Squirrel Removal in Central Ontario
Squirrels are charming when observed outdoors, but when they invade attics, soffits, and wall voids, they become destructive pests that can cause extensive property damage. These persistent rodents gnaw through wood, insulation, and even electrical wiring, creating fire hazards and costly repairs. Fortress Pest Control provides humane squirrel removal services combined with professional exclusion work to permanently solve your squirrel problems while complying with all wildlife regulations.
Squirrel Invasion Problems
Eastern gray squirrels and red squirrels are common in Central Ontario, and both species frequently invade structures seeking shelter for nesting and winter protection. Squirrels typically enter through construction gaps, damaged soffits, roof vents, and uncapped chimneys. Once inside, they create nests using insulation and other materials, often causing significant damage. Their constant gnawing can damage structural wood and create serious fire hazards when they chew through electrical wiring. Squirrels are most active during early morning and late afternoon, and homeowners often hear scratching, running, and gnawing sounds during these periods. Female squirrels have two breeding seasons per year (spring and late summer), making attics particularly attractive for raising young.
Common Signs You Need Professional Help
Early detection is crucial for effective pest control. If you notice any unusual activity, damage to your property, or pest sightings—especially during off-hours—it's time to call in professionals. Our trained technicians can identify the extent of infestations that may not be visible to untrained eyes, potentially saving you thousands in structural repairs.
Understanding the Pest: Biology & Behavior
Central Ontario's primary nuisance squirrel is the Eastern gray squirrel. Adults weigh 400-600g and are active year-round. They breed twice annually (late winter and mid-summer), producing 2-4 young per litter. Squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers, accessing roofs via overhanging branches, power lines, or direct climbing. They seek attic spaces for nesting, especially pregnant females. They're most active at dawn and dusk. Squirrels cause damage by chewing to maintain tooth length—they'll gnaw wood, wiring, insulation, and even PVC pipes. Understanding their behavior is crucial for effective exclusion.
Our Squirrel Removal Process
We use humane, effective methods to remove squirrels from your structure and prevent their return. Our process begins with a comprehensive inspection to locate entry points, assess damage, and determine if young are present (which requires special handling). We install one-way exclusion devices that allow squirrels to exit but prevent re-entry, ensuring humane removal without trapping. Once all squirrels have been excluded, we seal all entry points using durable materials that squirrels cannot chew through, including heavy-gauge screening, metal flashing, and other professional-grade exclusion materials. We also identify and address attractants like nearby food sources and tree branches providing roof access. For customers dealing with damage, we can provide referrals for insulation replacement and electrical inspection.
1. Inspection
Thorough assessment to identify pest species, infestation extent, and entry points.
2. Treatment
Targeted application of professional-grade products safe for your family and pets.
3. Follow-Up
Monitoring and additional treatments as needed to ensure complete elimination.
Our Treatment Process: What to Expect
Squirrel removal requires humane exclusion methods. Our process begins with comprehensive inspection identifying entry points and assessing damage. We install one-way doors at active entry points, allowing squirrels to exit but not re-enter. This humane method avoids trapping babies inside. Once all squirrels have exited (typically 3-7 days), we permanently seal all entry points using heavy-gauge screening, metal flashing, or other appropriate materials. We inspect for damage to wiring, insulation, and structural elements. Treatment timing is crucial—we avoid exclusion during baby seasons when possible. Most exclusions are complete within 2 weeks.
Prevention & Long-Term Protection
Squirrel prevention requires exclusion and habitat modification. Trim tree branches to at least 8-10 feet from rooflines. Install metal flashing around roof edges and vulnerable areas. Cap chimneys with appropriate screening. Seal attic vents with heavy-gauge screening. Repair any roof damage promptly. Remove bird feeders or use squirrel-proof designs. Regular roof inspections catch problems early before squirrels establish nests. Fall and late winter are critical times for inspection before breeding seasons.
Pricing & Investment
Squirrel removal costs range from $300-$800 depending on entry point count, accessibility, and damage extent. Basic exclusion (1-2 entry points) costs $300-$500. Complex situations with multiple entry points or difficult access cost $500-$800+. Pricing includes inspection, one-way door installation, permanent sealing, and follow-up verification. Damage repair (insulation replacement, wire repair) is quoted separately. Investing in proper exclusion prevents recurring problems and protects your home from damage.
Our Qualifications & Experience
Fully licensed and insured pest control operators in Ontario — Vendor Licence L-240-9420672897
Over 15 years of combined experience serving Central Ontario
Certified in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques
Member of the Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA)
Ongoing training in latest pest control methods and safety protocols
Specialized expertise in Central Ontario's unique pest challenges
Why Choose Fortress Pest Control?
Humane removal methods complying with wildlife regulations
Comprehensive exclusion using chew-proof materials
Thorough inspections identifying all entry points and vulnerabilities
Special protocols for situations involving young squirrels
Warranty on exclusion work guaranteeing squirrels won't return
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Solve Your Pest Problem?
Stop squirrel damage before it becomes extensive. Contact Fortress Pest Control at (249) 444-7379 for humane, effective squirrel removal and permanent exclusion solutions.