Squirrel Control in San Antonio, TX

Signs of a Squirrel Infestation in Your Home

Squirrels are highly active and destructive pests common in San Antonio, TX, and they often seek shelter in quiet, warm attics, especially during breeding seasons. Because they have constantly growing incisors, their activity inside your home poses a severe risk of structural damage and fire hazards from chewing on electrical wires. It is crucial to recognize these subtle and obvious warning signs quickly, as an infestation will only worsen the longer it is ignored.

• Daytime Noise in the Attic: The most common sign is hearing scratching, scurrying, or light thumping noises directly above ceilings, usually early in the morning or late evening. Since squirrels are diurnal (active during the day), this pattern easily distinguishes them from nocturnal pests like rats or raccoons.
• Visible Entry Points and Gnaw Marks: Look for small, chewed holes—often about the size of a golf ball—around your roofline, especially at soffits, fascia boards, roof vents, or where the roof meets the eaves. Squirrels gnaw through wood and even flimsy aluminum to gain entry to your sheltered spaces.
• Chewed Wires and Damaged Insulation: Inside the attic, squirrels constantly gnaw on materials to wear down their teeth, leading to exposed electrical wiring and damaged utility lines, which poses a serious fire risk. They will also tear up and contaminate attic insulation to build their nests.
• Droppings and Strong Odors: Squirrel droppings are small, cylindrical pellets, similar in size to a jellybean, often scattered throughout the attic or near the entry hole. A strong, persistent smell of ammonia indicates a large accumulation of urine and feces that contaminates insulation and requires professional cleanup.
• Sightings of Nesting Material: Finding large piles of shredded insulation, leaves, twigs, or bits of cardboard bunched together in the corners of your attic confirms that squirrels are actively nesting and raising young inside your home.

If you suspect squirrels are present, do not attempt to seal the entry points yourself, as you might trap animals inside who will cause massive damage trying to escape. Professional humane removal and exclusion are the safest steps to protect your valuable home from these destructive rodents.

Local Wildlife Laws & Squirrel Control Guidelines

Bexar County and the state of Texas have regulations for wildlife, including squirrels. Property owners must follow these legal requirements when removing nuisance animals or disturbing their habitats. In San Antonio, all squirrel removal must comply with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, which restricts certain traps and wildlife relocation. Failing to follow these rules can result in penalties, so hiring a company that understands local and state laws helps you avoid legal trouble. At Family Pest Control, our technicians regularly update their understanding of wildlife laws and perform every job to standards recognized by city and county officials.

Following the law protects your household and keeps you compliant, while also promoting the humane treatment of wildlife. Our team prioritizes your property’s safety and the well-being of the local squirrel population in San Antonio.

How to Prevent Squirrels from Coming Back to Your San Antonio Home

• Install a Chimney Cap: Squirrels often enter homes through the chimney, so a solid chimney cap can help keep them out.
• Keep Your Gutters Clean: Squirrels use gutters to access roofs, so cleaning gutters makes them harder to climb.
• Store Your Firewood Properly: Squirrels nest in firewood piles, so store wood at least 20 feet from your home and 5 feet off the ground.
• Keep Your Garbage Cans Sealed: Squirrels look for food in trash, so seal cans and store them securely.

The most reliable approach to squirrel control is prevention. Simple steps like trimming tree branches near your roof and installing aluminum flashing on tree trunks block easy access to your house. Many homes in the San Antonio area back up to greenbelts or have mature oak trees, which makes squirrels common in attics and garages. Homeowners should watch for bark damage or new holes close to the roofline. Fast action helps prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious infestation, especially during San Antonio’s active nesting seasons in spring and fall.

Consistent home inspections for new entry points also matter. Seal cracks and gaps with durable mesh or caulk to protect against squirrels and other pests. We also offer comprehensive maintentenance plans to ensure your home is more secure year-round.