Yes, squirrels can cause real damage to homes. They often chew through soffits, fascia, vents, or roof shingles to enter attics, where they nest. Inside, squirrels may damage insulation, chew electrical wiring, and create fire hazards. Their urge to gnaw can also weaken wood structures over time. Acting to remove squirrels quickly and sealing entry points helps prevent expensive issues.

Exterminators don’t always handle squirrels, as squirrels are often classified as wildlife rather than pests. Plus, many standard pest control companies focus on insects and rodents, not larger animals. Instead, wildlife control or animal removal professionals typically handle squirrel problems. These pros may use humane traps, identify entry points, or apply exclusion methods to prevent squirrels from returning. It’s best to confirm with the service provider whether they specialize in wildlife removal before booking.

Squirrels tend to dislike pungent smells. You could try using capsaicin from chili peppers, peppermint oil, or coffee grounds as natural deterrents around your home. While these can help, they often need to be reapplied, especially after it rains, and may not be enough to solve a persistent problem. For more effective squirrel removal, it's a good idea to call in a professional.

Several elements can factor into the cost of removing squirrels, like:

• Number of squirrels: The more that have moved in, the more time and effort it'll probably take to trap and remove them.

• Location and accessibility: It's usually tougher to remove squirrels from hard-to-reach areas like inside walls or a chimney, so this can add time and cost.

• Damage repair: The price may increase if the job includes repairing damage from chewing, such as on wires, insulation, or wood.

• Exclusion work: A key part of squirrel removal service is sealing entry points to keep the critters out for good. The number and size of these openings can contribute.

• Cleanup needs: After removal, you might have to clean up nests, droppings, and contaminated insulation, which is often an additional service.

Before hiring a pro to handle a squirrel problem, here are some questions to ask:

• Are you licensed and insured for wildlife removal?

• What methods do you use to remove the squirrels, and are they humane?

• How can you prevent squirrels from getting back in?

• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee for your exclusion work?

• What does the process look like, and how long do you expect it to take?

• Can you provide a detailed estimate and explain all the potential costs?

• Do you also offer services to repair damage caused by the squirrels, such as to insulation or wiring?

Hiring a pro is usually the fastest way to handle a squirrel problem. A professional specializing in squirrel removal will generally use effective and humane methods like trapping and exclusion doors to solve the issue. They'll also often identify and seal entry points to help prevent squirrels from returning to buildings.

You might have a squirrel problem if you encounter:

• Noises in your home. You may hear scratching, scurrying, or chattering sounds coming from your attic, ceiling, or walls, especially during the day.

• Visible damage. Look for gnawed electrical wires, chewed wood or siding, torn insulation, and damaged air vents.

• Droppings and odors. Squirrel droppings and strong, unpleasant odors from urine in your attic or crawl spaces are both clear signs.

• Nesting materials. Look for nests made from twigs, leaves, paper, and insulation in your attic, chimney, or wall voids.

• Entry points and sightings. Holes in your roofline or siding, often with chew marks, or simply a constant presence of squirrels around your roof can mean they’ve settled in.