Squirrel Removal: Attic Exclusion and Entry-Point Repairs
Scratching overhead at sunrise, a chewed hole at the roof edge, nuts in the insulation. One call to Bastion Pest Pros, day or night, gets a local wildlife removal specialist on it. The pro gets the squirrels out with one-way doors and repairs the roofline so they can’t chew back in.
Squirrels chew through roof edges and vents fast. For other animals and the general removal process, see wildlife removal.
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- Local wildlife pros
- Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)Roughly $200–$600 for removal (Angi, 2026). Roofline repair is often quoted separately.
- Main methodOne-way exclusion doors, not poison. Poisoned squirrels can die in walls.
- Timing mattersYoung can be in nests from about February through August.
Squirrel Removal at a Glance
Squirrels are rodents with teeth that never stop growing. That shapes everything about how they’re removed.
- Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)Roughly $200–$600 for removal (Angi, 2026). Roofline repair is often quoted separately.
- Main methodOne-way exclusion doors, not poison. Poisoned squirrels can die in walls.
- Timing mattersYoung can be in nests from about February through August.
- The real fixRepairing every chewed or soft spot on the roofline with metal.
Which Squirrel Is in Your Attic?
Three squirrel groups that may be encountered in attics are compared below. Each keeps different hours and needs a slightly different plan.
| Gray squirrel | Fox squirrel | Flying squirrel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium, gray coat | Largest, rusty-orange belly | Small, about 8–10 inches long (southern species) |
| Active | Daytime, busiest at dawn and dusk | Daytime | Night only |
| Sounds | Running, rolling nuts, chewing | Heavy running | Light scratching and scurrying late at night |
| Typical group in attic | A mother and young | A mother and young | Often several together in winter |
| Entry hole | Round, chewed hole at a roof edge | Round, chewed hole, often larger | Small gaps near vents, eaves and dormers |
| Range | East and Midwest, plus some western cities | Central and eastern U.S. | Most of the eastern U.S. |
Hearing noise only after dark? It may be flying squirrels, raccoons or rats. The pro confirms from droppings and entry holes.
Dusk squeaking from a roof gap may be bats; see bat removal.
Signs of Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrels leave clear clues, mostly on the outside of the house. Here’s what to look for.
| Sign | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Noise at sunrise and late afternoon | Gray or fox squirrels heading out and back |
| Round, chewed hole at a soffit or fascia corner | Main entry point |
| Chewed edges on roof vents or the ridge vent | Squirrels testing or widening an opening |
| Nut shells or pine cone pieces in the attic | Food storage |
| Leaf-and-twig nest in insulation | A nest, possibly with young |
| Squirrels running along a power line to the roof | Their travel route |
Squirrel Nesting Seasons
Gray and fox squirrels breed mostly from mid-December to early January, and some breed again around June. Gestation is about 42–45 days, so babies show up twice a year.
Dec–Jan
Mating; females search for warm nest sites
Feb–Mar
First litters born, about 3 young each
Apr–May
Young growing; mother very protective of the nest
Jun–Aug
Second litters for some females; flying squirrels also have a summer litter
Sep–Nov
Squirrels look for winter shelter and store food
Exclusion during litter season needs a plan for the babies. Otherwise, the mother chews a new hole to get back to them.
Chewed Wiring and Other Damage
Squirrels gnaw constantly to keep their teeth worn down. In an attic, that means anything soft enough to chew.
Wiring
chewed insulation on cables can leave bare wire. Have an electrician check it.
Roof edges
soffits, fascia boards and vent covers get chewed open.
Insulation
tunneled, packed into nests and soiled with urine.
Ducts and pipes
flexible ducts and soft plastic lines are easy targets.
Stored items
boxes, holiday decorations and clothing in the attic.
Squirrels also chew vehicle wiring and cause power outages on utility lines, according to the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management.
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Call now (844) 442-2144Why Squirrels Keep Coming Back
Many homeowners trap one squirrel and soon hear another. Here’s why.
| Reason | What’s going on |
|---|---|
| Scent marks | The nest and urine signal a good den site to other squirrels |
| Unsealed entry | The hole is still open after the animal is gone |
| Weak patch | Wood, foam or thin screen gets chewed through |
| Backup entries | A second gap nobody found |
| Easy roof access | Branches or wires give a straight path to the roof |
Trapping without sealing usually just makes room for the next squirrel.
How One-Way Squirrel Doors Work
A one-way door, sometimes called an excluder, is a metal tunnel mounted over the main entry hole. Squirrels can push out but can’t get back in.
All other gaps are sealed first,
so the door is the only way out.
The door goes over the main hole,
with a large metal apron around it to discourage chewing nearby.
Squirrels leave to feed
and can’t return.
The pro checks for activity
over several days.
The door comes off
and the hole is sealed with metal.
Freezing rain can jam a door, and a determined squirrel may chew a new hole next to it. That’s why the pro follows up.
When One-Way Doors Aren’t Enough
Some situations call for a different approach. The pro decides on site.
Babies in the nest
young that can’t leave must be removed by hand or allowed to grow before the door goes on.
Wall voids
a squirrel in a wall may need a door at a specific point or an access hole.
Flying squirrels
often several animals and many tiny entry points, so every gap gets sealed and multiple doors may be used.
Fireplace or living space
a squirrel inside the house is usually guided out an open door.
Roofline Repair: Where Squirrels Get In
Most squirrel entries are along the roofline. These are the spots the pro inspects and repairs.
| Spot | Common problem | Typical repair |
|---|---|---|
| Soffit corners | Gaps where soffit meets fascia | Metal flashing, sealed |
| Fascia boards | Rotted or soft wood | Replace board, then flash |
| Roof vents | Plastic vents chewed through | Metal vent guard |
| Ridge vent | Ends chewed open | Metal end caps |
| Gable vents | Torn screens | Heavy mesh screening |
| Plumbing stacks | Gap around the pipe | Mesh collar or boot |
| Dormers and roof returns | Small gaps at wall joints | Metal flashing and mesh |
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Call now (844) 442-2144Materials That Stop Squirrels
Squirrels chew through most soft materials. Sealing needs to be metal.
| Material | Stops squirrels? | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy 1/2-inch galvanized wire mesh | Yes | Vents, gaps, larger openings |
| Aluminum or steel flashing | Yes | Roof edges and corners |
| Metal vent guards | Yes | Roof and exhaust vents |
| Spray foam | No | Chewed out quickly |
| Wood patches | No | Chewed, especially if soft |
| Window screen | No | Torn easily |
How Much Does Squirrel Removal Cost?
Prices depend on the number of squirrels, entry points and the amount of roof repair. Ranges below come from Angi’s 2026 data.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Squirrel removal | $200–$600 |
| Attic cleanup | $200–$1,500 |
| Insulation replacement | $1,100–$2,700 |
| Electrical wiring repair | $2–$4 per sq ft |
Source: typical U.S. ranges from Angi’s published wildlife removal cost guide, 2026. Not a Bastion quote; roofline repair is quoted after inspection.
What moves a squirrel quote
Number of entry points
flying squirrels often have many small ones.
Roof height
two-story and steep roofs take more time.
Rotted wood
soft fascia needs replacing before it can be sealed.
Babies present
hand removal adds a visit.
Squirrels in the Walls or Chimney
Not every squirrel stays in the attic. Some fall into wall cavities or chimneys and can’t climb back out.
| Where | Signs | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| Inside a wall | Scratching in one spot, often near the floor or ceiling | Pro locates it; may cut a small access hole or set a door |
| In the chimney | Scratching above the damper, debris falling | Rope or pole for it to climb, or direct removal; then a cap |
| In the living space | Squirrel in a room | Close inside doors, open an outside door, leave the room |
A squirrel stuck in a wall can die there. If scratching stops suddenly and an odor follows, tell the pro.
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Call now (844) 442-2144Trimming Trees and Cutting Off Roof Access
Squirrels jump to roofs from nearby branches and run along wires and fences. Cutting off those routes makes any repair last longer. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management advises trimming limbs 6–8 feet away from buildings.
- Trim branches 6–8 feet back from the roof
- Cut ivy and climbing vines off walls
- Ask the power company about squirrels running along service lines; don’t touch electrical lines yourself
- Move bird feeders well away from the house
- Wrap isolated tree trunks with metal bands if squirrels climb them to reach the roof
A Typical Squirrel Job, Visit by Visit
Most squirrel jobs take a few short visits. Here’s a common sequence when no babies are present.
| Visit | What the pro does |
|---|---|
| Visit 1 | Inspects the roofline and attic, seals backup gaps, mounts the one-way door, quotes repairs |
| Visit 2 | Checks the door for activity and nearby chew marks |
| Visit 3 | Removes the door once the attic is quiet and seals the main hole with metal |
| Repair visit | Replaces soft fascia, adds vent guards and ridge vent end caps |
| Follow-up | Checks for new chewing; schedules attic cleanup if needed |
If babies are found, the plan shifts. The pro may remove them by hand for the mother to move, or wait until they’re old enough to leave.
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Call now (844) 442-2144What to Do While You Wait
Squirrels aren’t usually dangerous to people, but they bite if cornered. These steps keep the problem from getting worse before the visit.
- Don’t block the hole; a sealed-in squirrel chews out through the ceiling or a new spot on the roof
- Keep stored boxes and clothing in the attic off the floor or in plastic bins
- Note the times you hear activity; it helps tell gray squirrels from flying squirrels
- Look at the roofline from the ground with binoculars and photograph any chewed spots
- Turn off and report any attic light or fixture that flickers, in case wires are chewed
- If a squirrel is loose indoors, close interior doors, open an outside door and leave the room
Don’t reach into a wall or chimney to grab a squirrel. Even a small one bites hard.
Squirrel Laws Vary by State
Many states classify fox and gray squirrels as game animals, and flying squirrels often have stronger protection. Trapping and relocation rules differ by state.
Colorado
landowners may relocate tree squirrels within 10 miles, with advance notice to the state and permission at the release site.
Other states
may require a permit, limit relocation or set holding times.
Flying squirrels
often can’t legally be killed; check local rules.
Wildlife rules vary by state; the specialist should follow your state’s rules and hold any permits it requires. For the general legal picture across species, see wildlife removal.
Squirrel Removal by state
Local guides with state rules, seasonal timing and licensed providers near you.
Tennessee pest control
- wildlife removal in Nashville
- wildlife removal in Memphis
- wildlife removal in Knoxville
- wildlife removal in Chattanooga
- wildlife removal in Murfreesboro
- wildlife removal in Clarksville
- wildlife removal in Franklin
- pest control in Knoxville
- pest control in Memphis
- pest control in Nashville
- pest control in Chattanooga
- pest control in Clarksville
- pest control in Murfreesboro
Squirrel Removal FAQs
How long does squirrel removal take?
It usually takes a few visits with one-way doors. Babies or many entry points can stretch it out, and the pro sets the schedule after inspection.
Will poison get rid of squirrels?
Poison isn’t the right tool. Squirrels can die inside walls, and the odor and flies that follow are worse than the original problem.
Can squirrels chew through wires?
Yes. Chewed wiring is one of the main reasons to act quickly; have a licensed electrician check any damage.
How do I know if there are baby squirrels?
Listen for high squeaks from one spot, and note the season. Late winter and summer are the usual windows.
Why do I hear squirrels only at night?
Gray and fox squirrels are day animals. Night noise usually means flying squirrels, rats or raccoons.
Do I need to replace my insulation?
Only if it’s heavily soiled or packed into nests. The pro shows you the condition before quoting cleanup.
Are flying squirrels harder to get out than gray squirrels?
They often use many small gaps and live in groups. Sealing every gap is the hard part.
Can I just trap the squirrel and let it go in a park?
Check your state’s rules first. Many states limit where and how far trapped squirrels can be moved, and a mother taken away from her nest leaves babies behind in the attic.
Didn’t see your question?
Call and ask. The line is open 24/7 and calling is free.
- Your ZIP code
- What you’re seeing and where
- How long it’s been going on
No obligation to book.
Squirrels Overhead Right Now?
The longer they stay, the more can get chewed. Call now and get a local wildlife pro on it.
Call now (844) 442-2144