Your home provides warmth, safety, and shelter. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what squirrels look for when searching for a nesting spot. If you notice unusual noises in the attic or find signs of chewing around your property, these could be squirrel nesting signs. 

Squirrels nesting in homes can cause property damage, fire risks, and sanitation problems. Spotting these problems early can save you a lot of trouble, and knowing how to prevent squirrel nests is just as important.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ottawa, we’ve seen how persistent squirrels can be when they decide to make a home within yours. By identifying nesting signs early, you can take action to protect your property before a minor issue turns into a bigger one. It’s not just about solving the problem but preventing it in the first place.

Squirrel Nesting Signs You Can’t Miss

When squirrels are scoping out your home or starting to nest, they leave plenty of clues behind. Identifying these warning signs early can help you avoid damage and larger infestations. Here are some common squirrel nesting signs that homeowners need to watch for:

• Unusual Noises Around Your Home: Squirrels are active, and they’re not exactly quiet about it. If you hear noises like scratching, scurrying, or even soft chirps, especially in your attic, walls, or ceiling, this could mean squirrels are settling in. Early mornings and evenings are prime times to hear them since that’s when they are most active.
• Droppings or Odours: Nesting squirrels leave droppings, and over time, their nesting space will develop an odour caused by urine or waste. Look for small, dark droppings in attics, basements, or near suspected entry points. This can quickly become a hygiene issue, so catching it early is important.
• Signs of Chewing and Damage: Squirrels need to chew constantly to keep their teeth from growing too long. That means you might notice damage to wood, insulation, and even electrical wires. Chewed wiring, in particular, is a fire risk and a significant problem caused by squirrels nesting in homes. Pay special attention to areas like the attic, eaves, and other hidden parts of your house.
• Material Trails and Hidden Food: Squirrels use soft materials like insulation, paper, or fabric for their nests. If you find shredded materials in piles near quiet spaces, it’s a strong nesting sign. You might also come across their food stashes, such as nuts or seeds tucked away in hidden corners.
• Visible Entry Points: Squirrels don’t knock on your door—instead, they create their own ways inside. Check for visible gaps or holes around your home’s roof, soffits, vents, or chimney. These entry points may have chewing damage around the edges, which is a clear indicator that squirrels have been at work.

How to Prevent Squirrel Nests

Once you’ve spotted squirrel nesting signs, prevention is your best ally. Squirrels nesting in homes may be difficult to remove once they’ve made themselves comfortable. Here are practical steps you can take to stop them from settling in:

Seal Off Entry Points

Inspect your home thoroughly for small gaps, cracks, or holes where squirrels might squeeze through. These animals are surprisingly flexible and can fit through openings as narrow as a few centimetres. Pay close attention to areas like soffits, roof edges, and around vents. Use strong materials like heavy-duty mesh, steel wool, or caulk to close these gaps effectively. For bigger vulnerabilities, like open vents or chimneys, install durable covers or caps designed to keep animals out while maintaining proper airflow.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overhanging trees and tall shrubs near your home provide squirrels with an easy route to your roof. These branches act like bridges, helping them access potential entry points effortlessly. Trim trees back, leaving a gap of at least three metres, so squirrels can’t make the jump. Keeping greenery around your home pruned not only prevents access but also improves visibility, so you can more easily spot any budding problems before squirrels move in.

Secure Garbage and Food Sources

Squirrels are drawn to readily available food, and your yard might be offering them a buffet. Ensure all garbage bins have tight-fitting lids and are stored away securely. Avoid leaving scraps, pet food, or birdseed in places that squirrels can easily reach. If you love feeding birds, choose squirrel-proof bird feeders to keep wildlife at bay. These simple steps discourage visitation and make your home a less attractive target for nesting.

Protect Vents and Chimneys

Vents, chimneys, and soffits are common entry points for squirrels into your home. Cover these areas with durable grates or screens to block access while still allowing airflow. Don’t forget to check for weak or damaged covers, as squirrels might chew through flimsy materials. Installing a sturdy chimney cap is especially important, as squirrels often use chimneys as a pathway to attics.

Maintain the Roof

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home for animal entry. Loose shingles, broken soffits, or small gaps can give squirrels easy access. Regularly inspect your roof for damage, especially after storms or during seasonal changes. Make repairs right away to fix weak spots and reinforce areas where animals may try to get in. A well-maintained roof is one of the best defences against squirrels nesting in your home.

Call for Professional Help

If squirrels are already scoping out your home or nesting inside, it’s time to call us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. DIY efforts usually fall short because squirrels are determined and clever. Our team uses humane one-way doors that allow squirrels to leave safely but block them from returning. Once the squirrels are gone, we’ll seal off entry points to keep others from taking their place. By trusting us, you can rest easy knowing your home is secure.

Why Squirrels Prefer Homes for Nesting

Squirrels are drawn to homes for one main reason—they’re the perfect nesting spot. Homes provide warm, safe shelter that’s protected from predators and harsh weather. Attics, basements, or tight spaces like walls mimic the hollows or tree dens they typically call home in the wild.

Additionally, there’s often an abundance of material they can use for nest-building. From insulation to paper, space in your home makes an optimal choice for raising young. This is why it’s so important to take preventative measures and not wait until you hear those scratches and scurrying noises.

Actionable Signs to Protect Your Home

If you suspect squirrels might already be checking out your home, here are some quick steps to take right now to minimize the chances of nests forming:

• Perform a detailed inspection of your home’s exterior
• Pay close attention to sounds in quieter areas of the house
• Check attic spaces for signs like droppings, nesting materials, or food
• Monitor areas like the chimney or roof vents for damage
• Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control to handle the problem safely

By being proactive, you can reduce the possibility of squirrels nesting in your home. Skedaddle is here to provide expertise and effective solutions tailored to your home’s needs.

Reclaim Your Home from Squirrels

Don’t wait until things get out of hand if you suspect squirrel nesting signs in your home. Early action and prevention can save you from property damage, fire hazards, and unhygienic conditions. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ottawa, we know how to safely remove squirrels nesting in homes while making sure they can’t come back. Using our one-way doors, we ensure wildlife finds its way out, but not back inside.

Take the first step in protecting your space. Request an estimate today, and we’ll help prevent squirrel nests while keeping your property secure for the long term!