Does Animal Control Remove Squirrels?

If you are asking whether animal control remove squirrels from your home, the short answer is that it depends on your city, county, and the exact problem. Some animal control offices handle nuisance wildlife calls, while others only respond to public safety issues and leave squirrel removal to private wildlife control companies. If squirrels are in your attic, walls, or yard, the right next step is to call the local office and ask what they cover before you wait for a problem to get worse.

What animal control does, and does not, do with squirrels

Animal control removes squirrels only when local policy allows it and when the situation fits their job. In many areas, officers will not trap and remove squirrels from private homes because squirrels are considered wildlife, not stray pets. They may respond if a squirrel is injured, aggressive, trapped in a public place, or causing an immediate safety concern.

If the squirrel is inside your attic, chimney, garage, or wall, animal control often tells you to contact a licensed wildlife control operator. That is the common answer behind questions like will animal control remove squirrels, because the service is not guaranteed and is often excluded from routine animal control duties.

What to ask when you call

Ask these four questions in one call so you do not waste time:

Do you remove squirrels from private homes?
Do you set traps, or only respond to injured animals?
Do you handle attic or wall infestations?
Do you refer homeowners to local wildlife contractors?

If they say no, move straight to exclusion and removal help, because squirrels damage wiring, insulation, vents, and roof lines fast.

Can pest control get rid of squirrels?

Yes, many pest control companies get rid of squirrels, but the service must be wildlife removal, not basic insect control. The best companies inspect entry points, remove the animals, seal access, and clean up the damage. If a company only sprays for bugs, it will not solve a squirrel issue in an attic or wall.

For homeowners, the important difference is between trapping and full exclusion. A trap without sealing the opening leaves the door open for another squirrel. A complete job includes removal, one-way exits or live trapping where allowed, and a durable repair after the animals are out.

What a real squirrel service includes

Look for these services on the estimate:

Attic and roof inspection
Entry point identification
Removal using legal methods
Sealing gaps with metal mesh, flashing, or heavy-duty sealant
Insulation cleanup if urine or droppings are present

Does Orkin remove squirrels, and does Terminix get rid of squirrels?

Yes, both Orkin and Terminix offer wildlife or nuisance animal services in many markets, and that can include squirrels. The exact service depends on your local branch and state rules, so the answer to does Orkin remove squirrels is branch-specific, not universal. The same is true for does Terminix get rid of squirrels.

These national companies are worth calling when you want a large provider with a structured inspection process. Ask whether the local office performs squirrel exclusion, attic restoration, and sealing after removal. If they only offer trapping, ask who handles the repairs, because the exclusion work is the part that prevents a repeat problem.

What to ask Orkin or Terminix before booking

Get clear answers to these points:

Do you service squirrels in my zip code?
Do you handle attic, chimney, and soffit entry points?
Is sealing included in the quote?
Do you clean contaminated insulation?
What warranty covers reinfestation?

How to get squirrels out of a home the right way

The safest approach is to remove the squirrels first, then seal the entry points after you are certain the animals are out. Do not block a hole while squirrels are active inside, because that traps animals in the wall or attic and creates odors, noise, and chewing damage. Mothers with young can also leave behind pups that cannot escape.

Identify the entry point. Look for chewed holes, greasy rub marks, and shredded insulation near eaves, vents, or roof edges.

Listen for activity at dawn and dusk. That helps confirm whether the space is occupied.
Set a removal plan. Use a licensed wildlife pro, or legal live trapping where allowed by local rules.
Remove attractants outside. Secure trash, bird seed, and pet food, then trim branches at least 6 to 8 feet from the roof.

Seal the structure with metal flashing, hardware cloth, or repair-grade materials after the squirrels are gone.

If the attic has droppings or soaked insulation, schedule cleanup immediately. Squirrel waste attracts insects and can leave a strong odor that keeps drawing animals back.

Companies that get rid of squirrels, and how to choose one

Companies that get rid of squirrels include wildlife control specialists, some pest control firms, and larger brands with wildlife divisions. The right company is the one that solves the entry problem, not just the symptom. A cheap trap-only quote can end up costing more if you still need roof repair afterward.

Choose a company that shows you the access points, explains the removal method, and lists materials for exclusion on the estimate. For attic jobs, ask for a written scope that covers sealing, cleanup, and any insulation replacement. That tells you whether the company actually handles squirrel damage, not just the animal itself.

Good signs and red flags

Good signs include a roof inspection, photo documentation, and a repair plan. Red flags include vague pricing, no mention of sealing, and any suggestion to use poison. Poison is a poor choice for squirrels in homes because it can leave dead animals in hidden spaces and create a bigger cleanup problem.

How to prevent squirrel damage in your yard and home

Prevention starts outside. Squirrels enter homes by climbing trees, fences, utility lines, and roof edges, so your yard setup matters. Keep bird feeders away from the house, use metal baffles, and store seed in sealed containers. If squirrels are chewing deck railings, fascia boards, or garden plants, remove the food source and block access.

For homes, focus on the vulnerable edges: roof vents, gable vents, uncapped chimneys, rotten fascia, and gaps where plumbing or cable lines enter. Use chew-resistant materials and inspect the exterior after storms, because wind damage opens new access points fast.

Fast prevention checklist

Trim tree limbs 6 to 8 feet from the roof
Install chimney caps and vent covers
Store garbage in tight bins
Stop feeding squirrels and limit bird seed spills
Repair loose shingles, soffits, and fascia boards

Frequently Asked Questions

Will animal control remove squirrels from my attic?

Not in every city. Some animal control departments only handle emergencies or public safety calls, and they send attic squirrel problems to private wildlife control companies. Call and ask directly before relying on them.

Does Orkin get rid of squirrels?

Yes, in many locations Orkin provides wildlife services that can include squirrels. The local office decides what is available, so ask for squirrel removal, exclusion, and attic repair when you call.

Does Terminix get rid of squirrels?

Yes, many Terminix branches handle nuisance wildlife, including squirrels. Ask whether the service includes sealing the entry point and any cleanup after removal.

Can pest control get rid of squirrels permanently?

Yes, if the company removes the animals and seals the openings with durable materials. Trapping alone does not solve the problem if the roofline or vent stays open.

What should I do first if I hear squirrels in the attic?

Confirm the activity, identify the entry point, and call animal control or a wildlife removal company the same day. Do not seal the hole until the squirrels are out.