Skip to Main Content

How to Protect Your Home From Squirrel Damage in Late Winter

 Back To Blog

How to Protect Your Home From Squirrel Damage in Late Winter

Feb 20, 2026

February may be cold in Dayton and the surrounding Miami Valley, but squirrels are busy preparing for the spring birthing season. This makes late winter one of the most common times for squirrel invasions, especially in homes located near wooded areas, parks, and river corridors in Troy, Tipp City, Huber Heights, Kettering, and Beavercreek.

At 7 Star Animal Control & Repairs LLC, we see a major uptick in attic squirrel activity every February as females search for safe nesting sites. If homeowners don’t act quickly, squirrels can cause extensive structural and electrical damage.


Why Squirrels Invade Homes in February

1. Nesting Season Begins

Female squirrels prepare to give birth, pushing them to find warm, protected places like:

  • Attics

  • Chimneys

  • Soffits

  • Wall voids

  • Garages

2. Easy Roof Access

Overhanging trees and damaged roofing provide simple entry points.

3. Reliable Warmth

Squirrels choose attics because the heat from your home keeps them comfortable through the cold.


Common Signs of Squirrels in Your Attic

Homeowners in Dayton, Troy, and Kettering often report:

  • Fast scampering or rolling noises

  • Chewing on wood or wires

  • Visible roof damage or missing shingles

  • Holes in soffits or vents

  • Strong odors from nesting materials

  • Droppings around insulation

Squirrels are noisy, making them easier to detect than other pests.


The Damage Squirrels Cause

Electrical Hazards

Squirrels chew wiring insulation, which can spark house fires—a major risk in winter.

Roof and Structural Damage

They tear open soffits, fascia boards, and vents to enter.

Attic Insulation Destruction

Nesting materials compress insulation, raising heating bills.

Contamination

Droppings and urine spread bacteria and create foul smells.


Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Trim Overhanging Branches

Maintain at least 6–8 feet of clearance from the roof.

Seal Entry Points

Pay close attention to roof edges, vents, and attic gaps.

Install Vent and Chimney Guards

Prevents nesting in these hidden areas.

Inspect Attics Regularly

Catching early activity saves hundreds in repairs.


How 7 Star Animal Control Protects Your Home

We provide expert squirrel removal and home-repair services across Montgomery and Miami County, including:

  • Attic inspections

  • Expert trapping

  • Entry-point sealing

  • Roof and soffit repairs

  • Insulation cleanup and restoration

Unlike companies that remove animals but leave weak spots behind, we focus on long-term exclusion.


Act Before Spring Arrives

Squirrels that enter in February often stay to raise babies in March and April. Removing them early prevents more costly damage.

Homeowners in Dayton, Troy, Tipp City, Beavercreek, and the entire Miami Valley can count on 7 Star Animal Control & Repairs LLC for fast, expert service.

Squirrel in Home Springboro Ohio
Copied!
^TOP
close
ModalContent
loading gif