Job Overview
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Structure: Detached single story house
Problem: Audible attic activity consistent with squirrel entry
Service: Squirrel removal and full roofline exclusion
Visits: 2 visits
Summary
Our team addressed confirmed squirrel activity entering the attic through compromised gable vent openings. A complete exterior inspection identified multiple vulnerable roof and vent components. Humane one-way doors were installed to allow squirrels to exit, followed by comprehensive exclusion using galvanized steel mesh. A final visit confirmed the attic was clear and all exclusion measures were secure.
Background / Property Context
The property is a detached, single-story home with multiple roof penetrations and gable vents. Several exterior components showed age-related wear, including peeling paint and exposed wood on vent structures, increasing susceptibility to wildlife entry.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported hearing scratching and movement sounds in the attic during early morning and nighttime hours, raising concern about squirrels accessing the attic space.
Inspection & Findings
Technician Andrew conducted a full exterior and interior inspection during the initial visit. The primary entry point was identified at a gable vent with visible chewing damage. Additional risk points were noted across the roofline, including roof vents, plumbing vents, and ridge vents that were accessible to climbing wildlife.
Photo documentation shows:
- A gable vent with deteriorated wood and visible chewing damage prior to screening.
- Galvanized steel mesh installed over gable vents, fastened with exterior-grade hardware.
- Roof vents and plumbing vents enclosed with custom-fitted galvanized steel cages.
- Areas of roof-edge wood exposure near flashing consistent with wildlife access attempts.
Cause Analysis
Squirrels commonly exploit elevated roof features such as gable vents and roof penetrations to access attic spaces. In this case, weathered vent materials and multiple unsecured openings provided suitable entry points. The single-story roofline allowed easy access from surrounding structures or trees.
Treatment / Removal
During the first visit, humane one-way doors were installed at the identified soffit intersection to allow squirrels to exit the attic without re-entry. No trapping or lethal methods were used. The homeowner approved the work on site prior to installation.
Exclusion & Repairs
To prevent future entry, the following exclusion work was completed during Visit 1:
- Installation of one-way squirrel doors at the active entry location
- Five roof vents sealed with galvanized steel cages
- Two plumbing vents sealed with galvanized steel mesh
- Three ridge vents sealed with galvanized steel mesh
- Two additional gable vents sealed with galvanized steel mesh
All materials were mechanically fastened and contoured to the structure to maintain airflow while preventing wildlife access.
Outcome & Confirmation
At the second visit, the homeowner reported that all attic activity had ceased. The technician returned to remove the one-way doors and performed a full inspection of all exclusion points. No further signs of squirrel activity were observed, and the attic remained quiet. The service was confirmed complete.
Technician Notes
- Visit 1: Exterior and interior inspection completed. Primary gable vent entry confirmed with chewing damage. One-way doors installed. Full roofline exclusion performed using galvanized steel mesh and cages.
- Visit 2: No further activity reported. One-way doors removed. All exclusion inspected and confirmed secure. No additional wildlife issues noted.
This work was completed by our Kitchener Wildlife control team. For Wildlife control inquiries in Kitchener, contact 226-778-3098.