Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Large three-storey red brick house with first- and second-floor front porches
Problem: Squirrel activity in first-floor roof overhang
Service: Squirrel exclusion and roofline sealing
Visits: 5

Summary

We addressed a long-standing squirrel issue affecting the first-floor roof overhang of a multi-storey residential property. Repeated inspections identified multiple access points along deteriorated roofline and drip edge sections. Humane exclusion and phased sealing were completed over several visits to fully resolve the activity.

Background / Property Context

The structure is an older, Victorian-style brick home with complex rooflines and multiple overhangs. Aging building materials and original construction details created concealed gaps along the drip edge and roof transitions, making the property vulnerable to squirrel entry.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported hearing consistent scratching and movement sounds above the front door in the early morning and evening. The timing aligned with diurnal squirrel behaviour. Activity had been occurring intermittently for several years, with the exact entry point initially unknown.

Inspection & Findings

During the initial inspection, our technician identified extensive openings along the drip edge of the first-floor roof overhang. Weathered wood, lifted flashing, and gaps between roofing materials were visible. Subsequent visits revealed additional access points along the side and rear roofline that were not initially apparent.

Photos show:

• Open and deteriorated drip edge sections
• Gaps between roof decking and flashing
• Galvanized steel mesh installed along roofline transitions
• One-way doors positioned at identified exit points

 

 

 

Cause Analysis

Older roof construction and long-term material deterioration allowed squirrels to exploit gaps along the drip edge and roofline. The multi-level porch design created sheltered overhangs that encouraged repeated access attempts. As primary openings were sealed, squirrels redirected to secondary weak points elsewhere on the structure.

Treatment / Removal

All work was completed using humane, non-lethal wildlife control methods. One-way doors were installed at active entry points to allow squirrels to exit without re-entry. As new access points were discovered, doors were reinforced or relocated accordingly to address shifting activity patterns.

Exclusion & Repairs

Galvanized steel mesh was installed along exposed drip edge sections and roofline gaps to create a continuous physical barrier. Reinforcements were added where previous damage was observed. Each exclusion area was mechanically fastened and contoured to the structure to prevent future access.

 

 

 

 

 

Outcome & Confirmation

By the final visit, the homeowner reported no further squirrel activity. All one-way doors were removed, and exclusion work was inspected and confirmed intact. No additional wildlife activity was observed in the treated areas at completion.

Technician Notes

Richard conducted all inspections and follow-up visits. Due to the age and complexity of the structure, multiple visits were required to locate and address secondary entry points. Winter conditions did not impact access to the first-floor roofline during this project. The squirrel issue was resolved at completion. A separate rodent issue identified at a later date was unrelated to this service.

Contact us at 647-560-3988 for all your wildlife needs