Squirrels are a familiar sight in Central Florida, darting across yards and leaping between trees. While they may seem harmless, their nesting habits can quickly become a problem for homeowners. During nesting season, these energetic rodents search for safe, warm spaces to raise their young. Unfortunately, that often means attics, walls, and roofs. If they make their way inside, they can cause costly structural damage and create health risks. Understanding their behavior can help you protect your home before squirrels turn it into their nursery.
When Is Squirrel Nesting Season in Central Florida?
If you’ve noticed more squirrel activity around your home, nesting season could be in full swing. In Central Florida, squirrels typically nest twice a year—once in late winter (January to March) and again in late summer (August to October). During these times, female squirrels look for a secure, hidden space to give birth and care for their babies.
Squirrels build well-insulated nests, called dreys, in trees or inside buildings. These nests are made from twigs, leaves, bark, and moss, woven together to create a sturdy structure. When squirrels invade homes, they adapt by using shredded grass, feathers, and even attic insulation to line their nests. If they get inside, they tend to settle in attics, chimneys, soffits, and crawl spaces—anywhere warm and quiet. Once inside, they don’t just nest; they chew through insulation, wiring, and wooden beams, leading to expensive repairs and safety hazards.
How to Identify a Squirrel Infestation During Nesting Season
Spotting a squirrel outside is one thing, but how do you know if they’ve moved in? Here are some telltale signs:
1. Scratching and scurrying noises
Squirrels are early risers, often active at sunrise and just before sunset. If you hear scampering, scratching, or gnawing sounds coming from your attic or walls, it’s a strong sign they’re inside. These noises can grow louder over time as baby squirrels become more active, making their presence harder to ignore.
2. Chewed entry points
Squirrels have powerful front teeth that never stop growing, which means they instinctively chew to keep them in check. Look for gnaw marks on wooden beams, shingles, and attic vents. Even a small hole can quickly become a wide opening as squirrels work to enlarge it. If you notice fresh chew marks or see light peeking through your soffits or eaves, it’s time to take action.
3. Droppings and odors
If squirrels are nesting inside, they aren’t keeping things tidy. Their droppings are small, dark, and oval-shaped, often accumulating in attics and along rooflines. A strong, musky odor may also indicate an infestation, especially if urine has soaked into insulation. The longer the squirrels remain, the worse the smell becomes.
4. Damaged insulation
Squirrels don’t just nest in attics; they rip apart insulation to make cozy homes for their young. If you find shredded insulation piled in corners or compressed areas where it looks disturbed, squirrels could be the culprits. This damage can lead to increased energy bills since missing or damaged insulation reduces your home’s ability to maintain indoor temperatures.
5. Squirrels near your roofline
If you frequently see squirrels darting across power lines, climbing your walls, or running along your roof, they may already be inside. Pay attention to where they go—if they disappear into vents, gaps, or soffits, you likely have an entry point that needs sealing.
The sooner you catch these signs, the easier it is to address the problem. Squirrels reproduce quickly, and a single pair can lead to a full-blown infestation before you know it.
The Risks of a Squirrel Infestation
Squirrels may seem harmless, but once they get inside your home, they can cause serious damage. One of the biggest concerns is fire hazards. Squirrels constantly chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing, and electrical wiring is often a target. Exposed wires can spark, increasing the risk of house fires. Even if a fire doesn’t happen, damaged wiring can lead to costly repairs. Water damage is another issue. When squirrels chew through soffits, vents, or shingles, rain can seep in, leading to mold, rotting wood, and expensive structural repairs. They also tear apart insulation, weaken wooden beams, and create openings that let in other pests. Their destruction can even impact your home’s energy efficiency, driving up utility bills.
Beyond the damage to your home, squirrels also pose health risks. They carry fleas, ticks, and mites that can spread to pets and people. Their droppings may contain bacteria like salmonella, which can cause illness if inhaled or accidentally ingested. The longer squirrels stay, the greater the risk of contamination in your attic or walls. Removing them quickly helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your home a healthier place to live.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Nesting in Your Home
No one wants uninvited guests in their attic. The good news is, there are steps you can take to keep squirrels from moving in:
1. Seal entry points
Inspect your home regularly for gaps, cracks, or holes in your roof, soffits, and vents. Squirrels can squeeze through openings as small as two inches wide. Reinforce weak spots with steel mesh or heavy-duty hardware cloth. A little maintenance now can prevent costly repairs later.
2. Trim tree branches
Overhanging branches provide squirrels with an easy route to your roof. Trim back limbs at least 8 to 10 feet from your home to reduce access. Squirrels are excellent jumpers, so creating distance between trees and your house makes it harder for them to find a way inside.
3. Remove food sources
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, and an easy meal can keep them coming back. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, store pet food indoors, and keep fallen fruit cleaned up. If you have bird feeders, consider using baffles or placing them 20 feet away from your home to deter squirrel activity.
4. Install squirrel barriers
Adding chimney caps, vent covers, and reinforced screens can block common entry points. Since squirrels can chew through plastic and weaker materials, opt for metal barriers wherever possible. If you’ve had squirrels before, reinforcing previous entry points can prevent a repeat invasion.
5. Schedule regular inspections
Even if you don’t see squirrels inside, a professional inspection can catch early warning signs. Wildlife specialists know how to spot hidden entry points, nesting sites, and subtle damage that may not be obvious to homeowners. Routine inspections can help keep your home squirrel-free year-round.
Taking these steps can help, but if squirrels have already moved in, professional removal is the safest and most effective solution.
Why Professional Squirrel Removal Is Necessary
Getting rid of squirrels may seem simple, but it’s more complicated than most people realize. Trying to remove them without understanding Florida’s wildlife laws can lead to legal trouble, and handling them improperly can put you at risk.
Another challenge is that squirrels rarely live alone. If you spot one inside, there’s a good chance more are hiding nearby, possibly including a nest of babies. Professionals know how to locate all squirrels and remove them properly, preventing ongoing noise and damage. Leaving even one behind can mean continued scratching, chewing, and destruction.
Even after removal, the work isn’t done. Squirrels chew their way inside, and if those entry points aren’t sealed, new squirrels will move in within days. Without proper exclusion, homeowners often find themselves facing the same problem again and again. Professional removal not only ensures that every squirrel is gone, but it also prevents future infestations by securing entry points and making sure your home stays protected.
How Wildout Animal and Pest Removal Can Help
Dealing with a squirrel infestation requires the right expertise. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal offers comprehensive squirrel control services to keep your home protected.
1. Thorough inspection
Our team carefully inspects attics, rooflines, soffits, and other key areas for squirrel activity. We don’t just check for active infestations—we identify potential vulnerabilities to keep squirrels from returning.
2. Exclusion and repairs
Simply removing squirrels isn’t enough. We seal all entry points using high-quality materials like steel mesh and reinforced screening to prevent future infestations. We restore your house to how it was before the infestation.
3. Sanitation and cleanup
Squirrel nests can leave behind urine, droppings, and damaged insulation, all of which can pose health risks. We clean contaminated areas and restore your attic to a safe and sanitary condition.
4. Ongoing prevention services
Our long-term prevention solutions include regular inspections and customized prevention plans to keep squirrels out for good. Whether you need a one-time removal or ongoing protection, we have you covered.
With experienced professionals and proven methods, Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is your trusted source for squirrel control and prevention. Whether you need immediate help or long-term protection, we’re here to restore and safeguard your home.
Protect Your Home from Squirrel Damage
Squirrel nesting season in Central Florida can quickly turn into a costly headache. These little climbers may look harmless, but once they settle in, they chew through wiring, tear up insulation, and leave behind messes that can lead to health risks. The longer they stay, the worse the damage gets.
If you think squirrels have moved into your home, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal provide comprehensive squirrel services in Central Florida. Give us a call today—we’re here to help you take back your home.
Contact Us:
Wildout Animal and Pest Removal
Lakeland
863-315-WILD (315-9453)
Orlando
407-465-WILD (465-9453)
Tampa
813-WILDOUT (945-3688)
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