Squirrel Removal in Brea, CA

Expert Squirrel Removal Services in Brea, CA

Squirrels can be a delightful sight in nature, but when they decide to make your Brea, CA property their home, they quickly become a nuisance. From chewing through electrical wires to nesting in attics and causing structural damage, these persistent pests can create significant problems and stress for homeowners and businesses alike. Their constant presence and the noise they make can disrupt your peace of mind and potentially lead to costly repairs. Getting rid of squirrels requires a professional approach to ensure they are removed humanely and effectively, preventing future infestations.

Are you dealing with the headaches of a squirrel invasion? You're likely experiencing some of these common issues:

• ✅ Scratching sounds in your attic or walls
• ✅ Chewing damage on wood, wires, and fascia
• ✅ Droppings and urine causing unpleasant odors
• ✅ Gardens and bird feeders being raided
• ✅ Concerns about potential fire hazards
• ✅ Worry over property value and structural integrity

Brea Pest Pros understands these frustrations. We specialize in providing safe, efficient, and lasting squirrel removal solutions for properties throughout Brea and the surrounding areas. Our experienced team uses proven methods to humanely capture and relocate squirrels, then implement strategies to prevent their return. Let us help you reclaim your property and restore peace.

Why Choose Brea Pest Pros for Squirrel Removal?

When it comes to dealing with unwanted wildlife, especially something as determined as squirrels, you need a team you can trust. Brea Pest Pros has built a reputation in the Brea community for providing expert pest management services with integrity and care. We bring years of experience to every job, ensuring that your squirrel problem is handled professionally and effectively.

• Experienced and Qualified Technicians: Our team is highly trained and knowledgeable in squirrel behavior and removal techniques, licensed and insured for your peace of mind.
• Humane Removal Methods: We are committed to humane wildlife control, utilizing methods that are safe for both the squirrels and your property.
• Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind our work and strive to exceed your expectations on every service call.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Beyond removal, we offer services to repair damage and implement exclusion techniques to prevent future squirrel problems.
• Local Expertise: As a local Brea business, we understand the specific pest challenges faced by residents and businesses in our community.

At Brea Pest Pros, we are deeply committed to providing high-quality service and exceptional customer care. We understand the stress that pests can cause and work diligently to resolve your issues efficiently and respectfully. You can trust us to handle your squirrel problem with the professionalism and attention it deserves.

Our Comprehensive Squirrel Removal Process

Effective squirrel removal is more than just trapping; it involves a detailed process to ensure the issue is fully resolved and prevented from recurring. Brea Pest Pros employs a thorough, multi-step approach to address your squirrel infestation, designed to be both effective and humane.

Thorough Property Inspection and Assessment

The first crucial step is a comprehensive inspection of your Brea property. Our experienced technicians will carefully examine your home or business to identify signs of squirrel activity, including entry points, nesting areas, and damage. We look for tell-tale signs such as gnaw marks on eaves, siding, and vents, as well as droppings and urine stains in attics, crawl spaces, and walls. This detailed assessment helps us understand the scope of the infestation and develop a customized removal plan tailored to your specific situation. Understanding how squirrels are accessing your property is key to implementing long-term solutions.

Identifying Entry Points

Squirrels are surprisingly resourceful and can squeeze into very small openings. Common entry points include gaps in the roofline, damaged soffits and fascia, uncapped chimneys, and vents. We meticulously inspect these areas, along with any potential points of weakness, to pinpoint exactly how squirrels are getting in. This step is critical because simply removing the squirrels without addressing the entry points will only lead to them returning.

Locating Nests and Activity Areas

Once inside, squirrels often build nests in quiet, protected areas like attics, walls, and crawl spaces. We locate these nesting sites, which may contain nesting materials like leaves, insulation, and debris, as well as young squirrels depending on the season. Identifying the extent of their activity helps us determine the best removal strategy and anticipate potential issues, such as the presence of babies.

Safe and Humane Squirrel Trapping

Our preferred method for live squirrel removal is humane trapping. We carefully select the appropriate type and size of traps based on the specific circumstances of your infestation and place them strategically near known entry points or activity areas. Our technicians are trained in proper trapping techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals being removed. We monitor the traps regularly to minimize the time squirrels spend confined.

Setting and Monitoring Traps

Proper trap placement is crucial for successful and efficient trapping. We use bait that is attractive to squirrels but less likely to attract non-target animals. Traps are checked frequently, usually daily, to ensure any captured squirrels are promptly addressed. This regular monitoring is vital for humane treatment and to prevent the squirrels from experiencing undue stress.

Humane Relocation

Once a squirrel is captured, our team handles the relocation process humanely and responsibly, following all local regulations and guidelines. Relocation sites are chosen carefully to provide the squirrel with a suitable habitat away from residential areas, ensuring they have the best chance of survival without becoming a nuisance to others. We believe in ethical wildlife control that respects the animals while protecting your property.

Exclusion and Prevention Strategies

Removing the squirrels is only half the battle. To truly solve your squirrel problem, it's essential to prevent them from returning. This involves identifying and sealing all entry points and making your property less appealing to future squirrel inhabitants. This step is arguably the most important for long-term peace of mind.

We offer comprehensive exclusion services, using durable, squirrel-resistant materials to close gaps and repair damaged areas. This might include reinforcing vent covers, sealing holes in the roof or siding, screening off chimneys, and repairing fascia and soffits. Our goal is to make it physically impossible for squirrels to regain entry to your home or business.

We also provide advice on preventative measures you can take, such as trimming tree branches away from your roofline, securing trash cans, and protecting gardens and bird feeders. By addressing both the current infestation and implementing preventative strategies, we help ensure your property remains squirrel-free.

Sealing Entry Points

Permanently closing all identified entry points is paramount. We use high-quality materials like heavy-gauge wire mesh, sheet metal, or sturdy wood to seal holes and gaps. The materials are chosen for their durability and ability to withstand squirrel chewing. Every potential access point, no matter how small, is carefully addressed to prevent re-entry.

Habitat Modification Tips

Making your property less attractive to squirrels can significantly reduce the likelihood of future infestations. Simple steps like keeping trees and shrubs trimmed away from the structure, securing food sources like garbage cans and pet food, and using squirrel-proof bird feeders can make a big difference. Our technicians will provide tailored recommendations based on the specifics of your property.

Recognizing the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

Being aware of the common indicators of squirrel activity can help you identify a problem early and seek professional assistance before significant damage occurs. Squirrels leave behind several clues that signal their presence. If you notice any of the following signs on your Brea property, it's wise to investigate further or call in the experts.

Strange Noises

One of the most common signs of squirrels in your attic or walls is the sounds they make. You might hear scratching, scampering, or thumping noises, especially in the morning and evening when squirrels are most active. These sounds can be quite loud and persistent, giving a clear indication that you have unwanted guests overhead or within your walls. The sounds might move around as they search for food or nesting materials.

Hearing persistent scratching sounds coming from inside your walls or overhead in your attic is a strong indicator. Squirrels are constantly on the move, foraging and building their nests, and their claws against drywall or wood can be quite distinct. If you notice these noises, especially at sunrise and sunset, it's highly likely that squirrels have taken up residence.

Chewing and Gnawing Damage

Squirrels have incisors that grow continuously, requiring them to constantly chew to keep them trimmed. This chewing habit can lead to significant damage to your property. They might chew on wood trim, siding, fascia boards, and even electrical wires. Damage to electrical wiring is particularly concerning as it poses a serious fire hazard. Check for fresh gnaw marks on the exterior of your home, attic rafters, or anywhere they might gain access.

Visible damage to exterior components of your home, such as chewedsoffits, fascia, or roofline, is a clear sign of squirrel activity. They are looking for ways to get inside or are simply keeping their teeth filed down. Inside, damage to wooden beams, insulation, or even stored items can indicate their presence. Don't ignore these signs, as the damage can escalate quickly.

Squirrels are notorious for their persistent chewing habits, and this is not just a nuisance; it's a necessity for them. Their teeth continuously grow throughout their lives, so they must constantly gnaw on things to wear them down. This instinctual behavior leads them to chew on a variety of materials around your home, including wood, plastic, and even metal. You might notice fresh gnaw marks around entry points, on the edges of dormer windows, or along the roofline. Inside the attic, you might find damage to rafters, support beams, and stored items made of wood, cardboard, or other easily accessible materials. The most concerning aspect of this chewing is their tendency to target electrical wiring. Chewed wires can create exposed conductors, leading to short circuits and significantly increasing the risk of a house fire. Inspecting around electrical boxes or wiring runs in areas where you suspect squirrel activity is crucial for safety. Don't underestimate the extent of damage a determined squirrel can cause.

Visible Sightings of Squirrels Entering and Exiting

Perhaps the most obvious sign of a squirrel problem is actually seeing squirrels entering or exiting your home through specific points. If you observe squirrels repeatedly using the same route to access your attic, roof, or walls, it's a clear indication that they have established an entry point and are likely nesting inside. Pay attention to squirrel activity around your property, especially near high-up areas like the roof or chimney. Seeing them carrying nesting materials is another strong indicator they are setting up a home within your structure.

If you consistently see squirrels climbing onto your roof or scurrying along power lines leading to your house, it's time to be vigilant. Watch to see if they disappear into a specific section of your roofline, a vent, or a chimney. These frequent comings and goings indicate a regular access point. Sometimes you might even see them carrying leaves, twigs, or insulation materials, confirming they are actively building or maintaining a nest inside your property. Don't dismiss these sightings as just normal wildlife behavior if they are consistently interacting with your home in this manner.

Observing squirrels on your property is common in Brea, but if you start noticing a pattern of them specifically interacting with your home's structure, it's a major red flag. Seeing a squirrel repeatedly run up the side of your house and disappear under an eave, or consistently using a specific vent as an entrance, means they have found a way to get inside. Look for these behaviors during the daytime, as squirrels are most active during these hours. You might see them perched on your roof, scanning for an entry point, or rapidly moving back and forth from a tree limb or power line to your house. Sometimes, if the infestation is significant, you might even see multiple squirrels utilizing the same access point. Taking note of the time of day you see this activity can also be helpful in confirming it's squirrels, as their activity patterns are distinct from nocturnal animals like raccoons or rodents. If you're seeing this pattern often, it's highly likely you have an established squirrel issue that requires professional intervention. Consider linking to our raccoon removal page if dealing with nighttime visitors.

Unpleasant Odors

Squirrel nests and droppings can create strong, unpleasant odors within your home. As squirrel populations grow and their nesting areas accumulate waste, the smell of urine and feces can permeate into your living spaces, particularly in areas close to their activity. These odors can be persistent and difficult to eliminate without professional cleaning and sanitation. A persistent foul smell, especially from the attic or walls, should prompt you to investigate for potential pest issues.

Beyond just the presence of the squirrels, the accumulated waste from their stay can lead to significant odor problems. Squirrels will leave droppings and urine in and around their nesting sites, and over time, this can create a very strong, musky, and unpleasant smell that can seep through ceilings and walls into your main living areas. This odor isn't just unpleasant; it can also attract other pests and can even pose health risks if the waste is not properly cleaned and sanitized. If you notice a persistent, foul smell that seems to be emanating from a particular area of your home, especially an upper level or wall space, it could very well be a sign of a squirrel infestation. Professional cleanup is often needed in addition to removal to fully eliminate the odor and potential health hazards. We also handle rodent control which can cause similar odor issues.

Visible Droppings

Finding squirrel droppings in your attic, crawl spaces, or near entry points is another definitive sign of an infestation. Squirrel droppings are typically pellet-shaped, about ½ to ¾ inch long, and may be scattered or found in concentrated piles near nesting areas. The appearance of droppings can help confirm the type of animal you are dealing with and give an indication of how long they have been present. Never handle wildlife droppings without proper protection, as they can contain harmful bacteria and parasites.

Squirrel droppings are a clear indicator of their presence and can often be found in areas where they travel, nest, or enter your home. These droppings are small, typically cylindrical, and can vary in color depending on the squirrel's diet. They are often found in scattered piles in attics, around insulation, or near entry holes. The size and shape of the droppings can help distinguish them from other pests like rats or bats. Finding these droppings confirms that squirrels are not just visiting your property but are actively spending time inside. Proper identification is key, as removing and cleaning up droppings requires caution due to potential health risks. You might also see signs of nesting materials mixed with the droppings.

Identifying pest droppings is a key part of diagnosis, and squirrel droppings have a distinctive appearance. They are typically small, dark brown or black, and resemble elongated pellets, usually around 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in length. The ends of the droppings might be slightly pointed or rounded. You'll often find these droppings scattered throughout the areas the squirrels frequent, such as the attic floor, along beams, or near insulation. Sometimes, larger piles can accumulate in areas they use as latrines. While similar in size to rat droppings, squirrel droppings are generally more uniform in shape and less numerous unless in a latrine area. Distinguishing between the two is important, as control methods can differ. It's crucial to wear gloves and a mask if you are inspecting droppings, as they can carry various pathogens that can impact human health. Don't just clean them up; identifying the source is the first step to preventing future issues. If you're unsure about the type of droppings you've found, contacting a pest control professional in Brea, CA, like Brea Pest Pros, is the safest approach for identification and removal.

Damage to Exterior and Interior Structures

Squirrels can cause significant damage as they chew their way into and around your property. Beyond just creating entry holes, they can damage wood, insulation, wiring, and even structural elements. This damage can weaken your home’s integrity and lead to costly repairs. Look for chewed wood on eaves, vents, or siding, as well as damaged insulation in your attic or walls. Interior damage can include chewed baseboards or holes in drywall, especially near areas where they are active. The longer squirrels are present, the more extensive the damage can become, potentially impacting the energy efficiency of your home by damaging insulation.

The physical evidence of damage is often the most concerning aspect of a squirrel infestation. As mentioned, their constant need to chew results in visible destruction. On the exterior, this could be holes chewed through soffits, fascia boards, or even directly through siding. They might also damage roof vents or chimneys to gain access. Inside, the damage can be more insidious. Chewed electrical wires, damaged plumbing lines, and destroyed insulation can compromise the safety and efficiency of your home. In attics, you might find insulation matted down, torn apart for nesting material, or contaminated with droppings and urine. Structural damage, such as weakened beams or compromised framing, is also a possibility in severe or long-standing infestations. Addressing this damage is often a necessary part of the remediation process after the squirrels have been removed. Consider our termite treatment service for wood-boring pests.

Signs of Squirrels that are Often Overlooked

While the signs mentioned above are the most common indicators of a squirrel problem, there are some more subtle clues that you might miss if you don't know what to look for. These can include unusual behavior around bird feeders, increased activity in nearby trees, or even changes in your pet's behavior. Recognizing these less obvious signs can help you detect an infestation in its early stages.

Perhaps you've noticed your bird feeder is emptied at an alarming rate, or you see squirrels consistently lurking around it, even if you've attempted to make it ""squirrel-proof."" This persistent focus on a food source near your home can indicate they are living close by, and likely considering your property as a potential shelter. Also, pay attention to the activity of squirrels in trees close to your house. If you see them frequently jumping from branches onto your roof or other parts of your structure, they are evaluating potential entry points. Even your indoor pets might alert you to a problem; cats and dogs can become agitated or fixate on areas where squirrels are present inside your walls or attic, barking or scratching at the affected spot. Don't dismiss these behavioral changes in your pets.

Another subtle sign can be trails of dirt or grease marks on the side of your house or attic beams. As squirrels repeatedly use the same path to enter and exit, their fur can leave behind oily residue and dirt, creating visible pathways over time. These trails can be particularly noticeable near entry points or along rafters in the attic. You might also observe unusual patterns of wear or damage on specific sections of fencing or tree limbs that they use as access points to your roofline. Sometimes, you might even find cached nuts or seeds in unusual locations around your home's exterior, such as in gutters or within small crevices. These caches indicate they are storing food nearby, often where they feel secure, which could be inside your attic or walls. Paying attention to these less obvious cues can provide an early warning signal of a potential squirrel problem that requires professional attention for effective squirrel removal in Brea, CA.

Addressing Common Concerns About Squirrels

Many homeowners have questions and concerns about squirrels, from the potential health risks they pose to the best way to handle them humanely. Understanding these concerns is part of developing an effective strategy for managing squirrel populations around your property. Brea Pest Pros is here to address your questions and provide knowledgeable guidance.

It's natural to have concerns when you discover wildlife has invaded your personal space. One common question is about the diseases squirrels can carry. While not as frequent carriers of rabies as some other animals, squirrels can still transmit diseases like tularemia or leptospirosis through bites or contact with their urine and feces. Their ectoparasites, such as fleas and ticks, can also pose health risks to humans and pets. This is why it's important to avoid direct contact with squirrels or their droppings and to seek professional assistance for removal and cleanup. Another frequent concern is the ethical treatment of the animals. At Brea Pest Pros, we prioritize humane removal techniques, ensuring the squirrels are safely captured and relocated following all local laws and guidelines. We understand the desire to protect both your property and the wildlife, and our methods reflect this commitment. If you're worried about other pests, check out our flea treatment services.

Another common question we receive revolves around the potential for squirrels to become aggressive. While generally shy and more likely to flee than fight, cornered or threatened squirrels can bite or scratch. Mother squirrels protecting their young can be particularly defensive. This is another reason why attempting DIY squirrel removal yourself can be risky and is best left to trained professionals. The safety of you, your family, and your pets is paramount. People also often ask about the effectiveness of various deterrents they've heard about, such as ultrasonic devices or certain scents. While some deterrents might have limited, temporary effects, they rarely provide a complete or long-term solution to a persistent squirrel infestation. Squirrels are highly adaptable and often become accustomed to these methods. Professional exclusion and trapping, combined with preventative measures, are the most reliable way to address a squirrel problem effectively. Don't waste time and money on unproven methods; invest in a solution that truly works for wildlife control in Brea, CA.

The Importance of Professional Squirrel Removal

Attempting to remove squirrels on your own can be challenging, ineffective, and potentially dangerous. Without the right knowledge, tools, and experience, you may not be able to fully address the problem, and you could put yourself at risk of bites, scratches, or exposure to diseases. Professional pest control services like Brea Pest Pros offer the expertise needed to safely and effectively remove squirrels, repair damage, and implement long-term prevention strategies.

Professionals have the training and equipment to safely access difficult-to-reach areas like attics and crawl spaces where squirrels commonly nest. They can accurately identify all entry points, including those that may not be obvious, and seal them effectively using materials squirrels cannot easily chew through. Furthermore, professional pest control companies understand the complex legal and ethical considerations surrounding wildlife removal and relocation, ensuring compliance with local regulations and humane practices. Trying a DIY approach might result in incomplete removal, leaving some squirrels behind or failing to prevent others from entering, leading to repeated infestations and ongoing damage. Professional services provide a comprehensive solution that saves you time, money, and frustration in the long run. We also offer residential and commercial pest control services.

Moreover, professional squirrel removal often includes cleaning and sanitation services to address the mess and potential health hazards left behind by the infestation. Squirrel droppings and urine can cause structural damage, unpleasant odors, and pose risks due to bacteria and parasites. Professionals are equipped with the necessary protective gear and specialized cleaning agents to safely and thoroughly clean contaminated areas, removing waste and odor to restore a healthy living environment. They can also assess and repair any damage caused by the squirrels, such as chewed wiring or insulation, preventing further issues. The peace of mind that comes with knowing the problem has been completely and safely resolved by experts is invaluable. Investing in professional squirrel removal is investing in the long-term safety, integrity, and value of your Brea property. Don't risk incomplete removal or personal injury; let the experts handle your squirrel problems.

Contact Brea Pest Pros Today

Don't let squirrels take over your Brea, CA home or business. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage and nuisance can become. Taking action quickly when you notice signs of a squirrel infestation is crucial for minimizing disruption and preventing costly repairs. Brea Pest Pros is ready to assist you with expert, humane, and effective squirrel removal services.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team is standing by to answer your questions and schedule a thorough inspection of your property. Let us develop a customized plan to safely remove the squirrels, repair any damage, and implement preventative measures to keep them from returning. Reclaim your peace of mind and protect your property from the damaging effects of a squirrel infestation.

Call Brea Pest Pros today at (714) 492-7288 to schedule your appointment. We are your trusted partner for squirrel removal in Brea, CA, and surrounding communities like Fullerton, Anaheim, and Placentia. Let us help you live squirrel-free!