About Squirrels in Texas Homes
Squirrels are charming in parks but become destructive pests when they invade attics, walls, and soffits. Their constant gnawing damages wiring, insulation, and structural wood, creating fire hazards and costly repairs.
In fall and winter, squirrels seek warm shelter for nesting. Attics provide perfect nesting sites—warm, dry, safe from predators. Once established, squirrels return year after year, teaching their young the same entry points.
The scratching, running, and gnawing noises drive homeowners crazy, but the real concern is the damage. Squirrels can chew through electrical wiring, creating serious fire hazards. Their urine and feces damage insulation and create health concerns.
Common Texas Squirrels
1. Eastern Gray Squirrel
Most common in East Texas. Gray fur with white belly, bushy tail. 8-11 inches body, 8-10 inch tail. Adaptable to urban environments. Primary attic invader. Active year-round.
2. Fox Squirrel
Largest tree squirrel in Texas. Variable color—gray, reddish, or black. 10-15 inches body. Common in suburbs and rural areas. Also invades attics but less frequently than gray squirrels.
3. Southern Flying Squirrel
Smaller, gray-brown with white belly. Gliding membrane between legs. Nocturnal. Less common in attics but occasionally invade. Quieter than other squirrels.
Identification Guide
Size
Gray: 8-11 inches | Fox: 10-15 inches | Flying: 5-6 inches (body length)
Color
Gray: Gray with white belly | Fox: Variable | Flying: Gray-brown
Features
Bushy tail, sharp claws, strong incisors, large eyes
Behavioral Patterns
- Diurnal (active during day)—except flying squirrels (nocturnal)
- Most active early morning and late afternoon
- Constant gnawing to keep teeth filed down
- Cache food in multiple locations
- Have two litters per year (spring and late summer)
- Very territorial once established in attic
Signs of Squirrel Activity
Auditory Evidence:
- Scratching, running, and thumping in attic or walls
- Most noise in early morning and late afternoon
- Gnawing sounds on wood or wires
- Chattering or barking sounds
- Noise increases when babies are present (spring/fall)
Visual Signs:
- Squirrels entering/exiting roof vents, soffits, or fascia
- Chewed holes in soffits or roof edges (2-4 inches diameter)
- Nesting materials visible in entry holes
- Squirrels running on roof or power lines to entry points
- Droppings in attic (oblong, dark, similar size to large beans)
Attic Evidence:
- Nests made of insulation, leaves, twigs
- Chewed wiring with exposed copper
- Urine stains on insulation and wood
- Tunnels through blown insulation
- Stored acorns and nuts
- Strong urine odor
Squirrel Damage & Risks
Structural Damage
- Chewed soffits, fascia, and roof edges creating entry points
- Damaged roof vents and turbines
- Chewed wooden beams and trusses weakening structure
- Holes in exterior walls and siding
- Destroyed weatherstripping and flashing
Fire Hazards
- Chewed electrical wiring throughout attic
- Exposed copper increases short circuit and fire risk
- Nesting materials near electrical components
- Insurance companies may not cover damage from "rodents"
Insulation & Air Quality
- Destroyed insulation reduces energy efficiency
- Urine and feces saturate insulation
- Insulation replacement can cost $2,000-$5,000+
- Strong odors permeate home
- Potential airborne pathogens from waste
Health Concerns
- Salmonella and leptospirosis from waste
- Fleas, mites, and ticks brought into home
- Roundworm parasites in feces
- Rarely rabies—but any bite requires medical evaluation
Noise & Stress
- Constant noise disrupts sleep and daily life
- Babies make loud crying sounds
- Fighting between squirrels extremely loud
- Stress from knowing wildlife is in your home
Legal Considerations for Squirrel Removal
Protected Wildlife
Squirrels are protected game animals in Texas. Trapping and removal require compliance with Texas Parks & Wildlife regulations. Killing squirrels without proper permits is illegal.
Legal Removal Methods
- Live trapping and relocation (may require permit)
- One-way exclusion doors (preferred method)
- Must not separate mothers from dependent young
- Cannot relocate to public land without permission
Baby Squirrel Complications
If baby squirrels are present (spring: March-April or late summer: August-September), removal becomes complicated. Babies cannot survive without their mother. Humane removal requires:
- Waiting until babies are mobile and can leave with mother
- Or removing babies by hand and reuniting with mother outside
- Or having licensed wildlife rehabilitator take orphaned babies
Professional Squirrel Removal & Exclusion
Effective squirrel control requires removing squirrels humanely, excluding them permanently, and repairing damage to prevent future entry.
Our Removal Protocol
Comprehensive Inspection
Identify all entry points, assess damage, determine if babies present. Document damage with photos for insurance
One-Way Exclusion Doors
Install exclusion devices at primary entry points. Squirrels exit but cannot re-enter. Leave in place 3-7 days to ensure all squirrels exit
Trapping (if needed)
Live trapping in situations where exclusion alone isn't sufficient. Humane relocation following regulations
Permanent Exclusion
Seal all entry points with heavy-gauge steel mesh, metal flashing, or other squirrel-proof materials. Repair damaged soffits, vents, and fascia
Preventative Repairs
Seal potential entry points before squirrels exploit them. Trim tree branches within 6 feet of roof. Install vent guards
Attic Cleanup & Restoration
Remove nesting materials and waste. Disinfect contaminated areas. Replace damaged insulation if needed
Squirrel Removal Cost Expectations
Costs vary based on entry points, damage severity, and attic accessibility
Common Questions
Q: Can I just seal the holes to keep squirrels out?
Never seal holes while squirrels are inside—they'll die in your walls or chew new holes desperately trying to escape. Always use exclusion devices first to ensure all squirrels have left.
Q: Will squirrels leave on their own in spring?
No. Once squirrels establish a nest site, they return repeatedly, often for years. They'll have multiple litters in your attic. Active removal and exclusion are necessary.
Q: What's the best time of year for squirrel removal?
Fall (October-November) and winter (December-February) are ideal—between breeding seasons when no babies are present. Spring and late summer require more care due to baby squirrels.
Q: Do ultrasonic devices or mothballs repel squirrels?
No. Squirrels quickly ignore ultrasonic devices. Mothballs are toxic, ineffective, and the odor permeates your home. The only effective solution is physical exclusion.
Reclaim Your Attic from Squirrels
Stop the damage before it gets worse.
Let us remove squirrels humanely and prevent their return.