Squirrels are one of the most familiar and, at first glance, harmless animals in the neighbourhood — until they move into your attic, chew through wiring, or empty a bird feeder in a day. Squirrel damage is a serious issue: they gnaw on electrical wires, tear up insulation, chew holes in siding, and can be carriers of fleas and parasites. This hub brings together our squirrel-related guides, covering exclusion, humane removal, and how to protect your home, garden, and bird feeders.
Common Squirrel Species
The eastern gray squirrel is the most common squirrel in the eastern and central U.S. It is grey with a white belly, about 18 inches long including the tail, and is responsible for most attic invasions. Gray squirrels are active during the day and breed twice a year, once in late winter and once in summer. Fox squirrels are larger, with reddish-brown fur, and prefer open woods. Red squirrels are smaller, aggressive, and highly territorial. And flying squirrels are small, nocturnal, and rarely seen — they glide rather than fly and will nest in attics, often in large colonies. If you are wondering about their lifespan, how long squirrels live covers the species-by-species breakdown.
Signs of Squirrel Activity
Common signs include scratching, running, or thumping sounds in the attic during the day (gray and fox squirrels) or at night (flying squirrels); chewed wires or insulation; gnaw damage on fascia, soffits, or siding; visible droppings; and areas of the roof or trim that look chewed or stained. Squirrels often enter through gaps in the roofline, dryer vents, or soffit vents that have been loosened or chewed open.
Squirrel Damage
Electrical Wires
Squirrels chew on electrical wiring in attics and walls, sometimes causing short circuits and even house fires. Their teeth grow continuously and they chew constantly to wear them down. Any sign of chewed wiring in an attic should be treated as a serious fire risk. Our guide on squirrels chewing wires covers prevention in detail.
Insulation and Attic Damage
Squirrels tear up insulation to make nests, and their droppings and urine contaminate attic surfaces. Insulation that has been compressed and contaminated needs to be removed and replaced. Squirrels also chew on structural wood, though damage to framing is less common than damage to insulation and wiring.
Garden and Bird Feeder Damage
Squirrels destroy gardens by eating vegetables, digging up bulbs, and chewing bark on young trees. Bird feeders are also a target — squirrels can empty a feeder in a day and will break parts of feeders in the process. Our guide on how to get rid of squirrels in the yard covers garden and feeder protection.
Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrels in the attic are the most serious form of squirrel problem. Once inside, they damage wiring and insulation, contaminate surfaces with droppings, and may stay for years. In spring and fall, they may have nests of young that complicate removal. If a squirrel is in the attic, the first priority is to locate and seal all entry points, and the second priority is to remove the squirrel — order matters. Sealing the entry with the squirrel still inside traps it and creates a much bigger problem. Our guide on how to remove squirrels from the attic and chimney walks through the full process.
Humane Removal Options
The most effective humane approach is a one-way door — a device that lets the squirrel exit but prevents re-entry — combined with full exclusion of every other possible entry point. This is the standard professional method and it works well for squirrels, raccoons, and many other wildlife species. Live trapping is possible but requires handling and relocation, which is regulated in most states and is often less effective than exclusion. Never use poison — it is illegal and inhumane, and a poisoned squirrel that dies in an attic creates a serious odour problem. Our guide on why poison is the wrong choice for squirrels explains why in more detail. Wildlife removal cost for raccoons vs squirrels covers typical professional pricing.
Exclusion Techniques
Squirrel exclusion requires sealing every possible entry point. The most common are gaps in the roofline, soffit vents, dryer vents, gable vents, and any area where trim has pulled away from the wall. Gaps as small as a couple of inches need to be addressed — a determined squirrel can chew an opening larger than that quickly. Trim trees back at least eight to ten feet from the roof to remove the launch points squirrels use to access the roofline. Cap chimneys and secure roof vents with heavy-gauge mesh. As with raccoons, check for babies before sealing any entry — in spring and late summer, a mother squirrel will have a nest of young inside.
Protecting Bird Feeders
The best solution for bird feeders is a baffle — a physical barrier mounted on the pole below the feeder, or above it if hanging — that prevents squirrels from climbing past. Position feeders at least 10 feet from any launch point (trees, fences, roofs), or at least 6 feet away and 5 feet off the ground, which forces squirrels to give up before reaching them. Weight-activated feeders close the seed ports when a squirrel lands. The best squirrel repellents work as a supplement, but no repellent beats a properly positioned baffle.
Health and Safety Concerns
Squirrels rarely attack people but will bite if cornered or if a person tries to handle them. Do squirrels attack humans covers when and why this happens, and how to avoid provoking an attack. They can also carry fleas and ticks — do squirrels carry fleas and do squirrels carry ticks explain the actual risk and what to do if you have a squirrel problem in the attic.
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional for any squirrel inside an attic or wall void, for any situation where exclusion work is needed on a roofline or soffit, or for a flying squirrel infestation, which requires specialised techniques. A professional wildlife control company can handle the exclusion safely, check for babies, and repair the damage so that the problem does not recur. Squirrels are persistent — a DIY sealing job that leaves even a small gap will be reopened by the next squirrel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are squirrels dangerous to people?
Squirrels rarely attack people but will bite if cornered or if a person tries to handle them. They can carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites, and their droppings in an attic should be cleaned professionally.
Do squirrels carry rabies?
Squirrels are not a significant rabies vector — small rodents and squirrels rarely test positive. However, any squirrel that allows itself to be handled or appears sick or unusually tame should be left alone.
Why are squirrels chewing my siding?
Squirrels chew siding to enlarge an entry point or to wear down their teeth. Once they have created a gap, they will continue to use and enlarge it.
Last reviewed: November 2026.