In MetroWest Orlando, FL, squirrels are a common sight in both neighborhoods and commercial areas. Despite their seemingly harmless nature, they can cause serious disruptions. These animals often sneak into attics or wall spaces, damaging insulation and wiring. Taking action early is essential, as this helps avoid property damage, potential health issues, and ongoing pest problems. In this article, we’ll go over the usual signs of a squirrel infestation, explain the problems they create, and share practical steps to manage them effectively in your area.

Understanding Local Squirrel Species

MetroWest Orlando is home to three commonly found squirrel species: the eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, and the southern flying squirrel. Knowing which type you’re dealing with is essential, as each species behaves differently and causes different levels of damage. Proper identification will help guide removal strategies, determine nesting patterns, and help you implement the most effective and humane removal methods to protect your home or commercial property.

1. Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

• Size and Appearance: Adults typically grow between 16 to 20 inches long, including the tail. They have thick gray fur and white underbellies.
• Habits: These squirrels remain active all year and build dreys (nests) using twigs, leaves, and other debris. They often sneak into warm indoor spaces.
• Behavior: Their agility and bold nature make them frequent visitors to attics and walls. They chew through wood and wiring and will exploit even small openings like roof gaps or attic vents.

2. Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)

• Size and Appearance: The largest of the three, fox squirrels can grow up to 30 inches long. Their orange-brown fur often includes black face markings and white noses.
• Habits: They prefer more open woodlands, parks, and large green spaces. They typically nest in tree cavities or high branches.
• Behavior: Unlike other squirrels, they rarely venture into attics. However, they can occasionally invade properties, especially when nearby trees are trimmed or disturbed.

3. Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

• Size and Appearance: These are the smallest, growing only 8–10 inches long. Their grayish-brown fur and stretchy skin flaps allow them to glide.
• Habits: Flying squirrels are nocturnal and social, often nesting in groups. They are known to occupy attics, especially during colder months.
• Behavior: Their small size and ability to glide make them capable of entering homes through very narrow openings. Once inside, they can build nests in hard-to-reach areas like roof corners.

Recognizing the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

Spotting the early warning signs of a squirrel infestation can help you avoid serious problems later on. Here are several indicators:

1. Audible Clues

Squirrels are not silent creatures. You might hear scratching, scurrying, or even gnawing sounds from your attic or wall spaces, especially at dawn or dusk when they are most active. These noises often continue over several days and may grow louder over time.

2. Droppings and Traces

Small, dark droppings that resemble grains of rice are common signs. They are often found near nesting spots, entry points, or along attic beams. You may also see urine stains, which can leave behind unpleasant odors and create hygiene issues over time.

3. Damaged Structures

Squirrels chew constantly to keep their teeth from overgrowing. This habit leads to chewed wood, shredded insulation, and damaged electrical wiring—hazards that could lead to short circuits or even fires if not addressed promptly and professionally.

4. Nesting Evidence

Twigs, leaves, insulation, and other nesting materials in secluded areas like attic corners or eaves are signs of active squirrel nesting. These materials are typically piled together, and nests may appear messy or well-constructed, depending on the squirrel type.

5. Outdoor Behaviors

Seeing squirrels frequently around your roofline, darting across power lines, or disappearing into vents could signal that they’ve already moved inside. Watching them collect food or nesting materials is a good indication that they’re building nearby nests.

The Impact of Squirrel Infestations: Understanding the Effects

Squirrel infestations can create long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond just annoying noise.

1. Structural Damage

Constant chewing on beams, pipes, and wires weakens your home’s infrastructure. This type of damage is often hidden behind walls or ceilings and can worsen rapidly if left untreated.

2. Health Risks

Squirrel droppings and urine can harbor bacteria like salmonella and leptospirosis. These pathogens can be inhaled or spread through surfaces, increasing the risk of illness among residents or employees in affected spaces.

3. Disruption and Noise

Scratching sounds, squeaks, or sudden movements overhead can be unsettling, especially during quiet hours. These disturbances often lead to sleep loss, stress, and an overall drop in quality of life or work productivity.

DIY Squirrel Removal vs. Professional Services: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

When deciding between DIY solutions and professional help, weigh the long-term results and risks involved.

1. Knowledge and Skill

• DIY: Most homeowners don’t know where squirrels hide or how they enter. Inexperience can lead to missed nests or poor sealing, resulting in repeat infestations.
• Professional: Experts know squirrel behavior and can identify all entry points. They use safe removal techniques to ensure thorough and lasting results.

2. Equipment and Techniques

• DIY: Basic traps from hardware stores may not be humane or effective. Improper use could injure the animal or violate local laws.
• Professional: Wildlife specialists use approved traps, one-way doors, and sealing techniques that follow regulations and minimize harm to the animals.

3. Safety Concerns

• DIY: There’s a risk of getting bitten or exposed to droppings, parasites, or diseases when handling squirrels or cleaning their nests.
• Professional: Trained experts follow strict safety protocols. They disinfect affected areas and provide advice to maintain a clean and safe environment.

4. Time and Cost

• DIY: Multiple failed attempts can stretch over weeks. Costs from repairs and repeat invasions often exceed initial savings.
• Professional: The upfront cost may be higher, but professionals save time and minimize damage, which helps reduce long-term expenses.

5. Prevention and Advice

• DIY: Most homeowners focus on immediate removal and often skip essential prevention measures like sealing gaps or trimming trees.
• Professional: Experts offer preventive tips such as pruning trees, installing exclusion devices, and applying repellents to reduce future risks.

Effective Solutions for Squirrel Removal

To effectively address squirrel problems, combine prevention with targeted removal strategies:

1. Seal Entry Points

Walk around your property to find any holes, cracks, or gaps. Use mesh wire, caulk, or metal flashing to close them. Pay special attention to soffits, vents, and chimney caps.

2. Trim Trees and Vegetation

Overhanging branches act as natural bridges for squirrels. Trimming them back at least 6–8 feet from your roofline helps reduce access and limits their interest in your home.

3. Install Deterrents

Use roof-edge guards, chimney caps, and scent-based repellents in problem areas. These deterrents make it harder for squirrels to settle or return, especially in high-risk seasons like fall.

4. Seek Professional Assistance

When the infestation is persistent or widespread, call in professionals like Wildout Animal and Pest Removal. Their methods are safe, thorough, and focused on preventing future problems while ensuring humane treatment of animals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to remove squirrels?

Most infestations can be resolved within a few days to two weeks, depending on nest location, access points, and squirrel activity.

What health risks can squirrels cause?

Squirrels can spread bacteria through urine or droppings and carry parasites like fleas or ticks that transmit diseases like Lyme disease, salmonella, or leptospirosis.

What are the risks of not removing squirrels promptly?

Delays can result in chewed wires, fire hazards, foul odors, contaminated insulation, and increased risk of repeat infestations over time.