, ticks, and droppings that carry bacteria

Bottom line: an attic full of squirrels is a safety risk, not just a nuisance.

How Squirrels Get Into Attics

Squirrels are athletic little acrobats. They can leap 10 feet, climb almost anything, and squeeze through gaps smaller than a baseball. Common entry points include:

• Loose roof vents

• Gaps under shingles

• Open chimneys

• Soffit or fascia holes

Critter Hero tip: We often find the tiniest gaps homeowners overlook. That’s why part of our service is a full inspection of your roofline and vents.

Best Methods for Squirrel Removal From the Attic

Here’s what works (and what doesn’t):

1. Live trapping – Humane traps relocate squirrels safely.

2. Exclusion doors – These one-way exits let squirrels out but not back in.

3. Sealing entry points – Done after squirrels are gone to prevent re-entry.

   
   

What doesn’t work? Mothballs, loud music, or tossing ammonia-soaked rags up there. Those old “tricks” won’t solve the problem, and they might make it worse.

Dangers of DIY Squirrel Removal

It’s tempting to handle it yourself, but here’s the catch:

• Squirrels can bite or scratch if cornered.

• Mothers may abandon babies if scared off.

• Climbing ladders or crawling in tight attics isn’t exactly safe.

Imagine trying to wrangle a panicked squirrel in a cramped space—it’s not a fun picture.

Professional Squirrel Removal Services: What to Expect

When you call Critter Hero, here’s how we handle it:

1. Inspection – We identify entry points and nesting areas.

2. Safe removal – Using humane traps or exclusion devices.

3. Seal-up work – Closing all those gaps squirrels love.

4. Cleanup – Sanitizing droppings and damaged areas.

We don’t just remove squirrels, we make sure they stay out.

Cost of Squirrel Removal and Cleanup

Prices can vary depending on how many squirrels you’re dealing with, how hard they are to reach, and how much damage they’ve done. On average, in the GTA, homeowners might expect:

Investing in proper removal is cheaper than paying for electrical repairs or ongoing infestations later.

Cleaning and Repairing the Attic After Squirrels

Getting the animals out is step one. Step two is making your attic safe again:

• Remove and replace soiled insulation

• Sanitize droppings to prevent bacterial spread

• Repair chewed wires and wood

Expert note: At Critter Hero, we often see homeowners skip cleanup. That mistake leaves odors behind, which can attract more wildlife.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of the Attic for Good

Prevention is always easier than removal. Here’s how to squirrel-proof your home:

• Trim tree branches 6–8 feet away from your roof

• Cover chimneys and vents with wildlife-proof screens

• Inspect your roofline twice a year for gaps

• Keep pet food or birdseed sealed tightly outdoors

When to Call a Wildlife Control Professional

If you’re hearing daily scratching, spotting chewed wires, or finding droppings in your attic, it’s time to call in help. The longer you wait, the more damage squirrels can cause.

Critter Hero is here to help. With 15+ years of experience in humane wildlife removal across Hamilton & GTA, we know exactly how to remove squirrels safely, clean up the mess, and protect your home from future invasions.