You live in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, and you already know how busy city life can be. But there’s one problem that shows up every year and causes more stress than you’d expect—squirrels. At first, they might look cute running across power lines or hopping through the park, but once they get near your home or business, the problems start.

So why are squirrels such a problem in Ottawa? The answer comes down to a mix of city growth, changing weather, and the way these animals look for food and shelter. Warmer winters have allowed them to stay active longer, leading to bigger populations. That means more chewing, more noise, and more property damage. 

You also face health and safety risks when they choose your attic, roof, or business as a nesting spot. This is where squirrel problems in Ottawa, urban squirrel control Ottawa, and the need for squirrel damage prevention tips become important.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ottawa, we see this every day. Families call us when they hear scratching in their attic or notice chewed wires. Business owners reach out after they find nests hidden in storage rooms. 

In this article, you’ll learn why squirrels are such a big challenge in Ottawa, what risks they bring, and the best prevention steps that keep your property safe.

Why Squirrels Thrive in Ottawa

Ottawa is full of green space, with large parks, rivers, and plenty of trees. That’s great for residents who enjoy outdoor living, but it also creates the perfect environment for squirrels. They find shelter in trees and food from garbage bins, gardens, and even bird feeders. When the city grows, new homes and businesses provide even more warm, hidden spaces for nesting.

Climate change also plays a role. Warmer winters mean squirrels stay active year-round instead of slowing down in colder months. According to local reports, some people in Ottawa have even spotted “monster squirrels” that are bigger than usual, thanks to easy access to food. This constant activity leads to more chances of damage inside and outside buildings.

The Real Problems They Cause

You might wonder what harm one or two squirrels could do. The truth is that once they find a way in, the problems grow quickly.

• Noise: You’ll hear scratching, thumping, or even squeaking, especially at night. These sounds often come from attics, ceilings, or behind walls where nests are built.
• Property Damage: Squirrels chew to keep their teeth sharp. That means shredded wires, torn insulation, and broken vents. They also rip apart shingles and soffits while trying to squeeze inside.
• Health Concerns: Droppings and urine build up quickly in nesting areas. This creates strong smells and can spread bacteria, which puts your family or staff at risk.
• Fire Hazards: Chewing on wires can spark electrical fires. Many people don’t think of squirrels as a fire risk, but it’s a very real danger in homes and businesses.
• Business Disruption: For store owners, restaurants, or offices, the sight of an animal inside your space can hurt your reputation. Customers don’t want to see pests near food or products.

Signs of Squirrel Activity

You may not always see squirrels directly, but you can often tell when they’re nearby. Watch out for these warning signs:

• Strange Sounds: Strange sounds are usually the first clue. You might hear loud thumps, scratching, or squeaks coming from walls, ceilings, or even the attic. These noises often get louder at night when squirrels are most active.
• Damage to Roof or Soffits: Damage to the roof or soffits is another red flag. Torn shingles, bent vents, or broken eaves show where squirrels have chewed or forced their way inside. These weak spots also make it easier for other animals to follow.
• Droppings and Smells: Droppings and strong smells are also common when squirrels nest. Waste builds up quickly, creating odours that spread through the house or business. If the smell doesn’t go away, it often means the animals are still active inside.
• Chewed Wires or Furniture: Chewed wires or furniture are one of the more dangerous signs. Squirrels leave bite marks on wood, storage boxes, or even electrical wires. Damaged wires can lead to costly repairs and increase the risk of fire.
• Paw Prints or Trails: Finally, look for paw prints or trails. Squirrels leave small, hand-shaped tracks near doors, windows, or garbage bins. These trails show you where they’re coming and going, often leading to entry points.

If you notice even one of these signs, it’s often a signal that the problem is already inside your property. Acting quickly can save you time, money, and stress later on.

Why Urban Life Makes It Worse

City living means food and shelter are always close by. Garbage bins, compost piles, and gardens give squirrels a steady food supply. Warm attics, sheds, and business rooftops provide safe nesting spots. In urban areas like Ottawa, the density of people creates more opportunities for squirrels to move in.

Another challenge is that squirrels are excellent climbers. They use power lines, fences, and even brick walls to reach rooftops. Once on your roof, it only takes one small gap to slip inside. These urban squirrel habits are why you see so many calls for urban squirrel control in Ottawa each year.

Squirrel Damage Prevention Tips

You can’t control the weather or the number of squirrels in the city, but there are ways to reduce your risks. Here are some squirrel damage prevention tips that make a difference:

• Keep garbage bins tightly sealed and stored away when possible.
• Avoid leaving pet food or bird seed outdoors overnight.
• Trim tree branches that hang too close to your roof.
• Repair broken vents, soffits, or shingles before animals find a way in.
• Work with a wildlife control partner for regular inspections.

These steps lower the chances of squirrels turning your home or business into their next den.

The Bigger Picture: Ottawa’s Growing Squirrel Population

According to reports, Ottawa’s squirrel population is getting larger, partly due to mild winters. When survival rates go up, so do the numbers of young born each season. That means more competition for space and more pressure on urban buildings.

For families, this can mean repeated issues year after year if the entry points aren’t fixed. For businesses, it can mean higher costs in repairs, lost products, and even health code concerns. That’s why residents and business owners alike need reliable solutions to keep these problems from getting worse.

Key Takeaways for Homeowners and Businesses

Squirrels may look harmless, but their impact in the nation’s capital is bigger than you think. The most important things to remember are:

• Squirrel problems in Ottawa are growing because of warm winters and easy access to food.
• They cause noise, damage, health risks, and even fire hazards.
• Urban squirrel control in Ottawa helps protect homes and businesses from ongoing issues.
• Following squirrel damage prevention tips reduces the chance of future infestations.

Why Professional Help Matters: Squirrels Can Be Dangerous

You should never try to remove squirrels yourself. These animals can be aggressive, and handling them puts you at risk of bites or scratches. They also return if entry points aren’t sealed properly. That’s why professionals like us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ottawa are essential.

We use humane methods, including one-way doors that allow animals to leave but stop them from getting back inside. Our trained team also repairs weak spots so you don’t face the same problem again. With our experience, you get long-term results without risking your safety.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Property Today

Squirrel problems in Ottawa won’t solve themselves. The longer you wait, the more costly the damage becomes. From noise to fire hazards, the risks are real for both homes and businesses. With urban squirrel control in Ottawa and smart squirrel damage prevention tips, you can stop problems before they spiral.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Ottawa, we’re ready to help. You can request an estimate to learn more and take the first step toward a safe, pest-free space. Let us handle the hard work so you can focus on what matters most.