As winter approaches, many homeowners and business owners wonder: will squirrels be a problem this winter, and how can you protect your home and garden? Just as the bustling St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market showcases the region’s vitality, our neighbourhoods maintain a lively ecosystem even as temperatures drop. 

The need for expert squirrel removal becomes clear when you consider that these animals are more determined than ever to find warmth and shelter inside your property during the colder months. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Kitchener/Waterloo, we know that prevention, humane solutions, and proactive winter wildlife control are the keys to safeguarding your space—and your peace of mind—as snow and ice set in.

Why Squirrels Seek Shelter in Winter

The arrival of winter marks a frantic period for squirrels, who begin to look for secure, warm places to nest and ride out the cold. Unlike some animals, squirrels do not hibernate. Instead, they remain active, seeking cozy locations like attics, chimneys, and wall cavities for refuge. This increased activity puts homes and commercial buildings at greater risk of infestation. 

Squirrels can scale brick exteriors, leap from trees, and maneuver across power lines with ease. Even minor roof damage or a loose vent offers them an entry point to your attic, where insulation and warmth attract them. Unfortunately, homeowners frequently miss subtle signs of entry. These animals only require gaps as small as two inches to invade, and once a family of squirrels moves in, their presence often goes unnoticed until significant issues arise in the spring.

The motivation for squirrels is clear: warmth, safety, and proximity to food sources give them the best chance of surviving the twin threats of cold and scarcity. Unfortunately, this instinctive behaviour means ongoing risks for property owners throughout the entire winter season.

The Hidden Dangers: Health Risks and Squirrel Damage

Having squirrels inside your living or workspace introduces several problems that extend beyond the occasional scampering noises overhead. The potential for damage multiplies as they chew, build nests, and carry diseases and parasites with them.

How Can Squirrels Damage My Property?

Squirrels can inflict both visible and hidden damage, some of which threatens the structural integrity of your home:

1. Chewing: Squirrels have strong, constantly growing teeth, prompting them to gnaw on wood, plastic, aluminum, and even electrical wiring. This can lead to costly repairs and increases the risk of fires.
2. Nesting: Their nests—made from leaves, twigs, and shredded insulation—can block vents, reduce energy efficiency, and damage attic insulation, resulting in higher heating bills during winter months.
3. Structural Weakness: Persistent chewing and scratching weaken supports, fascias, and soffits, leaving your exterior vulnerable to both reentry and water leaks.
4. Aesthetic Damage: Beyond the structure, their presence leads to soiled insulation, droppings, and urine, which stain building materials and create foul odors that linger long after removal.

What Health Risks Do Squirrels Pose?

It’s not just about property—the presence of squirrels carries health implications:

Squirrel nests are breeding grounds for fleas, ticks, and mites, which can transfer to pets and humans. Their droppings and urine introduce bacteria such as Salmonella and Leptospirosis, which may cause illness if contamination occurs in ventilation systems. Additionally, airborne parasites and mould spores from decaying nesting material threaten indoor air quality, especially when squirrel activity disturbs insulation or drywall. Living with these hazards is unacceptable—it threatens family and pet health and can result in significant cleanup and remediation costs.

Winter Wildlife Control: Preventing Squirrel Infestations

Proactive wildlife control is essential for stopping squirrel problems before they start. Skedaddle encourages all homeowners and business owners in Kitchener/Waterloo to focus on prevention strategies before winter conditions worsen.

Key preventive steps include sealing all exterior gaps, especially those around the roofline, vents, and chimneys. Trim tree branches and remove climbing aids that provide squirrels with access to your roof. Scheduling a professional inspection is crucial to identify hidden vulnerabilities that might be missed, especially those high up or out of sight from the ground.

Even a small opening that seems insignificant can quickly become a high-traffic entry point for persistent squirrels. The deterioration of roof materials over time, especially after wet weather, makes homes more attractive to wildlife. Skedaddle’s technicians conduct a thorough 35-50 point inspection of your property, giving you a detailed picture of weak points and potential risks. Our hands-on approach means every vulnerable area is identified, addressed, and secured, ensuring that your home or business stands strong all winter long.

Liability Concerns: Why Squirrel Removal Protects More Than Just Property

Some homeowners may not realize that unresolved squirrel problems can create liability. If an infestation is left unchecked, you could be held responsible for:

1. Fire and Safety Risks: Chewed wiring doesn’t just endanger your own family; it can threaten neighbouring units in multi-family buildings.
2. Health-Related Lawsuits: If tenants or visitors get sick due to contamination caused by a persistent squirrel problem, you may be liable for damages related to their illness.
3. Property Value Decline: Prolonged wildlife damage lowers property value and increases costs when it’s time to sell or rent out your property.

Protecting your investment means more than stopping current issues—it requires ensuring that future occupants are safe and your legal exposure is minimized. Addressing squirrel issues promptly with professional help is the best way to avoid costly complications down the road.

Skedaddle’s Humane and Customized Squirrel Removal for Winter

Skedaddle’s approach to squirrel removal truly sets us apart in the Kitchener/Waterloo region. We prioritize humane, customized solutions at the forefront of every job, guaranteeing effective wildlife control while treating animals with compassion.

How Can Skedaddle’s Squirrel Removal Services Help?

Our four-part process addresses both current infestations and future risk:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: We examine your property’s construction, entry points, and signs of squirrel damage or nesting.
2. Humane Removal: Using hands-on, strategic methods, our technicians safely remove all adult and baby squirrels. Baby squirrels are reunited safely outside with their mother.
3. Exclusion & Repair: We seal and reinforce all entry points using high-grade materials, ensuring attempted reentry is impossible. Damaged insulation and nesting sites are professionally cleared and disinfected to protect health and safety.
4. Ongoing Support: Our team is available for follow-ups and offers guidance on maintaining a squirrel-free home in future seasons.

When baby squirrels are present, our technicians carefully locate them—often relying on specialized tools like thermal cameras—to minimize disturbance. The babies are safely placed outside for mother reunification, ensuring a gentle and legal solution.

Preparing for Winter: The Final Steps

As winter sets in, taking action to keep squirrels at bay is crucial. Remaining vigilant and conducting periodic checks of your property are vital steps. Secure storage of food waste and removal of bird feeders can deter hungry squirrels looking for easy meals. Community engagement through neighbourhood watch programs can help spread awareness and keep other families informed and prepared.

Contact Skedaddle for Winter Squirrel Removal

If you’re hearing suspicious sounds in your attic or have noticed increased squirrel activity around your home, don’t wait until problems escalate. Contact Skedaddle today for professional and humane squirrel removal services in Kitchener/Waterloo. Our expert team is ready to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve throughout the winter season. Take the first step in protecting your property—call us now and ensure both you and your home remain safe from winter wildlife challenges.