Squirrel jumping from trees onto the roof in Portland, OR.

Squirrel on Roof

Squirrels navigate their way through treetops seamlessly, so the pests have no problem climbing onto roofs or into soffits. Residents may also see the pests climbing downspouts, running along telephone wires, or jumping from nearby trees to gain access to roofs. Squirrels can jump a distance of six to eight feet.

From there, damaged soffits, loose shingles, and structural gaps provide an easy way for the animals to move into homes.

Squirrel on Roof Damage

Squirrels on your roof can damage it sometimes requiring expensive roof repair. Squirrels running across your roof can damage roof shingles. Gutters provide nesting materials which can lead to drainage problems. Once they have access to your roof, squirrels can find a way inside via vents, soffits, and eaves.

After moving into an attic, the rodents gnaw on electrical wiring and damage insulation or lead pipes. Over time, squirrel droppings stains ceilings and spreads unpleasant odors. A squirrel infestation also exposes residents to diseases and creates scurrying and squeaking noises.

How Do Squirrels on Roof Get into the Attic?

Squirrels only need a gap of 1.5 inches to gain entry through the roof. We find squirrel entry holes along fascia boards, on soffits, and through roof vents. When squirrels enter homes through the roof, sometimes they can get trapped or build nests in eaves. Once inside, squirrels can cause damage by chewing holes.

Squirrels in Eaves

The eaves are part of the roof that extends past the wall and are one of the more vulnerable places on your roof. Roof eaves have access points like fascia boards, soffits, and soffit vents. The roof return is where the exterior wall meets the roof under the eaves. It is one of the most accessible places for squirrels. They can easily climb onto the roof to find loose soffits.

Fascia Boards and Squirrels

Fascia boards are thin longboards that run along the lower outer edge of a roof, covering the entire roofline to help keep water out. In certain parts of the country, homes have construction gaps above the fascia for ventilation. Squirrels use gutters to access these gaps to squeeze into your attic. If the gap isn’t big enough, they can gnaw a big enough hole

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Get rid of squirrels on the roof.

Squirrels in Soffits

What is the best way to keep squirrels from nesting in soffits? Plug the holes! Squirrels will chew holes in soffits and make their way inside for nesting. Before you can plug the holes, however, it is important to make sure all of the squirrels are out of the soffit. It is most effective to trap squirrels nesting in soffits using a baiting method. Critter Control professionals are expertly trained in getting squirrels out of soffits to keep them out of your home for good.

Squirrel in Roof Vents

Roof vents allow proper ventilation to address excess heat and moisture. Not only do they extend the life of your roof and reduce energy costs, but also they provide an access point for squirrels. Two of the most common squirrel entry points are ridge vents and gable vents.

How Critter Control Gets Rid of Squirrels on Roof

To reduce the chance of problems with squirrels on roofs, homeowners can modify their houses and yards to keep these pests away. Critter Control can prevent squirrels from gaining access to your roof and stop them from entering your attic.

Supplies and equipment to get rid of squirrels

Supplies	Tools & Equipment
Galvanized hardware cloth, 1/8 or 1/4-inch mesh	Power-lever pole pruner
Galvanized roofing nails	Aviation shears or tin snips
Drip edge flashing	Extension ladder
Metal collars	Flashlight
Plastic pipe	Tape measure
Box vent cover	Hammer
Chimney cap	Flashlight

A metal collar placed around a tree to ward off squirrels — Install metal collars on trees

A person trimming tree branches to avoid squirrel usage to get on the roof — Install metal collars on trees

Prevention methods are not always a surefire way to guard against the pests. Hiring local Critter Control experts is always the safest and most effective way to remove squirrels in the soffits or on the roof.

Learn more about squirrel removal.

Get them out.
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   Lon Barrett 
 11 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dustin did a great job. I just could not longer afford it on a retirement income. They were the only oneddds I could find that controlled rabbits.
  
 
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   CR Warner 
 11 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such a great experience with Critter Control at every interaction. Many months ago, my friend and I called to get some advice on how to handle a bat in our home. The lady we spoke with took the time to give us free, down to earth, real advice. I remembered the experience so when it came time to batproof our attic, they are who we called. The gentleman that came out to do the quote was thorough and patient in explaining everything. The gentlemen that did the bat proofing were quick, efficient and friendly. A few months later we had them back to clean out and insulate our attic. Very friendly crew, extra helpful, and were respectful to our home and good with our German Shepherd. Just a stellar experience all around. Recommended them to my friend, and I'll recommend them to you!
  
 
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   Irene Snyder 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Critter Control was prompt in scheduling the initial visit to assess the problem and detailed in explaining their service. Drew has been prompt in all communications and careful while on the property. It has been reassuring in working with them to resolve the issue.
  
 
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   Bob Sturgis 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cody just came back for his one year checkup as he promised when performing the job in 2025 - consistently outstanding service from him, great communication, always trying to go above/beyond!
  
 
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   Sandra Goodwin 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Critter control-Taylor, the owner, is quite knowledgeable about critters. He was friendly and thorough.
  
 
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   Bruce Morris 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They were a pleasure to work with I would highly recommend them. Roman is very knowledgeable and made the process smooth. The crew came out and went over and above. They were professional and timely. Everything about the experience was a pleasure and smooth, Thank you!
  
 
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   J A 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used this company many times for all different things. They always respond as fast as possible. Wasp problem?  Bug problem? Call them! The honesty that was shown when things aren’t truly needed shows that if you need pest services, call Critter Control first. You will get honest and thorough services. And you will call them again if you need it. 5 stars.
  
 
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   k ranuccifrazier 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Critter Control and, especially, with Taylor and his partner. Taylor called the evening before my appointment to confirm and took the time to explain what they would be looking for and what the inspection would involve. He also let me know that I would receive a written estimate when they were finished, which I really appreciated. The next morning, Taylor called before arriving and showed up right within the scheduled window. He introduced himself and his partner, and they were both extremely professional and courteous. They took their time inspecting the yard and ultimately determined that I was dealing with both moles and gophers. Taylor walked me through the treatment options, answered every question I had, and made sure I understood what they were recommending. There was absolutely no pressure, and I really appreciated how straightforward and transparent the entire process was. I had a written estimate in hand within about 10 minutes of them completing the inspection. From the initial phone call to the completion of the inspection, everything was handled professionally and exactly as promised. It’s refreshing to deal with people who communicate well, show up when they say they will, and genuinely take the time to answer your questions. Thank you, Taylor, for making the process so easy. I’m very happy with the experience and would definitely recommend Taylor and Critter Control!
  
 
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   Diana Onas 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a appointment with Moises today to investigate noises that I had been hearing in my wall. I explained what I had been hearing and for how long, and he said that he was going to look for any potential entry points. He found two areas that were compromised and showed me pictures of the areas, and told me what he thought was the culprit and also explained the plan to make sure that there weren't any other rodents in the wall by putting in a one way door and then after 5 days, they would sanitize the area in the wall and seal up the two areas, so that nothing else could get inside. He was very professional and friendly and explained everything to me that they were going to do to alleviate the situation. I would definitely recommend Moises and Critter Control for any wildlife removal services in the future.
  
 
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   Jacob Hanson 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Evan the owner was very helpful! He was very responsive and knowledgeable for our bat issue. Couldn’t be happier!