How to protect your property from damage caused by squirrels.

If squirrels are making noise in your attic, chewing through wires, or leaving droppings in your home or on your property, you likely need squirrel pest control. In Tampa Bay, squirrel infestations, especially from tree squirrels and flying squirrels, are common due to the region’s climate and abundant trees. Effective squirrel control combines fast action to remove current pests, safe and humane removal strategies, and prevention to keep squirrels out for good.

This guide explains everything homeowners in Tampa Bay need to know about squirrel pest control, from signs of an infestation to proven removal and prevention tips.

• Squirrel pest control in Tampa Bay begins with spotting signs: noises, droppings, and damage.
• Most problems are caused by tree squirrels (gray, fox, or flying) entering attics and walls.
• Fast removal, sealing entry points, and habitat modification are key.
• DIY deterrents may help, but professional pest control in Clearwater and Tampa Bay is safest for active infestations.

Table of Contents

• Identifying Squirrel Problems in Tampa Bay
• Types of Squirrels You’ll Encounter
• Why Squirrels Are a Serious Pest
• Squirrel Removal Methods
• How to Prevent Squirrels in Your Home
• DIY vs. Professional Squirrel Pest Control
• Quick Summary
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Get Professional Help

Identifying Squirrel Problems in Tampa Bay

Squirrels are clever and adaptable, making them one of the trickiest rodents to keep out of homes in this region. Common signs you need squirrel pest control in Tampa Bay include:

• Scratching, scampering, or chewing noises, especially in the attic or walls
• Visible droppings around entry points or in storage spaces
• Chewed insulation, ductwork, or electrical wiring
• Torn or disturbed roof shingles and attic vents
• Nests made from leaves or insulation in secluded areas

If you’re noticing these issues, there’s likely a squirrel or even an entire family living on your property.

Types of Squirrels You’ll Encounter

Not all squirrels are the same, and knowing the difference helps with effective removal and prevention. In Tampa Bay and Clearwater, you’ll most often see:

Tree Squirrels

• Eastern Gray Squirrels: The most common in residential neighborhoods, active during the day.
• Fox Squirrels: Larger, with bushy tails and often found in wooded areas.
• Flying Squirrels: Nocturnal and smaller, these gliders can enter through even small gaps.

Ground Squirrels

While less common in Tampa Bay, ground squirrels can dig burrows in gardens and yards, creating hazards and damaging landscaping.

Why Squirrels Are a Serious Pest

Squirrels can be fun to watch but are serious pests inside your home. Risks include:

• Fire hazards: Their constant gnawing can strip and damage electrical wiring.
• Structural damage: They chew on wood, siding, and insulation, reducing your home’s energy efficiency.
• Health concerns: Squirrel droppings can contain parasites and spread disease.
• Noise: Squirrels are noisy, especially during nesting season in early spring and late summer.

Squirrel Removal Methods

The best approach to squirrel control in Tampa Bay often uses a combination of these methods:

1. Inspection

• Locate all entry points, usually vents, soffits, fascia boards, roof returns, and chimneys.
• Look for nests and track squirrel activity to identify where removal is needed.

2. Humane Removal

• One-way exclusion doors allow squirrels to exit without re-entering.
• Live trapping may be necessary for stubborn infestations, followed by release far from your property (as local regulations allow).

3. Entry Point Sealing

• Repair all holes, gaps, and damaged soffits or vents with heavy-duty materials.
• Install metal flashing and mesh over vulnerable areas.

4. Cleaning and Disinfection

• Remove nests and droppings.
• Disinfect and deodorize affected areas to deter other pests that are attracted to scent trails.

5. Prevention

• Trim trees, branches, and shrubs away from your roof.
• Remove bird feeders or switch to squirrel-proof feeders.
• Store pet food and birdseed in sealed containers.

How to Prevent Squirrels in Your Home

Preventing squirrels takes vigilance and convenient steps, especially in squirrel-heavy areas like Clearwater and greater Tampa Bay. Here’s what you can do:

• Inspect your roof and eaves every season for damage or gaps.
• Install chimney caps and cover attic vents with heavy-gauge wire mesh.
• Keep tree limbs trimmed at least six feet away from your roofline.
• Clear fallen acorns, nuts, and fruit from your yard.
• Use motion-activated sprinklers or lights to deter foraging.

DIY vs. Professional Squirrel Pest Control

DIY squirrel control can help with minor prevention (like trimming branches), but for active infestations or persistent entry points, professional pest control in Tampa Bay or Clearwater is safer and more effective. Licensed squirrel removal experts have experience identifying all entry points and use the right traps and exclusion devices. They also clean and sanitize nesting areas, restoring your attic or walls to a healthy, pest-free state.

Here’s why professional squirrel pest control makes sense:

• Proper identification of squirrel species and behaviors
• Humane, effective trapping and exclusion
• Expert sealing of all current and potential points of entry
• Legal compliance with wildlife regulations
• Thorough cleanup and repairs to deter future infestations

Frequently Asked Questions

What attracts squirrels to my home in Tampa Bay?

Squirrels seek shelter (especially attics), easy access food (bird feeders, pet food), and safe nesting sites. Tree branches close to the roof make homes especially inviting.

Can squirrels damage my home’s wiring?

Yes. Squirrels’ gnawing on electrical wires causes thousands of costly fire hazards each year in the U.S., making prompt removal and repair essential.

What’s the safest way to get rid of squirrels?

Use humane one-way exclusion doors and professionally seal all entry points. Avoid poison or traps unless handled by a licensed pest control expert.

How do I know if I have flying squirrels?

Flying squirrels are active at night (unlike gray squirrels), smaller in size, and can enter through tiny holes. You might hear activity after dusk and find grease stains near small wall or roof gaps.

How often should I inspect my home for pest entry points?

Inspect your attic, roofline, and vents at least twice a year, especially before and after squirrel breeding seasons in spring and late summer.

Contact McDonald Pest Control for Squirrel Control in Tampa Bay 

If squirrels or other rodents are causing chaos in your attic, walls, or around your property, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. The experts at McDonald Pest Control are here to safely and effectively remove unwanted squirrels and prevent them from coming back. Our licensed team understands the behavior of nuisance wildlife and provides fast, humane, and long-lasting solutions.

Contact McDonald Pest Control today for professional squirrel control you can count on,. Your home deserves peace and protection.