Squirrel Removal & Repair are Connected
At Frontline Animal Removal, we often explain to our customers that nuisance wildlife removal is a two-part process: removal first, repairs second. But sometimes, when the damage is extensive, repairs need to happen first to make removal effective.
This was exactly the situation on a recent squirrel job in the Canton-Akron-Kent area. A local resident contacted us because squirrels had taken over their garage. When we arrived, we found a huge mess — pinecones, nuts, and all kinds of bedding material stuffed into different parts of the garage. The squirrels weren’t just visiting; they were living there full-time.
The reason? Major damage to the soffit and fascia allowed them easy access. What started as a small problem became a big one, as the squirrels found weak points, made them bigger, and created multiple entry and exit points.
Normally, when we remove squirrels, we set up traps on their known entry and exit points. This technique, called positive trapping, takes advantage of the squirrels’ natural movement. They aren’t attracted to the trap itself — they simply go into it because it’s placed right where they normally travel.
However, in this garage, the soffit and fascia were so damaged that there were too many openings to keep track of. Without defined pathways, trapping would have been hit or miss. The squirrels could easily detour around a trap if it didn’t feel quite right. In cases like this, positive trapping alone is not enough.
To solve the problem properly, we first had to rein in the squirrels’ movement. That meant making repairs before trapping.
We removed all the old, damaged soffit and fascia and replaced them with new materials, sealing up non-essential gaps. Once we limited the squirrels’ ability to come and go wherever they pleased, we could finally define their travel paths. This set the stage for successful trapping.
You can see a video of this process where we show how important it was to fix the damage first to get rid of the squirrels. In cases like these, repairs aren’t just about making the house look better — they are critical for a successful wildlife removal strategy.
The interplay between repairs and removal is something many people don’t think about until they’re in the middle of a wildlife problem. But it’s something we deal with all the time. Animals like squirrels are opportunistic. If there’s a small weakness in your home’s exterior, they can exploit it and cause major damage quickly. If repairs aren’t handled properly — or worse, ignored — the animals will continue to find ways in, no matter how many are trapped.
Squirrel Solutions | Akron, Canton, Kent
At Frontline Animal Removal, we combine effective removal with quality repair work. We don’t just get the animals out; we help prevent future problems by making your home secure again. Whether it’s repairing soffit and fascia, installing exclusion materials, or reinforcing weak points, we make sure your structure is protected.
If you’re seeing signs of squirrel damage — noises in the walls, debris buildup, chewed wood, or visible gaps in soffit or fascia — don’t wait. Small problems grow into big ones quickly, especially with squirrels.
Frontline Animal Removal proudly serves Canton, Akron, Kent, and the surrounding areas of Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties. We are here to help you get rid of squirrels and restore your property with the right combination of removal and repair.
Give us a call today — we are ready to help you reclaim your home from unwanted wildlife!
