Job Overview
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Structure: Two-story residential house
Problem: Squirrel entering basement through wall vent
Service: Squirrel removal
Visits: Two
Summary
Our team responded to an unusual squirrel intrusion involving basement access through a wall vent located beneath a large deck. The squirrel accessed a wall vent under a deck that was not accessible to the technician but exited through a floor vent on the interior of the basement. The issue was resolved through interior one-way door installation and confirmed wildlife exit, followed by removal and final inspection.
Background / Property Context
The property is a two-story home with brick on the first floor and wood siding on the second floor. A large deck overhang extends from the rear of the house, creating covered exterior conditions along part of the foundation and wall venting.
Customer Concern
The homeowner reported squirrel activity inside the basement. This was atypical, as squirrels more commonly access attics through roofline entry points. Concern focused on how the animal entered and whether it could re-enter.
Inspection & Findings
An exterior inspection identified a wall vent located beneath the deck overhang. Interior inspection of the basement aligned with this location, confirming signs consistent with squirrel entry at the vent opening. The deck structure limited direct exterior access to the vent.
Photos showed a vent opening fitted with temporary and permanent wire mesh solutions, along with interior framing and utility penetrations in close proximity.
Cause Analysis
The deck overhang provided concealment and protection from weather, allowing a squirrel to access the wall vent without detection. Wall vents can present an opportunity for wildlife entry when screening is compromised or absent. In this case, the vent’s location made it accessible from the exterior and led directly into the basement.
Treatment / Removal
During the first visit, our technician installed a one-way door from inside the basement to allow the squirrel to exit without re-entry. Interior installation was selected due to deck construction above the vent, which would have required removal of deck boards for exterior access. The work was completed humanely and non-lethally.
Exclusion & Repairs
Wire mesh exclusion was installed to secure the vent opening once exit was confirmed. Fasteners were used to ensure the mesh remained flush and secure around the vent perimeter, preventing future wildlife access.
Outcome & Confirmation
On the second visit, the homeowner confirmed that all activity had ceased. The one-way door was removed, the exclusion was inspected, and no further signs of wildlife presence were observed. The service was completed successfully with no recurrence reported.
Technician Notes
Andrew completed both visits, noting that interior installation was the most practical solution due to deck obstruction above the vent. Final inspection confirmed secure exclusion and no ongoing activity.
If you are having wildlife or rodent issues Contact us at 226-778-3098