Squirrel Removal Toronto

Why DIY Squirrel Removal Is Risky

Trying to remove squirrels yourself may seem like a quick way to save money, but it can quickly become dangerous and expensive. Squirrels often enter attics through roof vents, soffits, and small openings that require climbing ladders and walking on steep roofing surfaces. Without proper equipment and training, homeowners risk serious falls and injuries. Cornered squirrels, especially mothers protecting their babies, may also bite or scratch when threatened.

DIY methods frequently fail because hidden entry points are missed or sealed too early, trapping animals inside walls or attics. This can lead to dead animals, foul odours, structural damage, and even larger infestations later.

Humane wildlife removal professionals use safe exclusion methods, one-way doors, and complete home inspections to remove squirrels without harming them and prevent future re-entry. Professional removal protects your family, your home, and the animals themselves while ensuring the problem is solved properly the first time.

Temperament and Character

The Eastern gray squirrel is the most common species found in urban areas. A black colour phase of the squirrel is actually more common in Ontario and often exhibits a brown tail. These squirrels are especially active in the morning and evening during dry weather. They readily eat nuts, maple tree seeds, fruit and corn.

Pestend offers squirrel removal services in Toronto & the GTA. A squirrel uses woodpecker holes or other cavities or hollow spaces such as attics as winter or summer dens. Large, round, ragged, solid looking and hollow balls of leaves high in tree crotches are used as summer nests. Flatter smaller leaf nests without cavities are used as cooling beds or loafing platforms. Two or three young are born in spring and often a second litter occurs in late summer. Squirrels will move their young from tree dens to leaf nests often in response to weather conditions.

Health Risks:

Squirrels are typically not important carriers of disease. But like all wild animals, squirrels can carry parasites and leave excrement behind in structures. Squirrel droppings are associated with Leptospirosis and Salmonella. Squirrels can also inflict a painful bite. Any bite should be checked by a medical doctor even though rabies is not common in squirrels.

Property Damage:

Squirrels pose serious threats that can endanger your home and family. They are compelled to chew to keep their teeth worn down. It is estimated that 50% of house fires attributed to unknown causes are the result of rodents chewing on electrical wiring. Squirrels gnawing on wires can cause power outages or tripped alarm systems in a home, as well as significant water damage from chewed through PVC plumbing lines. Exterior damage can include large holes in the roof, gable vents, siding, fascia and other materials. Basically, the presence of squirrels in the attic will result in damaged wires or pipes. Structures that are heavily contaminated with squirrel feces are unhealthy and emit foul odours. Not only do wild animals urinate and defecate all over, but dead animals inside a building can cause additional problems.