Squirrels
Foggers Pest Control is Central Minnesota’s Trusted Choice for Squirrel Control.
Do you have squirrels in your attic?
Squirrels are common wildlife that often enter attics and structures in search of shelter. Once inside, they can cause damage by chewing on wiring, nesting in insulation or vents, and creating noise and debris. Their activity can also lead to additional repairs if the issue is not addressed promptly.
Why Professional Squirrel Removal Is Important
Squirrels inside a home can create health and safety concerns for homeowners. Their droppings and urine can contaminate insulation and indoor air spaces, and close contact with wildlife increases the risk of bites or scratches. Ongoing squirrel activity can also introduce parasites and create uncomfortable living conditions if left unaddressed.
Foggers Pest Control provides professional squirrel removal and exclusion focused on long-term protection. Our service includes identifying entry points, removing squirrels, and sealing access areas to prevent future activity. With licensed technicians and proven exclusion methods, Foggers helps protect your home from damage while resolving squirrel issues effectively and responsibly.
Signs of Squirrel Presence to Look For
Common signs of squirrel activity include scratching or scampering sounds in the attic, walls, or ceilings, especially during early morning and evening hours. Homeowners may also find droppings, chewed insulation, gnawed wood, exposed wiring, or damaged roofing materials where squirrels have created entry points or nesting areas.
Outside, signs often include overturned bird feeders, acorn shells or seed debris beneath trees, visible nests in branches, and frequent squirrel activity near rooflines, eaves, or soffits. Pets acting unusually alert or focused on certain areas of the home can also indicate squirrel presence.
FAQ's About Squirrels
What signs indicate I have squirrels in my attic or walls?
Common signs include scratching or scampering noises, particularly at dawn and dusk, chewed or displaced insulation, droppings, grease marks along entry points, visible damage to vents or soffits, and sudden sounds of falling items.
How do squirrels typically get into homes?
Squirrels enter through gaps in the roofline, damaged soffits, loose shingles, openings around chimneys, vents without screens, or holes gnawed in siding. They can exploit even small gaps to access attics or ceilings.
Can squirrels cause structural or property damage?
Yes. Squirrels can chew wiring, structural wood, insulation, ductwork, and attic vents. Their nesting activity and urine or droppings can damage insulation and create fire and odor hazards.
Are squirrels in the attic dangerous to my family or pets?
Squirrels can carry parasites and ticks that may affect pets and people. They can also damage wiring, creating fire risks, and their droppings can contribute to unsanitary conditions, though direct attacks on people are rare.
When is squirrel activity most likely during the year?
Squirrel activity peaks in spring and early summer when they build nests and raise young, and again in late summer or fall as they prepare for winter. However, attic infestations can occur at any time if entry points are available.
What should I do first if I suspect squirrels in my home?
Limit access to the attic or affected area for safety, avoid sealing entry points until after confirming no animals are trapped inside, and contact a professional wildlife control service for inspection and an exclusion plan.
Why should I hire a professional instead of attempting DIY removal?
Professional squirrel removal ensures the issue is handled correctly and safely. Trained technicians can accurately identify entry points, remove squirrels, perform proper exclusion to prevent re-entry, and address hazardous materials such as contaminated insulation. Hiring a professional also helps ensure all work is done in compliance with local wildlife regulations and avoids costly damage caused by incomplete or improper DIY attempts.
How do professionals prevent squirrels from returning after removal?
Technicians use exclusion methods such as repairing and reinforcing vents, soffits, roofing, and siding; installing one-way exclusion devices when appropriate; and sealing gaps with durable materials to restore the building envelope.
What happens to nests, droppings, and contaminated insulation after removal?
After the animals are removed and entry points are sealed, any existing nests, droppings, or contaminated insulation may remain. Foggers Pest Control can provide recommendations and refer trusted local professionals who specialize in cleanup, sanitation, and insulation replacement if needed to help address odors, contamination, or damaged materials.
Will repairing entry points require extensive construction work?
The extent of repairs depends on the damage. Some openings can be repaired quickly with metal flashing or mesh, while larger damage to roofing, soffits, or fascia may require more extensive repairs or replacement sections.
How long does a typical squirrel exclusion and cleanup process take?
Timelines vary. An initial inspection may take an hour, exclusion repairs can range from a single visit to several days depending on complexity, and cleanup or insulation replacement may require additional time to complete properly.
Are there laws or permits I should be aware of regarding squirrel removal?
Local wildlife regulations can restrict methods or seasons for removal, especially during breeding season. A licensed wildlife professional will be familiar with local laws and obtain any necessary permits or follow required protocols.
Can squirrels cause damage to HVAC or duct systems?
Yes. Squirrels can chew duct insulation, damage flexible ducts, and nest near HVAC intakes, which can reduce system efficiency and contaminate the system with debris and droppings.
How can I squirrel-proof my yard and exterior areas?
Trim tree branches away from the roofline, secure vents and chimney caps, repair gaps in siding and rooflines, store food and pet dishes indoors, and maintain a tidy yard to reduce attractive nesting sites.
What should I expect after a squirrel removal service in terms of follow-up?
Expect inspection of repairs, monitoring for return activity, possible additional visits to complete repairs or cleanup, and documentation or guidance on preventative measures to keep squirrels from returning.