How to Squirrel-Proof Your Home in Calgary

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Home

Squirrels. Aren’t they just the cutest little critters when they’re scampering around in the trees? But when they decide to make themselves at home in your attic or garage, that cuteness quickly fades. I’ve been to plenty of homes around Calgary where folks only realize they have a squirrel problem after the little rascals have already made a mess. You know the signs: scratching noises at night, insulation torn to shreds, and droppings scattered about.

I recall one house in Montgomery where the homeowner thought the scratching sounds were maybe squirrels on top of the roof. Nope! It turned out a couple of squirrels had taken over the attic. By the time they reached out to me, they had already caused some minor damage.

Why Squirrels Come Inside

Let’s be real—they’re not out to annoy you. They’re just after three simple things:

• Food – Birdseed, leftover veggies from the garden, pet food… anything that’s easy to snag. Also, stop feeding them!
• Warmth – Attics, garages, and roof spaces are prime real estate, especially when those Calgary nights turn chilly.
• Nesting material – They love insulation, cardboard, and soft fabrics to make their cozy nests.

If you hear scratching at night or spot little droppings in the corners, that’s your clue. It’s the small stuff that can easily slip under the radar at first.

How They Get In

These little squirrels may be small, but they’re incredibly clever. Here are a few spots to check first:

• Where the soffit meets the roof. 
• Gaps in the soffit. 
• Damaged siding or eaves.

Things You Can Try

Here’s what I usually recommend to homeowners in Calgary:

• Install chimney caps and vent covers – they’re easy, affordable, and effective.
• Seal gaps with metal mesh or flashing – squirrels can chew through soft materials like candy.
• Trim branches that hang close to your roof – this removes their jumping points.
• Store birdseed and pet food properly – don’t leave it outside overnight.

Whatever you do, don’t trap them in there! They will find their way out, and you might not like how they do that, or where they end up. At Grove Eco-friendly Pest Control, we usually use one-way doors. They ensure that any number of squirrels can get out, but not go back in. 

Even making a couple of these changes can lead to a noticeable difference. You might find that the nighttime noises decrease after just a week or two.Keeping squirrels out of your home is all about prevention and vigilance. By sealing entry points, managing food sources, and maintaining your outdoor space, you can make your home far less inviting to these clever critters. If you’ve already got uninvited guests or want expert help making sure they don’t return, reach out to the professionals at Grove Pest Control.