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At Frontline Animal Removal, we understand that nuisance wildlife problems often go deeper than just removing an animal. Our work is about removal and repair—and sometimes, as in this week’s case, that repair has to be done with a little extra creativity.
We recently handled a squirrel issue at a beautiful historic home in Northeast Ohio. This structure, built in 1853, has seen over a century and a half of weather, and time has taken a toll.
One of the more vulnerable parts of older homes is the fascia—the wood that runs behind the gutters along the roofline. In this case, the fascia had deteriorated badly in several places due to years of water exposure and aging materials. That deterioration created the perfect opportunity for squirrels to get inside.
Squirrels in the Attic
The homeowners knew something was wrong when they began hearing noises above them—scratching, rustling, and movement in the attic. These telltale signs usually point to squirrels. And sure enough, once Ryan from Frontline Animal Removal inspected the structure, it was clear that squirrels had chewed their way into the attic by exploiting rotted fascia boards.
Step one: remove the squirrels.
We used our standard squirrel removal methods— capturing the animals and making sure none currently using the structure were left behind. That part is straightforward.
But now comes the hard part: keeping them out for good.
The Repair Challenge: Historical Structure with a Tight Budget
The logical repair here would involve removing the gutters, replacing the rotted fascia with historically accurate painted wood, and reattaching everything. That would make the home squirrel-proof and restore the original look—but it would also come with a significant cost, right now.
The managers of the historic building made it clear: there just wasn’t room in the budget right now for a full fascia replacement. And since the look of the structure is important, any alterations needed to be nearly invisible.
Ryan had to come up with a solution that met all three goals:
- Keep squirrels out
- Preserve the historical look of the building
- Stay within budget
The Solution: Hidden but Effective Trim Installation
Ryan designed and installed a clever solution. Instead of tearing everything out, he installed a custom-fitted trim piece that tucks under the drip edge (the edge of the roof shingles) and fastens securely behind the existing gutter. This trim covers the rotted entry points and prevents squirrels from getting back inside.
The beauty of this repair is that it’s almost entirely hidden behind the gutter. From the ground, the structure looks untouched—no visible metal patches or distracting boards. The squirrels are gone, and the openings are closed, but the historical integrity of the home remains intact.
This approach worked perfectly for this home:
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Historically appropriate
✅ Secure and long-lasting
Why Repairs Matter
This case is a great example of why we emphasize both wildlife removal and repair. Getting the animals out is only half the battle. Without proper repair work, new animals will find the same weaknesses and start the cycle all over again.
If you’re dealing with squirrels—or any nuisance wildlife—remember that lasting results come from solving the root problem. That’s why we provide both the removal and repair services needed to restore and protect your property.
Learn more about our repair services here.
Watch the Job in Action
We’ve included a video below that shows how this repair was done. It highlights how we approached the removal, the specific challenges of this historic home, and how Ryan made it all work.
Frontline Animal Removal proudly serves Canton, Akron, Kent, and all of Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties. If you need expert squirrel removal and innovative repair work—even at a historical home—we’re here to help.