Squirrels might seem cute, but they can cause real problems if they get into your home or business. Keeping them under control is essential to protect your property. In Canada, squirrels are active all year, but they tend to be a bigger issue in the fall and winter. Many homeowners and businesses deal with these pests regularly. This guide will help you understand how to prevent, remove, and manage squirrels effectively.
Why Squirrel Control is Important
While squirrels play a critical role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations, they can pose challenges when they enter human spaces. Property Damage: Squirrels are notorious for chewing through wood, insulation, wiring, and even plastic. They can damage roofs, attics, and ventilation systems. Health Risks: Squirrels can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella, as well as parasites like fleas and ticks, which can affect humans and pets. Noise and Disturbance: Squirrels in attics or walls can create significant noise, particularly at night, disrupting sleep and peace. Food Contamination: Squirrels often raid bird feeders, garbage bins, and stored food, creating hygiene concerns. Implementing effective squirrel control measures reduces these risks and safeguards your home or business.
Common Squirrel Species in Canada
Identifying the species of squirrel in your area is essential for adequate control. The most common species in Canada include: 1. Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): Found in urban and suburban areas and known for raiding attics and chewing wires. 2. Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus): Smaller than gray squirrels and more aggressive. Common in forested areas and occasionally invades homes. 3. Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger): Larger squirrels found in southern Ontario and parts of Quebec. They can cause significant structural damage when nesting in homes. 4. Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans and Glaucomys sabrinus): Nocturnal and elusive, these squirrels are more challenging to detect. Found in parts of eastern Canada. Understanding the species can help determine the best squirrel control strategies.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
Spotting squirrels early makes it easier to control them. Listen for scratching or scampering sounds in your walls or attic. Look for chewed insulation, wood, vents, or wires. You might also find small, dark droppings near where they get in, or see holes in your roof or walls. Squirrels often damage bird feeders in gardens and yards. Catching these signs quickly helps you deal with squirrels before they cause bigger problems.
Effective Squirrel Control Methods
1. Prevention and Exclusion
The best way to keep squirrels out is to stop them from getting in. This is especially important in Canada during the colder months, when squirrels look for warm places indoors. Check your roof, eaves, vents, chimneys, and around doors and windows for gaps, and seal them with metal mesh, caulk, or weatherstripping. Trim trees and shrubs so branches are at least two meters from your house, making it harder for squirrels to jump onto your roof. Keep bird feeders out of reach, store pet food inside, and use tight lids on garbage bins. Adding chimney caps also helps keep squirrels out.
2. Natural and DIY Squirrel Control
If you have a small squirrel problem, try eco-friendly and humane methods. You can use sprays or granules to keep squirrels away from your garden or attic. Motion-activated devices that spray water, flash lights, or make sounds can also help. Live traps let you catch and move squirrels, but be sure to follow local Canadian rules about relocating wildlife. Regularly check your property, pick up fallen nuts and seeds, and clean your gutters to make your home less inviting to squirrels.
3. Chemical and Professional Squirrel Control
If you have a serious squirrel problem, it’s usually best to call a professional. Pest control companies in Canada might use specialized squirrel baits, but they take care to keep pets and other animals safe. They can also seal gaps, repair roofs, and reinforce attics to keep squirrels from coming back. Many companies use a mix of trapping, blocking entry points, changing the habitat, and regular checks for long-term results. Professional help is beneficial for tough cases or when squirrels are hard to reach.
Seasonal Squirrel Activity in Canada
Squirrels in Canada act differently depending on the season. In spring, they build new nests, usually in trees but sometimes in attics. During the summer, they’re busy outside because food is easy to find. In the fall, they store food for winter and may try to get inside for shelter. In winter, they mostly stay in their nests, but might come indoors if it’s very cold. Knowing these patterns helps you plan the best times for squirrel control.
DIY vs. Professional Squirrel Control
DIY Methods
DIY methods work well for minor problems or to prevent squirrels from getting in. They’re usually eco-friendly, humane, and cost-effective, but you need to keep an eye on them and maintain them regularly.
Professional Services
Professional services are best for big infestations or places you can’t easily reach. They use specialized tools and safe products and offer long-term fixes. Many companies also give guarantees and follow-up checks. Using both DIY steps and professional help gives you the best results for managing squirrels in Canadian homes and businesses.
Tips for Long-Term Squirrel Prevention
- To keep squirrels away for good, regularly trim trees, clear away debris, and seal up any openings. Keep bird feeders away from your house and make sure garbage bins are secure. Check your attic and roof from time to time to catch any early signs of squirrels. Installing items such as chimney caps, roof mesh, and vent covers can also help. Watching for new activity and acting quickly can stop bigger problems before they start.
Squirrel Control in Canadian Homes and Businesses
Whether in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or smaller towns, squirrel infestations can damage property and create significant disturbances. Residential and commercial properties benefit from customized squirrel control strategies: Homes: Focus on sealing entry points, preventive maintenance, and occasional professional inspection. Businesses: Regular inspections, professional exclusion, and staff awareness prevent property damage and health risks. A combination of preventive, natural, and professional approaches maintains a squirrel-free environment year-round.
Choosing a Reliable Squirrel Control Company in Canada
If you need to hire a squirrel control company, look for one with good experience and positive reviews. Choose a company that offers humane and eco-friendly options if that’s important to you. Make sure they can create a plan that fits your property and the size of the problem. It’s also helpful if they offer a guarantee and follow-up visits. Picking a reliable company gives you peace of mind and helps protect your property in the long run.
Conclusion
Squirrels are a standard part of life in Canada, but they can cause real trouble if they get into your home or business. The best way to protect your property is to use a mix of prevention, natural deterrents, and professional help when needed. By learning about squirrel habits, knowing which species you’re dealing with, and taking action early, you can avoid damage and health risks. Whether you handle things yourself, hire a pro, or do both, regular checks and maintenance are the key to keeping squirrels away for good.