Squirrel Removal in NYC — Out of Your Attic, Sealed Out for Good
Squirrels in New York City attics are one of the most common wildlife calls we receive — and one of the most straightforward situations to resolve when handled correctly. Eastern gray squirrels are the dominant species in NYC and are year-round residents. They're active primarily during daylight hours, which makes them easier to identify (you'll hear movement in the morning and again in late afternoon, distinctly different from the nighttime activity of rats or raccoons). Squirrels enter through open fascia board gaps, deteriorated soffit material, and gaps at roof-to-wall junctions.
Squirrel Removal Cost in NYC
Starting price range
$900 – $2,500
Final price depends on property size and severity of infestation. Free inspection + written quote before any work begins.
About Squirrel Removal in NYC
The most common mistake in squirrel removal is sealing the entry point without confirming all animals have left. A squirrel sealed inside an attic will die, causing severe odor, attracting flies and secondary pests, and potentially leaving young that can't survive. The correct approach is exclusion — one-way doors or funnels are installed at the primary entry point so squirrels can exit but not re-enter, confirmed over 3–5 days, then the opening is sealed permanently. This approach is humane, effective, and avoids the sealed-animal problem entirely.
Squirrels also cause meaningful damage. They chew through electrical wiring (a fire hazard), tear insulation for nesting material, and, like raccoons, use a concentrated area of the attic as a latrine. NYC squirrels are extremely habituated to human presence and will attempt to re-enter the same structure at multiple points — sealing the primary entry without a thorough inspection for secondary gaps results in re-entry within days.
Signs of Infestation
- ⚠Scratching, rolling, or scampering sounds in attic during morning and late afternoon (daytime activity distinguishes squirrels from rats)
- ⚠Chewed or displaced soffit material, open gaps at fascia board or roof edge
- ⚠Squirrel sightings on the roof, entering or exiting from the roofline area
- ⚠Chewed wiring or electrical damage in attic — squirrels gnaw insulation off wiring
- ⚠Insulation disturbed, compressed, or pulled into a concentrated nesting area
- ⚠Acorns or food caches stored in corners of the attic
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Our Treatment Approach
Squirrel exclusion uses one-way door devices installed at the primary entry point, confirmed active over 3–5 days, then removed and the opening permanently sealed with galvanized steel hardware cloth. We inspect the full roofline for secondary gaps — any opening larger than 1 inch (squirrels can compress their bodies significantly) is sealed proactively. Cage trapping is available when exclusion isn't practical for a specific entry point location. Attic inspection documents any wiring damage or insulation damage for insurance purposes. We provide a 90-day guarantee: if squirrels re-enter through a sealed point, we return at no charge.
How Squirrels Get Into NYC Attics — The Chewing Problem Nobody Talks About
Grey squirrels can enlarge a 1-inch gap into a full entry hole by gnawing — roof vents, deteriorated fascia boards, gable vents with damaged screening, and gaps where dormers meet the main roofline are the most common access points in NYC homes. Unlike mice, squirrels are active during the day, which is why you typically hear them running across your ceiling in early morning. Repeated patching without reinforcement fails because squirrels return to the same entry point and gnaw through it again.
Squirrel Activity in Fall and Winter — Why Problems Escalate Seasonally
Squirrel intrusions peak in October through February as grey squirrels seek warm denning sites for winter and early spring birthing. Females give birth twice per year — late winter (February–March) and midsummer (July–August). Exclusion work should avoid sealing entries when young kits are present and unable to leave. Our inspection determines whether the access is active with a nursing female before any sealing work begins.
The Hidden Damage Squirrels Cause in NYC Attics
Beyond the obvious insulation destruction, squirrels in attics frequently gnaw on electrical wiring — a documented fire risk. HVAC duct damage, water intrusion from enlarged entry holes, and structural wood damage are also common in longer-term infestations. After squirrel removal, a full attic inspection for wiring damage is strongly recommended, particularly in homes where the infestation was not caught early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do squirrels get into the attic?▾
The most common entry points are deteriorated soffit material (especially at corners and junctions), open gaps where roof meets wall, and damaged fascia boards. Squirrels also enter through gable vents with damaged or missing screening. A gap as small as 1 inch is sufficient.
Will squirrels leave on their own?▾
Sometimes — female squirrels with young will move the young to a new location when the young are mobile. But they often return to the same site the following season, and the entry point they've established invites other squirrels to use it as well. Exclusion is the only permanent solution.
Can I just seal the hole myself?▾
You can, but only if you're 100% certain all animals have left. Check for activity over 2–3 days before sealing. If any animals are sealed inside — especially young — you'll have a dead animal odor problem within 1–2 weeks. One-way exclusion doors are safer because they guarantee all animals have exited before the hole is permanently sealed.
How much does squirrel removal cost in NYC?▾
Squirrel exclusion starts at $900 and ranges to $2,500 depending on entry point count, accessibility, and whether any secondary entry points are identified. Written estimate provided after inspection.
Can squirrels cause fires in my NYC home or building?▾
Yes — and this is one of the most underappreciated dangers of a squirrel infestation. Squirrels instinctively chew on hard materials to keep their incisors filed down, and electrical wiring is a frequent target. Chewed wiring is a leading cause of house fires attributed to rodents. If you hear squirrels in your walls or attic, an electrical inspection after removal is strongly advised.
How do I know if squirrels have already caused structural damage?▾
Signs include soft spots or discoloration on ceilings (from urine saturation), damaged insulation that's been displaced or shredded for nesting, chewed wood beams or joists visible in the attic, and compromised roof edges or fascia boards. Our technicians assess structural damage during the initial inspection and will advise you on what repairs are needed to prevent re-entry.
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