How to find out where Squirrels are getting in: Top 10 Entry Points

One of the most common questions I get here at wildanimalscentral.com is, “How did the squirrels get in?”. 

There are a few ways Squirrels can get into your home or attic, but some entry points are much more common than others. 

This blog post will cover squirrels’ top 10 entry points and tips for preventing them from getting in.  

1) Chimneys:

Most houses have a chimney, one of the defining features of a home with a fireplace. But did you know that your chimney can also be an entry point for pests? 

If your chimney isn’t adequately capped, animals like squirrels can easily climb up and gain access to your home.

Once inside, they can cause all sorts of damage, from chewing through wires to knocking over vases. 

Not only is this a nuisance, but it can also be dangerous (and expensive) to repair the damage they cause. 

Fortunately, an easy way to prevent pests from getting into your home is to ensure that your chimney is capped correctly. 

A cap will prevent animals from being able to climb up, and it will also keep debris and rainwater out of your chimney. 

As a result, it’s an essential part of maintaining your home. So if you’re looking to keep pests out, cap your chimney.

2) Vents:

Most people know they must screen their windows and doors to keep out pests like mosquitoes and other insects. 

However, many people don’t realize that screening vents are just as important. 

Any vent leading into your attic or crawlspace should be equipped with a screen, as this is an easy way for squirrels and other animals to enter your home. 

In addition, it’s essential to check the screens regularly to ensure they are in good condition. 

3) Gaps and holes in siding:

One of the things you should regularly check on your home is the state of your siding. 

Gaps and holes can form over time due to rotting wood or expansion/contraction around windows and doors. If you notice any, it’s crucial to take action to repair them.

Gaps in your siding can let moisture and pests inside, which can cause all sorts of problems. Not to mention, they can also lead to energy loss. 

So if you want to keep your home in good shape, it’s best to seal up any cracks or holes you see in the siding. It’s a simple task that can make a big difference in the long run.

4) Uncapped eaves:

In the winter, I always worry about the animals trying to survive in the cold. 

I know they have a tough time, and I feel bad when I see an animal that looks like it’s struggling.

So, when I see an uncapped or unsafe eave on the house, it really bothers me. 

Those open spaces provide easy access for squirrels looking to get into your attic, where it’s warm and dry.

Squirrels can wreak havoc indoors, chewing through wires, leaving droppings everywhere, and even starting fires by gnawing on electrical wires.

So if you want to keep them out, ensure your eaves are capped. It’s an easy way to prevent a lot of potential damage.

5) Rooflines:

You’re not alone if you’ve looked up at a roofline and seen a squirrel perched on edge. 

It turns out that those little creatures are pretty adept at climbing, and they often use rooflines as a launching point to access roofs. 

This can be a problem for homeowners for two reasons:

1. Squirrels can cause damage to roofs as they scamper around.
2. Once they’re on the top, they may be able to find their way into the attic, where they can cause even more damage. 

If you’re worried about squirrels getting into your roof, there are some things you can do to stop them.

• Make sure no low branches near the roofline could provide a foothold for squirrels.
• Consider installing a physical barrier, such as chicken wire, along the roofline to make it more difficult for squirrels to climb up.

6) Attic fans:

Most people don’t give much thought to their attic fan, but if you have uninvited guests in your attic, you might want to take a closer look. 

Attic fans that are not correctly enclosed provide an easy way for squirrels to enter your attic. 

The animals are attracted by the warmth and the potential for nesting material, which can quickly damage your insulation and wiring. 

If you suspect that you have a squirrel problem, it’s crucial to take action right away. 

Enclose your attic fan with hardware cloth or chicken wire, and seal any other openings that the animals might be able to use.

7) Rooftop AC units:

If you have a rooftop AC unit, you may want to take some steps to squirrel-proof it. 

While it may seem harmless enough, an AC unit provides an easy way for squirrels to access your roof and eventually make their way into your home.

You can do a few things to prevent squirrels from using your AC unit as an access point.

• First, make sure the unit is securely fastened to the roof. This will prevent squirrels from being able to simply push it off the top and onto the ground.
• Second, consider installing a mesh screen over the opening of the unit. This will block squirrels (and other animals) from being able to get inside.

8) Openings around pipes and wires:

It’s not just holes in your walls that squirrels can use to get into your home; any openings around pipes and wires are potential entry points. 

So, if you’ve got gaps around your plumbing or electrical lines, it’s time to seal them up. 

Luckily, this is a pretty easy fix. You only need some caulk or expanding foam, and you can quickly close up any openings. 

Once you’ve taken care of the gaps, Squirrels will have a more challenging time getting into your house. And that’s good news for everyone involved!

9) Broken windows:

Most of us have had the experience of coming home to find a broken window. It’s never a pleasant surprise. Not only is it an inconvenience to repair the damage, but it also leaves your home vulnerable to intruders; animals, in particular, can take advantage of broken windows to access your home. 

Squirrels are notorious for squeezing through small openings; a broken window is just the opportunity they’re looking for. 

Not only can they come inside and wreak havoc, but rodents, in general, can pose a severe threat to your health and safety. In addition, these animals often carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, making them a potential health risk.

To avoid giving squirrels (and other pests) a free pass into your home, be sure to repair any broken windows as soon as possible.

10) Trees Near The House

If you have trees near your house, you may want to think twice before letting them grow unchecked. While they may provide some much-needed shade in the summer, they offer an easy way for squirrels to enter your home. 

And if you have a huge tree, it may even pose a risk of damage to your property. While there’s no need to chop down all the trees in your yard, being proactive about trimming branches near your home can help to keep squirrels out. 

By cutting trees away from your house, you can help prevent unwanted squirrel visitors and keep your home safe.

Why is a squirrel trying to get into my house?

Many people are surprised to find a squirrel inside their home, especially in an urban area. There are a few reasons squirrels might try to get into your house. 

• One reason is that they are looking for food. If you have bird feeders or pet food outside, the squirrels will be attracted to the easy food source. 
• They may also try to get into your house if they want a place to build their nest. If you have a chimney or an attic, the squirrel may be trying to get access to these areas. 
• If it is wintertime, the squirrel may be looking for a warm place to stay. If you find a squirrel in your house, you can try to shoo it out the door or catch it in a live trap. 

You can also take steps to prevent them from getting inside, such as removing bird feeders and sealing up holes in your walls or roof.