Squirrel Removal & Exclusion in Arlington, VA
Squirrels are common in Arlington’s residential neighborhoods, especially where trees and wooded edges meet roofs, attics, and exterior vents. While they are a familiar sight outdoors, when squirrels find their way into attics or wall cavities it can lead to insulation damage, noise disturbances, and eventual structural wear. This page provides information about squirrel behavior, common entry points around Arlington homes, exclusion considerations, and how to interpret signs of activity responsibly.
Local Arlington Wildlife Control Provider
Jesse James Critter Getters
Phone: 703-440-7256
Understanding Squirrel Behavior in Northern Virginia
Eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels are the species most frequently encountered around Arlington homes. They are diurnal (active during the day) and excellent climbers, using nearby trees, power lines, and fences to access rooftops. Squirrels are opportunistic nesters; in colder months or breeding seasons they seek sheltered, elevated spaces, such as attics, chimneys, or wall voids, to build nests and raise young.
How Squirrels Gain Access to Homes
Squirrels can exploit even small structural gaps to enter buildings. Common access points around Arlington homes include roofline intersections, unscreened attic vents, gaps around soffits, deteriorated fascia boards, openings near chimneys or dormers, and areas where tree limbs or vines touch the roof. Once a squirrel finds an opening, it may return repeatedly and expand the gap by chewing wood, vinyl, or vent screening.
Exclusion and Timing Considerations
Exclusion is the process of preventing squirrels from re-entering a structure after they have left. Because squirrels are persistent and capable of enlarging openings, exclusion involves identifying all potential access points and reinforcing or sealing them with materials that resist gnawing and climbing. Timing can be important; during breeding or rearing seasons, young squirrels may be present, and exclusion efforts should account for the potential presence of dependent juveniles to avoid unintentional trapping.
Signs That Squirrels Are Present
Homeowners may detect squirrel activity in several ways. Running or scratching sounds during daylight hours, particularly along ceilings or in attic spaces, are common indicators. Chewed wood, holes in vents, displaced insulation, and the presence of nesting material near rooflines or attic access points also signal squirrel presence. Droppings in attic spaces or near entry gaps can help distinguish squirrel activity from other animals.
Why Professional Evaluation Matters
Squirrels can cause structural damage over time by gnawing through wood, wiring, ductwork, or insulation. Professional wildlife control providers familiar with Arlington’s typical home construction and local squirrel behavior can help identify hard-to-find access points, advise on exclusion strategies that account for seasonal behavior, and provide context for interpreting signs of activity. An informed perspective reduces the risk of repeat entry and supports more durable exclusion outcomes.
Related Wildlife Issues in Arlington
Return to Arlington Wildlife Removal Directory
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