Wildlife Shield

Wildlife Removal Toronto

Tag Archives: squirrels

24 Feb

Squirrel Entry Through Drip Edge – Roofline Exclusion in Toronto

Job Overview

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Structure: Two-storey semi-detached house
Problem: Squirrel activity in attic (early morning noise)
Service: Humane squirrel removal and roofline exclusion
Visits: 2

Summary

We were contacted regarding early morning scratching and movement sounds coming from the attic space. Based on the timing and description of the activity, squirrel presence was suspected. Our team completed a full roof inspection, identified a long open drip edge gap as the primary entry point, and installed a one-way door system. Following successful evacuation, the opening was permanently sealed with galvanized steel mesh.

Case Study Video

The video documents the exclusion work conducted to complete the squirrel removal.

 

Background / Property Context

The property is a two-storey semi-detached home with asphalt shingles and aluminum eavestroughs. The roofline included a continuous drip edge detail along the front slope. The area where the soffit meets the shingle edge presented a linear gap that had not been previously screened.

Homes of this design commonly develop separation at the drip edge over time due to weathering, thermal expansion, and roof aging.

Customer Concern

The homeowner reported hearing scratching and movement in the attic during early morning hours. The activity pattern was consistent with squirrel behavior, particularly during nesting or seasonal sheltering periods.

No interior damage had been reported at the time of inspection.

Inspection & Findings

Ardian conducted a full roof inspection as part of our standard squirrel removal protocol. The primary entry point was identified along the drip edge, extending approximately seventeen feet in length.

The gap between the roof sheathing and fascia allowed direct access into the attic cavity.

Photos show:

  • A continuous open gap beneath the shingle line
  • Existing screening that did not fully close the opening
  • Visible access space behind the drip edge
  • Installation of a one-way door system at the active section
  • Galvanized steel mesh secured with washers along the full length of the exposed area

No secondary entry points were identified during inspection.

 

Cause Analysis

Drip edge gaps commonly form when fascia boards shift or when original construction does not include full wildlife screening. Over time, minor separation can widen enough for squirrels to exploit.

Squirrels are strong climbers and routinely access rooflines via nearby trees, fences, or adjoining structures. Once a linear opening is identified, they will widen or repeatedly use that same access point.

Treatment / Removal

A humane squirrel removal process was followed.

A one-way door was installed over the active entry section of the drip edge. This allowed the squirrels to exit the attic safely while preventing re-entry.

The remaining exposed drip edge gap was temporarily secured pending confirmation of animal departure.

No trapping or lethal methods were used.

Exclusion & Repairs

After confirmation that activity had ceased, the one-way door was removed.

Seventeen feet of drip edge was permanently sealed using galvanized steel mesh. The mesh was fastened securely with exterior-grade screws and washers to ensure long-term durability and resistance to re-entry.

All previously identified gaps along the roofline were reinforced to prevent future wildlife access.

 

 

 

Outcome & Confirmation

At the follow-up visit, the homeowner reported no further sounds or activity in the attic.

The one-way door was removed, and all exclusion work was inspected. No new entry points or disturbances were observed.

The wildlife issue was considered resolved at that time. No further squirrel activity has been reported.

Technician Notes

Ardian completed the full roof inspection and supervised installation of the one-way door and galvanized mesh reinforcement. Richard assisted with roofline access and secure fastening along the seventeen-foot drip edge section.

All work was completed from the exterior using safe roof-access procedures. Final inspection confirmed secure attachment and full closure of the identified entry gap.

This work was completed by our Toronto Wildlife control team. For Wildlife control inquiries in Toronto, contact 647-496-2211.

10 May

Case Study: Squirrel, Raccoon, and Pest Removal from Century Home in Guelph

Guelph Raccoon Squirrel One-Way Door

Anyone can get pests. The following case study tells the story of wildlife removal and rat extermination in Guelph, in which a large century home had multiple different species invading its property. Mice, squirrels, raccoons, and rats were all making themselves at home in the shed and the attic. Despite its tremendous value, this was an aging property that presented the animals with an opportunity to live indoors.

Here, we removed the pests, disinfected after them, and performed a thorough wildlife-proofing of the premises to keep them out. The attics were renovated with new insulation. Our comprehensive wildlife removal services rid the home of these animals and should keep it safe for years to come. Call Wildlife Shield for wildlife removal and exclusion services in Guelph and the GTA. Read More →

09 Oct

Noises in the Attic Early Morning – Squirrels

Noises in the Attic Early Morning Squirrels

Hearing noises in the attic in the early morning rules out nocturnal animals such as raccoons, possums and rats. The most likely culprit, in this case, is squirrels although a little investigation into the type of noise and hours of activity can help confirm your suspicions. Determining what animal is in your attic is the first step to removing the animal. Squirrels are diurnal animals which mean they are active during the day and sleep through the night. Squirrels are most active early morning just after dawn. The activity may slow down during the day and peak again just before dusk or early evening. Squirrels leave their nest to forage for food and water and it is not uncommon for a squirrel to leave the nest and return multiple times a day. Call us if you need squirrel removal in Toronto, our animal removal experts know how to set a one-way door to find all entry points to remove squirrels completely.  Read More →

30 Aug

When is Squirrel Mating Season?

squirrel on the roof

Squirrel mating season in Canada may vary from squirrel species to species but generally speaking, squirrels mate twice a year; from December to February and once again from June to August. The gestation period of the average squirrel is 45 days when the animal gives birth to a litter of between 3 and 8 baby squirrels. The younglings are born deaf, blind and naked (without fur).

Multiple males will attempt to mate with a single female. The males attempt to get the female’s attention by loud chattering and slapping tree barks to show dominance. A female is receptive for less than a day and her pheromones can attract males up to a half kilometre away. The female chooses the most dominant male to mate with. It is not uncommon for the female to mate with multiple males. Read More →

20 Nov

What to Do When Squirrels Break Into Your Attic

Squirrels often appear cute and playful. It is hard to imagine that they could be so cunning, annoying, and even damaging to your home. Unfortunately, squirrels can prove burdensome if they enter your attic. They can damage your insulation, wiring, and the wooden beams that support the structure of your roof. Knowing what to do when squirrels invade can save you time and money. Call for professional squirrel removal. Read More →

16 Nov

How Does a Squirrel One Way Door Work?

one way door for squirrel

If you have been reading up on how to get rid of squirrels in the attic you have probably come across the squirrel one way exclusion door. Exclusion is without a doubt the most effective and humane way to get rid of squirrels and is the preferred method by wildlife control experts.

The science behind the contraption is simple. The one way door actually looks more like a wire tarp than an actual door. The device is open on both ends. One end has wings or flanges and is mounted directly over the primary entry and/or exit hole on the building. The door is flash on the building so that the squirrel goes through it immediately it leaves the hole. Read More →

15 Nov

How Do I Get Squirrels Out of My Attic

Squirrels in your attic are definitely a nuisance and may feel like an invasion on your property but consider this; rising human population has caused people to invade what was originally wildlife habitat. Wildlife such as squirrels still needs to find food and shelter so it is inevitable that they will come into contact with humans in their quest for survival.

This doesn’t mean that you should willingly allow the wildlife to set up residency in your home. Truth is squirrels in Ontario cause all kinds of damage to property and are disease carriers. There is however a humane way to remove squirrels from your attic. Read More →

13 Nov

Why Do Squirrels Break Into Attics?

Squirrels are common residents of attics in Toronto and are noisy and destructive. These rodents also carry disease including Lyme disease, Rabies and Leptospirosis.  This still doesn’t explain why they break into attics in the first place. For one, squirrels are a highly adaptive species. Human settlements have expanded exponentially over the years to the point of encroaching into wildlife territory. Squirrels have simply adapted to the urban landscape to ensure the survival of the species. Read More →