Squirrels

They’re Cute in the Yard—But Trouble in the Roof

You might hear squirrels scratching overhead early in the morning. Maybe it sounds like something rolling or gnawing in the ceiling. You go up to check the attic and notice the insulation is in piles or there are strange smells. These signs usually mean squirrels are inside.

Squirrels don’t just wander into homes. They’re looking for warm, dry shelter—especially in winter or wet seasons. Attics, soffits, and wall gaps give them exactly what they want. Once they’re in, they begin to chew, dig, and tear through anything in their way. Left alone, even one squirrel can turn a home project into a major repair bill.

We step in fast. Island Pest Control finds the source, traps and removes squirrels in safe ways, seals your home up tight, and helps you avoid future issues.

Warning Signs You Might Have Squirrels

Squirrels stick to a day schedule, which makes them easier to spot. What’s harder to spot are their nests hidden deep inside walls or tucked into insulation. Still, there are clues.

Some of the most common signs include:

- Loud scratches or fast scampering across ceilings during the day

- Chewed holes or bite marks along roof edges, eaves, and vents

- Insulation bunched up or paths pushed through attic spaces

- Droppings found near attic joists or on stored boxes

- Squirrels entering and exiting the same hole over and over

On Vancouver Island, squirrels often use:

- Attics in homes, townhouses, or commercial buildings

- Vents, rooflines, and utility openings

- Barns, garages, sheds, and cluttered storage spaces

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. The longer squirrels stay, the harder they are to remove—and the more damage they do.

Why Squirrels Are a Bigger Problem Than Most People Realize

Squirrels don’t just bring mess with them. They create real safety risks. They chew through wood and plastic and have strong teeth that can cut through electrical wires. This kind of damage puts buildings at risk of fire and water leaks.

The most common dangers include:

- Chewed wood near fascia, soffits, and roof decking

- Wire damage that can spark a fire

- Torn insulation that affects your heating bill and makes rooms drafty or stuffy

- Urine and droppings that leave stains, smells, and health issues

- Odours that move through vents and affect indoor air

This affects homeowners, landlords, business owners, and renters. From noise complaints to failed inspections, squirrel problems don’t stay quiet for long.

Vancouver Island’s Squirrel Problem: What You Should Know

We see both native Douglas squirrels and Eastern grey squirrels across the Island. Each causes problems in different ways.

Forest-edge and rural homes get more Douglas squirrel activity. Urban and suburban areas see more damage from Eastern greys, especially near dense trees and older buildings.

On Vancouver Island, squirrel habits often include:

- Walking along power lines or jumping across branches to reach your home

- Tearing into open vents, gaps, or loose shingles

- Using the same nesting site every season unless it's sealed off

We remove squirrels using methods that follow wildlife laws and local guidelines. Every step stays focused on keeping your structure protected while treating the animals humanely.

DIY Fixes Don’t Work for Squirrels

We understand the temptation to solve it yourself. But squirrel control takes more than a ladder and a trap.

Common problems people run into include:

- Getting hurt while navigating steep or slippery roofs

- Locking young squirrels inside without realizing it

- Using traps or tools that break local wildlife laws

- Sealing one gap but leaving two more open

- Creating stress or extra noise before solving anything

We see it often—by the time we’re called in, the damage has doubled and the squirrels have become harder to remove. We bring tools, training, and a plan that works for your space.

Our Full Squirrel Removal Process

We use Integrated Pest Management, which means we don’t guess. We inspect your structure, plan the right steps, remove squirrels safely, and block them from returning.

Thorough Property Inspection

First, we check the full structure—rooflines, soffits, vents, chimneys, cables, and where trees brush up against buildings. We check inside attics and storage areas if needed. We don’t just look for squirrels—we look at everything connected to their activity.

We find where squirrels are coming in, where they move, and what needs to change to stop the cycle. Every step gets a clear explanation.

Safe Squirrel Removal

We remove squirrels without causing harm. Depending on the setup, we may:

- Use one-way doors so squirrels can exit but not re-enter

- Remove active nests after the young mature

- Space out removal and repairs to match squirrel movement

At every step, we explain what’s happening and what you should expect.

Long-Term Exclusion and Repairs

Once squirrels are out, we shift to keeping them gone.

Our repairs include:

- Sealing gnawed boards and gaps in fascia

- Installing animal-proof screens over vents and flues

- Suggesting pruning or cleanup to reduce roof access

- Calling out major repairs that should be done by your contractor

We break down which repairs are top priority and which can wait, especially for businesses or property managers working on a budget.

Clean-Up and Future Prevention

Sometimes the damage left behind needs cleanup. We’ll let you know when insulation should be replaced or when sanitation matters need to be addressed by a technician.

We also help set up a plan for prevention, which might include:

- Securing garbage or compost bins

- Adjusting the placement of bird feeders

- Doing attic and roofline checks more often

- Scheduling routine inspections in high-risk areas

On Vancouver Island, the squirrel pressure doesn’t go away—but we can make sure your home isn’t an easy target.

Service Across Home, Business, and Rental Spaces

We work across a wide range of property types—urban, rural, old, new, large, or small.

Homes and Rentals

We help homeowners, landlords, and tenants dealing with unusual noises, damage, or repeat squirrel issues. We walk you through every part of the solution and respect your home, schedule, and privacy.

Offices and Work Sites

Squirrels in ceilings, classrooms, or ductwork can be both a health and distraction issue. We plan services around your business hours and provide low-visibility solutions for sensitive locations.

Property Managers and Multi-Unit Buildings

We design full-building plans that treat the cause of the issue—not just the symptoms. Whether you manage a few townhomes or a large apartment complex, we work with your staff to schedule repairs and communicate with tenants.

Why So Many People Trust Island Pest Control

Island Pest Control is local. We know the buildings, trees, and weather patterns across Vancouver Island. With over 30 years helping people protect their homes and businesses, we bring real experience to squirrel control.

Here’s what you get when working with us:

- Licensed experts trained in safe, humane wildlife control

- Full home and building assessments

- Lasting repairs to stop re-entry

- Service from Nanaimo to Victoria and nearby spots across the Island

Our goal is always the same: clear solutions, strong prevention, and lasting peace of mind.

Act Fast and Keep Squirrels From Taking Over Your Home

If squirrels have found their way into your attic or walls, don’t wait until the signs grow louder—or the damage gets worse. Reach out right now so we can build a plan that protects your space, your wiring, and your peace of mind. Let’s stop the chewing, scratching, and mess before it spreads. You can start the process by requesting help with squirrel removal here—we’re ready to check your property and take action.