If you hear scratching, scampering or rolling sounds above your ceiling early in the morning, you may have squirrels in the attic. It is one of the most common wildlife calls we get in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph every fall.
Squirrels look harmless in the backyard. Inside your home, they chew wiring, tear up insulation and leave droppings behind. The good news is that the problem can be solved safely and humanely when it is handled the right way.
In this guide, the GBG Pest Control team explains why squirrels move into homes, how to spot them, why DIY removal often backfires, and how professional squirrel removal in Cambridge, ON keeps them out for good.
Why Squirrels Move Into Homes in the Fall
As temperatures drop in Southern Ontario, squirrels look for warm, dry places to shelter and raise their young. An attic gives them everything they need: insulation for nesting, protection from predators and easy access from nearby trees.
Squirrels in Ontario usually have two litters a year, one in late winter and one in mid-summer. A female looking for a nesting site in late fall or winter is very determined. She will chew through soft vents, rotted soffits or loose shingles to get inside.
Common entry points we find on Cambridge homes include:
- Roof vents and gable vents with thin or damaged screens
- Gaps where the soffit meets the fascia board
- Loose or rotted roof edges and flashing
- Uncapped chimneys
- Plumbing stacks and openings around wires or cables
- Branches that hang within 2 metres (about 6 feet) of the roof
Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Attic
Squirrels are active during the day, which is the easiest way to tell them apart from raccoons or mice. Watch for these signs:
- Noises at dawn and dusk. Scratching, running or rolling sounds (like acorns being moved) are most common early in the morning and late afternoon.
- Chewed holes on the roofline. Look for round openings about the size of a golf ball or larger, with chew marks around the edges.
- Squirrels on the roof. Seeing squirrels run along the roof or disappear behind a vent or soffit is a strong clue.
- Droppings and urine stains. Small, dark, oblong droppings in the attic, and yellow stains on drywall or ceilings.
- Damaged insulation. Flattened, shredded or tunnelled insulation where nests have been built.
- Bad odours. A strong smell may mean urine build-up or a squirrel that died inside a wall.
Not sure what you are hearing? Mice are usually more active at night. You can learn more in our guide on signs of a mice infestation.
The Damage Squirrels Can Cause
A squirrel problem is more than a nuisance. Squirrels have teeth that never stop growing, so they chew constantly to keep them filed down.
- Fire risk: Chewed electrical wires in the attic are a known cause of house fires.
- Insulation damage: Nesting compresses and contaminates insulation, which can raise your heating bills through the winter.
- Water leaks: Holes in the roofline let in rain and melting snow, leading to rot and mould.
- Health concerns: Droppings, urine, fleas and mites can contaminate attic spaces.
- Bigger openings for other wildlife: A hole made by a squirrel can later be widened by raccoons, or used by bats and birds.
The longer squirrels stay, the more expensive the repairs become. Acting early saves money.
Why DIY Squirrel Removal Often Backfires
Many homeowners try to handle squirrels on their own with traps, noise or by simply sealing the hole. These approaches often make the problem worse.
- Sealing the hole too early can trap squirrels or babies inside. They will chew a new hole, often through your ceiling or another part of the roof, or die inside the walls.
- Trapping and relocating is restricted in Ontario. Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, a live-captured animal must be released within 24 hours, no more than 1 km from where it was caught . Squirrels released nearby simply come back.
- Poisons and glue traps are not allowed for wildlife under the Act, and they are cruel and risky for pets.
- Roof work is dangerous. Climbing ladders and working on a sloped roof in cold, wet weather leads to falls and injuries every year.
A professional approach removes the squirrels without harming them and makes sure every entry point is properly sealed.
How GBG Pest Control Removes Squirrels Humanely
Our wildlife removal service in Cambridge, ON follows a proven, humane process:
- Full inspection. We inspect your roof, attic, vents, soffits and chimney to find every active and potential entry point.
- Check for babies. During nesting season we look for young squirrels so no family is separated or left behind.
- One-way door installation. We install a one-way exit door on the main entry point. Squirrels can leave to find food, but they cannot get back in.
- Sealing secondary entry points. Other gaps are sealed with strong, chew-resistant materials such as heavy-gauge steel mesh.
- Final exclusion. Once the squirrels are out, the one-way door is removed and the last opening is permanently sealed.
- Clean-up and advice. We can recommend attic clean-up and give you practical tips to stop future wildlife problems.
Because our team is licensed, insured and available 24/7, we can respond quickly when squirrels are causing urgent damage. Need help right away? Visit our emergency pest control page or call +1 519-222-7709.
How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Home
Prevention is always cheaper than repairs. Use this checklist before winter sets in:
- Trim tree branches at least 2 metres (6 feet) away from your roof
- Install a chimney cap with a steel screen
- Cover roof and gable vents with heavy-gauge steel mesh
- Repair rotted soffits, fascia and loose shingles
- Seal gaps around pipes, wires and plumbing stacks
- Keep bird feeders away from the house, or use squirrel-proof feeders
- Store garbage, compost and pet food in sealed containers
- Book a yearly roofline and attic inspection each fall
These steps also help keep out mice and other winter pests. For more tips, read our fall pest prevention guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is squirrels or mice in my attic? Squirrels are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, and they sound heavier. Mice are smaller and usually make light scratching noises at night.
Will squirrels leave the attic on their own? Rarely. Once a squirrel finds a warm, safe nest, it will usually stay, especially if it has babies. Professional exclusion is the most reliable way to get them out.
How long does squirrel removal take? Most one-way door exclusions take a few days. The final sealing is done once we confirm all squirrels have left.
Is squirrel removal humane? Yes. Our one-way door method lets squirrels leave on their own without being harmed, and we take extra care during nesting season.
How much does squirrel removal cost in Cambridge, ON? The cost depends on the number of entry points, the height and pitch of the roof, and the repairs needed. Contact us for a free consultation and a clear quote.
Do you offer squirrel removal outside Cambridge? Yes. GBG Pest Control serves Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Milton, Brantford and the surrounding areas.
Get Squirrels Out of Your Attic Before Winter
Squirrels in the attic will not solve themselves, and the damage grows every week they stay. Chewed wires, ruined insulation and roof leaks can quickly turn a small problem into a costly repair.
GBG Pest Control offers licensed, humane and guaranteed squirrel removal in Cambridge, ON and across the Waterloo Region. We remove the squirrels, seal your home and help you keep wildlife out for good.
Call +1 519-222-7709 or book a free consultation today. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.