Imagine this scenario: you step into your shed to grab gardening tools or holiday decorations, only to find chewed-up materials, scattered nesting debris, or unusual smells. 

Could you have squirrels in your shed? 

If any of this sounds familiar, the answer is likely yes. Squirrels are clever, persistent, and always on the lookout for safe, cozy spaces to call home. Your shed might be their next target. Recognizing the signs of a squirrel infestation early is key to preventing further damage. Understanding these signs can help keep your shed safe and your property pest-free. 

Our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Etobicoke specialize in shed squirrel removal and can help you address the problem humanely and effectively. Below, we’ll guide you through the tell-tale signs that squirrels may have moved into your shed and what steps to take next.

Why Sheds Are Prime Real Estate for Squirrels

Sheds are a top choice for squirrels looking for shelter. Why? These small structures often provide quiet, undisturbed spaces where squirrels can nest. They’re usually stocked with materials like cardboard, soft insulation, or even stored cushions that make perfect nesting supplies. 

Add to that the fact that sheds are often left unsealed or rarely checked, and you’ve got an attractive spot for busy squirrels to settle down.

When they move in, though, these animals don’t just stay quietly out of sight. They tend to gnaw on wood, chew wires, and damage any belongings stored in the shed. Worse, if left unchecked, they can create larger entry points or even a secondary path into your home.

Signs Squirrels Might Be Living in Your Shed

If you suspect squirrels are living in your shed, here are the key signs to look for:

Damage to Shed Materials

One of the most visible signs of squirrels in a shed is damage to the materials. These animals are active chewers, and their teeth grow continuously, so they need to gnaw to keep them sharp. This habit can lead to various issues inside and outside your shed.

Take a close look at the wooden parts of your shed, like doors, edges, or corners. If squirrels are around, you might notice chew marks or frayed wood where they’ve been gnawing. These animals will often chew through weaker areas to create an entry point. This damage could mean they’ve already made their way inside or are actively trying to.

Inspect your shed’s roof for loose or damaged shingles. Squirrels sometimes use higher parts of a shed, like the roof, to gain entry. If tiles look scratched or displaced, it could be a sign they’ve been climbing or chewing around the edges. Small holes or gaps near the roofline may indicate active entry points.

Unusual Noises

Sheds are supposed to be quiet. If you hear rustling, scratching, or running noises when you stand nearby, especially at dawn and dusk, you might have squirrels inside. These animals are most active during these times as they gather food and move about. The sounds may come from the walls, roof, or floors, depending on where they’ve set up their nest.

Nests or Debris

Squirrels use sheds as sheltered spaces to build their nests and raise their young. Their nesting habits leave behind noticeable signs that you can easily spot.

Squirrels collect a variety of items to create their nests. Inside your shed, you might find small piles of twigs, dried leaves, shredded fabric, or even pieces of paper. These materials are usually tucked into corners or hidden inside storage bins. Nests are often a sign that a squirrel or even a family of them has moved in.

Droppings are another key indicator of squirrels living inside your shed. These droppings look like small pellets and are generally found near nesting sites or places where they spend the most time. If you find these, it’s a good idea to avoid touching them and contact our team at Skedaddle instead.

Chewed Belongings

Squirrels don’t just chew on wood. They’re known to gnaw on a variety of items found in sheds, especially things that are soft, textured, or easy to tear apart.

If you notice that garden hoses, cables, or even stored cushions have been chewed or clawed, squirrels may be the culprits. Since they enjoy soft or fibrous materials, they may use them to expand their nests. Pay attention to items that seem damaged but weren’t moved by you or anyone else.

Unpleasant Smells

If your shed suddenly smells worse than usual, it might not just be the weather or humidity. A strong, urine-like smell could mean squirrels are nesting in your shed. When animals settle into one area, they leave waste that eventually builds up and creates a concentrated, unpleasant odour. This smell is often strongest near their nesting area or preferred hiding spots.

Tracks and Paw Prints

Sometimes, small details like tracks or scratch marks can confirm the presence of squirrels. Sheds often have dusty areas or smooth surfaces, making it easy to notice these signs.

You might see tiny paw prints in the dust or scattered on storage shelves. Claw marks along wooden surfaces, particularly on walls or around entry points, can also indicate where squirrels have been climbing. Be mindful of where these tracks lead, as they might point you towards nesting spots or gaps that need sealing.

Why Shed Squirrel Infestations Need Immediate Attention

Ignoring squirrels in your shed can lead to expensive and potentially dangerous consequences. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait:

• Electrical Damage: They’re notorious for chewing wires. If you store any electric equipment in your shed, chewed wires can be a fire hazard.
• Structural Issues: Squirrels gnawing on wooden frames or walls may weaken the shed’s structure over time.
• Health Concerns: Squirrels can carry mites, fleas, and other parasites that harm humans and pets.
• Re-Entry Risks: Once squirrels find a safe space, they keep returning unless properly removed and sealed out.

What’s Next? Humane Squirrel Removal For Backard Sheds

When you notice the signs of squirrel activity, it’s essential to act quickly before the problem worsens. Here’s how our team at Skedaddle can help:

• Thorough Inspection: We inspect your shed to confirm squirrel activity and identify entry points they’ve used. This allows us to fully understand the scope of the issue.
• One-Way Door Installation: Our signature approach involves installing one-way doors. These doors allow squirrels to leave but prevent them from re-entering. It’s a humane, effective solution that encourages the animals to move on naturally.
• Sealing Entry Points: After the squirrels have left, we secure your shed to prevent future infestations. This includes sealing holes, repairing damage, and reinforcing weak spots.
• Cleanup and Restoration: We clean up nesting materials, droppings, and debris, leaving your shed in better condition and ensuring any lingering smells or health hazards are removed.

Our focus on humane methods means you can rest easy knowing the squirrels are removed safely, and your property is protected.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Shed

Once your shed is squirrel-free, you’ll want to take preventive action to avoid a repeat problem. Here are some tips:

• Seal Gaps and Holes: Inspect the exterior of your shed and seal any openings larger than a coin. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.
• Trim Nearby Trees: Overhanging branches make it easy for squirrels to jump onto your shed roof. Regularly trim trees and shrubs near the shed.
• Store Away Food Sources: Squirrels are attracted to food. Avoid leaving pet food, birdseed, or other tempting snacks in or near your shed.
• Use Metal Screens: Reinforce vents or weak areas with metal screens that squirrels can’t chew through.
• Clean Regularly: Sheds that are rarely used and filled with clutter are inviting for squirrels. Keep yours tidy with regular inspections to deter unsuspecting animals.

Trust Skedaddle for Squirrel-Free Sheds

If the signs of squirrels in your shed seem all too familiar, it’s time to take action. Sure, squirrels might look cute running around your yard, but when they move into your shed, they can cause significant damage. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Removing squirrels with the help of professionals is the best way to protect your property.

We take pride in solving your wildlife problems with care and precision. Our one-way door system ensures the squirrels leave your shed humanely, while our preventative measures keep them out for good. Plus, we’re local, so we understand the unique challenges of wildlife in the Etobicoke area.

Your shed should be a safe space for your belongings, not a squirrel family’s hideout. If you’ve spotted signs of a squirrel infestation, reach out to us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Etobicoke. Request an estimate today and take the first step toward solving your squirrel problem!