Squirrels are small, quick, and surprisingly resourceful animals that often seem charming when seen scurrying across a yard or darting up a tree. However, their curious nature and constant need to chew can create serious issues once they find a way inside a building. They’re drawn to attics, crawl spaces, and even wall cavities, where the warmth and quiet make an ideal place to nest. The problem is that when they settle in, they bring a trail of destruction with them.
One of the most common problems we encounter is chewed wiring. Squirrels’ teeth never stop growing, so they gnaw on just about anything to keep them filed down, including electrical cables. That can lead to expensive repairs and even fire hazards. Insulation damage is another big concern. They tear it apart to build nests or tunnel through it, reducing its effectiveness and driving up energy costs. And then there’s the noise: scratching, scurrying, and thumping that starts before dawn and continues through the day. What sounds harmless at first can quickly turn into a constant nuisance.
Their droppings and urine can also create unpleasant odors and health concerns if left unaddressed. These materials can soak into wood, drywall, or insulation, leading to stains and potential contamination. Squirrels are known to carry parasites like fleas and mites, which can spread through the home once they establish a nest. When homeowners try to deal with the situation on their own, the animals often scatter deeper into the structure, making the problem even harder to manage. This is where professional trapping becomes essential, not just for immediate relief but for long-term prevention.
Signs Of An Infestation
Most homeowners don’t notice a problem until the sounds begin, such as soft scratching in the ceiling, faint squeaks, or the pitter-patter of tiny feet running behind the walls. These early warnings often mean a squirrel or two has already found its way inside. Over time, those noises tend to get louder as more of them join in, especially during nesting seasons in late winter and mid-summer.
Visual clues are also common. You might spot droppings in the attic or notice torn insulation and shredded paper. Sometimes, daylight peeking through small gaps in the roofline or soffit is enough to confirm an entry point. Outside, gnaw marks on wood trim, chewed vents, or displaced shingles suggest squirrels are testing weak spots around the structure. Even missing pieces of insulation around wires or ductwork can indicate they’ve been busy exploring.
Another telltale sign is the smell. Accumulated waste gives off a musty or ammonia-like odor that lingers around attics and upper walls. If the scent intensifies after rain, that’s often because moisture activates the buildup. You may even notice oily smudges or dirty streaks near entry holes, caused by the oils in their fur as they squeeze in and out of tight spaces.
When these indicators appear, quick action matters. Squirrels breed rapidly and tend to return to the same nesting sites year after year if the access points remain open. Every delay gives them more time to expand their territory within the property. Identifying the pattern of their movement and the specific openings they use is a critical part of resolving the issue effectively.
How Our Method Works
Handling squirrels requires more than just setting a trap and waiting. Each property presents its own set of challenges, depending on the layout, roof style, and the number of access points. A professional inspection helps reveal exactly where they’re getting in and what’s drawing them there in the first place. Once those details are clear, the trapping process can begin in a controlled and strategic manner.
Professionals use specialized equipment to place traps along the routes the animals are already traveling, such as roof edges, attic beams, or near food sources. Timing and placement are everything. Squirrels are creatures of habit, moving along familiar paths each day, so positioning traps in those areas increases effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary disturbance.
Beyond the technical side, understanding behavior plays a big role in long-term success. These animals are intelligent and cautious. They’ll often investigate new smells or objects before committing to entering a trap. That’s why patience, precision, and experience matter so much in this line of work. It’s a balance of timing and technique that comes from years of handling similar cases across different environments.
Preventing Future Intrusions
Once the current problem is resolved, prevention becomes the priority. After all, these critters are known for being are persistent and adaptable. If one set finds an easy entryway, others are likely to follow. Regular roof maintenance and trimming branches away from the house are simple but effective measures. Overhanging limbs act like highways for potential intruders, giving them direct access to chimneys, vents, and gutters.
Homeowners sometimes underestimate how much scent plays a role in drawing animals back. Even after they’re removed, residual smells from nesting sites can signal to others that the area’s still suitable. Thorough cleaning and deodorizing of those spaces can help eliminate that invitation. Regular follow-up inspections can then verify that the structure remains protected. Taking these precautions creates a lasting barrier that keeps future infestations from developing.
When squirrels turn a comfortable home into their playground, it’s time to act decisively. The damage they cause builds up quickly, and early intervention saves money, stress, and unnecessary repairs down the road. At Campbell’s Trapping Service, we handle each situation with careful attention to detail, from pinpointing entry points to completing the removal process efficiently. If you’re hearing strange noises overhead, seeing signs of damage, or suspect that squirrels have moved in, contact us today to schedule service or request more information about how we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squirrels
Q1. What Are The Most Common Signs That Squirrels Are Inside A Home Or Building?
A1. The first signs are often sounds coming from the attic or walls, like quick scratching, scampering, or gnawing. You might also spot chewed wood near roof edges, disturbed insulation, or droppings in storage areas. Another giveaway is when outdoor damage appears, such as small holes near vents or soffits that weren’t there before. Sometimes a musty odor or oily streaks near openings reveal that squirrels have been slipping through repeatedly.
Q2. How Long Does It Usually Take To Remove Squirrels Once Trapping Begins?
A2. The timeline depends on the size of the infestation and how established the animals are. In many cases, the process can take a few days to a week, depending on how many entry points exist and how quickly the critters interact with the traps. Some properties require additional time for sealing openings or addressing damage before everything is fully secure. The goal is not just to remove the animals quickly, but to make sure they don’t return once the work is complete.
Q3. What Areas Of A Property Are Most Likely To Attract Squirrels In The First Place?
A3. Squirrels are drawn to warm, quiet areas where they can build their nests in seclusion. Attics, soffits, and eaves are frequent targets, especially if there’s easy access through tree limbs or damaged vents. They’re also attracted to places with food nearby, like bird feeders or unsecured trash. Homes that sit near wooded lots or have overhanging branches tend to face the most risk. Keeping those surroundings tidy and trimmed back can make a big difference in discouraging them from moving in.