Creature Feature

If your customers hear scurrying or scratching noises above their heads, chances are good they’ve got an unexpected guest—a tree squirrel making itself at home. Agile climbers and members of the rodent family that includes chipmunks and groundhogs, tree squirrels are experts at nesting in high places, unlike their ground-dwelling relatives. In urban areas, these clever critters are notorious for sneaking into attics, chimneys, and other cozy corners of buildings.

Tree squirrels are the usual culprits, but if the sounds happen at night, flying squirrels might be the source. While tree squirrels are active during the day, their nocturnal cousins prefer to move under the cover of darkness. Regardless of the species, squirrels can turn a home into a playground if left unchecked.

Common Squirrel Damage

Gray and fox squirrels are notorious for the damage they cause once inside a building. These unwelcome tenants don’t just stop at finding shelter—they gnaw on wooden beams, chew through electrical wires, and leave behind plenty of waste that can soil attic spaces. Their mess creates unsanitary conditions and can introduce harmful bacteria, while their nests can harbor parasites like fleas or ticks.

On the bright side, rabies is rare in squirrels, and they are not known to transmit the virus to humans. However, delaying action could lead to escalating structural damage, increased health risks, and higher repair costs.

Prevention Tips

Because tree squirrels are skilled jumpers—easily leaping up to six feet—prevention starts outside the building. Follow these steps to keep squirrels at bay:

Trim Trees and Branches: Ensure they are at least six feet from the roofline.

Screen Attic Vents: Install sturdy screens over vents to block entry points.

Cap Chimneys: Use metal chimney caps to prevent access.

If squirrels have already made their way inside, here are your options:

Exclusion Devices: Install one-way doors over entry holes to let squirrels out but not back in.

Live Cage Traps: These can be used to safely capture and remove squirrels.

Repair Structural Gaps: Patch holes and gaps in roofing, vents, and eaves to prevent future reentry.

Without repairs, squirrels will find their way back in, no matter how many you remove.

Protect Your Customers Today

By acting quickly, you can help your customers prevent further damage and reduce health risks. Offering services like inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance positions your business as the trusted expert in wildlife control. With proactive care, you can keep squirrels where they belong—outside.