Squirrel Biology

Squirrels in the Attic Are More Dangerous Than They Look

Squirrels may seem harmless in your yard, but once they enter your attic they become a serious structural and fire hazard. Their constant gnawing behavior targets wiring, pipe insulation, and wood framing. They breed twice a year, so a small problem escalates quickly. Critter 911 removes squirrels completely, seals every entry point, and repairs the damage — backed by our lifetime renewable warranty.

How Critter 911 Handles Squirrelss

• Complete inspection to identify all entry points and assess interior damage

• Integrated trapping and removal of all animals including juveniles

• Permanent exclusion and seal-up of every identified access point

• Wiring inspection and repair for gnaw damage

• Duct and insulation repair or replacement

• Waste cleanup and attic decontamination

• Outside population control where needed

• Habitat modification to reduce roof access

What Squirrelss Actually Do to Your Property

Electrical Fire Risk

Squirrels gnaw on electrical wiring for the same reason rats do — to maintain their teeth. The difference is that squirrels are often active during daytime hours, and their gnawing on live wires is a direct fire risk. Attic wiring damage from squirrels is a leading and frequently underestimated cause of residential electrical fires.

Structural Gnawing

Beyond wiring, squirrels gnaw on wood framing, pipes, and HVAC components. Entry points are widened over time, and existing gaps in fascia, soffits, and rooflines are enlarged significantly. What begins as a small gap becomes a wide-open entry for additional wildlife.

Nest Contamination

Squirrels build large nests using insulation, leaves, and debris. These nests compress and displace attic insulation, reducing thermal efficiency and creating moisture-retaining conditions that promote mold. Nesting material also harbors mites, fleas, and ticks.

Secondary Entry Points

Squirrels are persistent. If one entry point is blocked without a complete exclusion, they will create a new one — often within days. Partial DIY exclusions frequently result in squirrels re-entering through a new location or becoming trapped inside the structure, where they cause additional damage before dying.

Understanding Squirrelss in Central Florida

Two squirrel species are commonly found in Central Florida structures: the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans).

The Eastern Gray Squirrel is the familiar, diurnal species most homeowners recognize. It is active during daylight hours and is most likely to enter attics in the fall and winter when nesting demands increase. Females produce two litters per year — typically in late winter and midsummer — with 2 to 4 young per litter. Gray squirrels are agile climbers and can access rooflines via tree limbs, utility lines, and downspouts.

The Southern Flying Squirrel is nocturnal and far less commonly seen, which is why infestations are frequently misidentified. If you hear activity in your attic at night that sounds lighter and faster than raccoon movement but more numerous than a rat, flying squirrels are a strong possibility. They are colonial animals — where there is one, there are usually many. Flying squirrels glide between trees and can access rooflines from a distance, making source identification more complex.

Both species are capable of gnawing through wood, plastic, and soft metals. Both will use attic insulation as nesting material. And both are capable of re-entering a structure repeatedly if exclusion is incomplete. Effective squirrel management requires identifying the species, locating all entry points, removing all animals (including juveniles in the nest), and performing a complete exclusion — not just plugging the obvious holes.

Why Critter 911 Is the Right Choice

• Flat-rate pricing — no hidden fees or escalating costs

• Lifetime renewable warranty on all exclusion work

• We do not push unnecessary services to pad the bill

• We guarantee to meet or beat any written estimate for the same work

• Fully trained, licensed, and insured

• A+ rated — Google, Angie's List, BBB

• 21 years in business — 3,000+ Central Florida neighbors served

Squirrel activity in your attic warrants immediate attention. Call Critter 911 today at 407-719-6221 for a free inspection. We will identify the species, locate every entry point, and give you a complete, flat-rate solution — guaranteed.

Call Now: 407-719-6221 | Free Inspection | Flat-Rate Pricing | Lifetime Warranty