Do Squirrels Cause Damage to Property?

Squirrels look charming on a fence line, but inside your roofline they act like tiny demolition crews. Their teeth never stop growing, so constant gnawing turns shingles, fascia, wiring, and insulation into targets. Left unchecked, a single nesting season can spark odors, leaks, and even fire hazards.

Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem

• Dawn and dusk scurrying or scratching in the attic or walls
• Acorn shells, shredded insulation, or leafy nest bundles
• Chew marks on soffits, vents, and wood trim
• Flickering lights or tripped breakers after recent roof activity

How Squirrels Damage Roofs and Exteriors

Access starts at weak points. Squirrels test soffits, eaves, and plastic vent covers, then chew openings large enough for repeat trips. Shingles can be pried or chewed, leading to slow leaks that stain ceilings and feed mold. Uncapped chimneys and flimsy attic vents act like open doors. Over time, gutters become nests stuffed with twigs, blocking drainage and pushing water against siding.

The Hidden Dangers in Attics and Walls

Inside, the destruction compounds. Insulation gets ripped into bedding, reducing R value and raising energy bills. Urine and droppings soak into rafters and drywall, creating strong odors and potential health concerns. Stashed nuts invite secondary pests. If a squirrel dies in a wall void, the cleanup and sanitization can become far more complicated than the original intrusion.

Electrical Risks You Should Not Ignore

Rodents chew to keep incisors in check, and electrical wiring feels like a branch to a squirrel. Frayed sheath, exposed copper, and nicked junctions turn a quiet attic into a tinderbox. Warning signs include buzzing outlets, intermittent power, or a burnt odor near ceiling fixtures. Prompt action can head off shorts and the nightmare scenario of an attic fire.

Do They Harm Yards and Gardens?

Yes. Bark stripping on young trees leaves them vulnerable to disease. Bulbs go missing, planters get excavated, and vegetable beds turn into dig sites. Bird feeders double as squirrel buffets, training them to revisit your property daily. Over time, their traffic patterns lead straight to the weakest spot along your roofline.

Humane Removal That Works

Trapping without a plan just resets the clock. A reliable approach pairs targeted squirrel removal with one-way doors at active entry points, timed after checking for juveniles. Once activity stops, seal and fortify. Replace flimsy vent covers with metal, upgrade screens to galvanized hardware cloth, and repair chewed edges with flashing instead of patch wood.

Cleanup and Deodorizing

After eviction, deodorize and sanitize. Remove contaminated insulation, HEPA vacuum droppings and dust, then disinfect rafters and sheathing. Odor encapsulants lock in residual smells that would otherwise draw new squirrels to the same spot. If wiring shows chew marks, schedule an electrician for inspection and repairs before closing access.

Proofing Your Home for the Long Term

• Cap the chimney with a spark arrestor cap
• Swap plastic vent covers for metal and add fine mesh
• Trim branches back from the roof by 8 to 10 feet
• Use feeder baffles or move feeders far from the house
• Keep gutters clear to reduce nesting material and moisture

Seasonal Timing and Vigilance

Activity spikes in late winter and late summer during breeding and dispersal. A quick roofline walk every spring and fall can catch small chew marks before they grow into doorways. Listen at dawn; that is prime commute time for attic squirrels. If you hear gnawing plus thumping runs, act before nest building peaks.

When to Call a Pro

Call when you suspect wiring damage, find multiple entry points, or hear persistent juvenile chirping. Professionals can map traffic paths, install exclusion correctly, remove all occupants, and handle contaminated insulation. The best fix blends humane removal, tight sealing, and targeted repairs that close the chapter for good.

Stop Squirrel Damage Today

Choose Best Pest & Wildlife Control for humane squirrel removal, tight exclusion, and careful cleanup that restores safety and peace inside your home. Serving the Western United States, our specialists assess your property, seal active entry points, relocate squirrels using ethical methods, and sanitize affected areas to remove odors and contaminants.

Each plan is tailored to species and site conditions so results last. If wiring, insulation, or structure took a hit, we handle restoration too. Contact now to book a free home inspection and get a clear path from intrusion to prevention.