squirrel removal service

WHY CONTROL SQUIRRELS?

If you’re hearing scratching, thumping, or fast running sounds in your attic during the day, squirrels have likely already moved in. As temperatures drop, they search for warm, quiet spaces to nest and store food — and attics offer the perfect shelter.

Squirrels chew vents, wiring, and wood, tear insulation, and leave droppings with a sharp musky odor.

The longer they stay, the more damage they cause. Our squirrel removal team identifies their entry points, removes them safely, and seals your home to prevent them from returning.

1. Prevent Health Risks

Squirrel droppings, urine, and nesting materials can introduce bacteria, odor, and airborne contaminants into your home. Addressing the issue early helps protect indoor air quality and reduces the chance of contamination spreading into living spaces.

2. Reduce Fire Hazards and Structural Damage

Squirrels chew constantly, and electrical wires, roof decking, and fascia boards are often the first things they damage. This kind of activity can create fire risks and compromise your home’s structure if not handled quickly.

3. Stop Household Disruptions Before They Escalate

Daytime scratching and thumping are signs of active nesting. Left alone, squirrels expand nests, store more food, and cause greater destruction. Early removal prevents larger messes and keeps attic repairs manageable.

As colder weather settles in across Des Moines and surrounding Iowa communities, squirrel activity inside homes increases significantly.

If you’re starting to hear movement overhead, don’t wait — Schedule Service today to stop the damage before it spreads.

SQUIRREL REMOVAL SERVICES

At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest, we don’t just chase squirrels out — we make sure they stay out. Our approach uses humane, proven techniques that protect your home, your health, and local wildlife.

  • Humane Exclusion Techniques:

    We never use poisons or harsh traps. Instead, our team installs one-way doors and performs hands-on removal to guide squirrels safely out of attics and soffits, then seals the gaps they used to enter. It’s fast, effective, and cruelty-free.

  • Detailed Infestation Analysis:

    Every service begins with a full attic and exterior inspection. We check for chew marks, droppings, nesting debris, and insulation damage to pinpoint exactly where squirrels are entering. This ensures your removal plan is based on real evidence, not guesswork.

  • Long-Term Deterrence Plans:

    After removal, we secure vulnerable spots with metal flashing, screening, and sealants that hold up through Iowa’s cold winters. We also share prevention tips like trimming tree branches, securing roof vents, and keeping food sources sealed to reduce future attraction.

  • Safety-Focused Practices

    Your safety — and the animal’s welfare — always come first. Our process follows all Iowa wildlife regulations and includes sanitizing affected areas and removing waste to restore a clean living environment.

  • Customized Control Methods:

    Every property is unique. Whether your home has steep rooflines, open soffits, or nearby tree coverage, we build a removal plan around your structure. You’ll know exactly what’s being done, why it matters, and how it keeps squirrels from returning.

OUR SQUIRREL REMOVAL PROCESS

Evaluation

We start with a full inspection inside and out — attics, soffits, vents, and rooflines. This helps us spot chew marks, entry holes, nesting spots, and droppings so we know exactly what’s happening and how many squirrels we’re dealing with.

Intervention

Next, we use humane, hands-on removal methods like one-way doors and exclusion traps. Once the squirrels are out, we seal every opening with durable materials that withstand weather and chewing, keeping your home secure.

Proactive Measures

After removal, we show you what to watch for and how to prevent squirrels from coming back — trimming branches near the roof, screening vents, and inspecting attic vents seasonally.

At Bobcat Wildlife & Pest, we don’t just remove squirrels; we help you maintain a quiet, clean, and protected home long after the work is complete.

NOT A SQUIRREL INFESTATION?

Sometimes the noises or damage around your home aren’t caused by squirrels at all. Other animals—or even insects—can make similar sounds in attics or walls. Whatever the issue, Bobcat Wildlife & Pest can identify it quickly and provide the right solution.

  • Other Wildlife Problems

    Raccoons, bats, birds, and opossums often create the same scratching or thumping noises as squirrels. Our team removes each species humanely, seals entry points, and handles cleanup to restore safety and comfort.

  • Insect Control

    If you’re seeing droppings, debris, or light scratching but no animals, the problem may be insects. We offer pest control for ants, spiders, and other nuisance bugs, along with prevention plans to keep them from returning.

  • Rodent Removal

    Mice and rats are especially active in Iowa homes as temperatures drop in fall and winter. We locate nests, seal small gaps, and remove infestations to protect your home from damage and contamination.

Not sure what’s causing the problem? Schedule Service and our experts will inspect, identify, and resolve it—whether it’s squirrels or something else.

HOW TO SPOT SQUIRREL ACTIVITY

squirrel on a gutter in Altoona

Squirrels can move quietly at first, so the warning signs often show up before you ever see them. Catching the problem early makes removal easier and helps prevent costly attic damage—especially during fall and winter, when squirrels are most active in Iowa homes. Keep an eye and ear out for these common clues:

1. Daytime Scratching or Thumping

Unlike rats or mice, squirrels are active during daylight hours. If you hear scurrying, rolling, or scratching in the attic or walls after sunrise, they’re likely nesting or hiding food for winter.

2. Chewed Openings and Gnaw Marks

Squirrels can bite through wood, vents, shingles, and even soft metal. Look for fresh chew marks or small holes around rooflines, soffits, and attic vents, as well as damage to wiring or insulation inside.

3. Nesting Materials and Droppings

Squirrels build messy nests from leaves, insulation, and twigs, often tucked in attic corners or near eaves. You might also notice small, barrel-shaped droppings or a musky odor near their entry points.

MAIN ISSUES

  • Damage of Property

  • Noise

  • Food Debris

Frequently Asked Questions

Many pest companies treat squirrels like any other rodent — but we focus on humane, exclusion-based removal.

Our technicians have removed hundreds of attic infestations across Iowa, using live one-way doors and permanent sealing materials that withstand gnawing and harsh winters.

We never use poisons, and every job includes inspection, cleanup, and prevention. That means you get lasting protection, not a temporary fix.

If you’re hearing activity overhead, Schedule Service and we’ll start with a same-week inspection.

Timing matters. The longer squirrels stay, the more damage they cause. We typically schedule inspections within 1–2 business days — often sooner during active seasons like fall.

Our technicians prioritize homes with signs of recent nesting, scratching, or roof damage. Fast response keeps repair costs lower and avoids electrical or insulation issues from worsening.

If you call before noon, we can often confirm a same-day visit window.

We use humane exclusion — guiding squirrels out instead of trapping them inside. One-way doors allow safe exit without re-entry, and any remaining animals are removed using live-catch traps.

Once they’re gone, we seal entry points with steel mesh and weather-grade materials. This approach keeps your attic quiet, safe, and compliant with Iowa’s wildlife regulations.

We’ll walk you through the process before starting so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes — completely. We never use poisons, harsh chemicals, or snap traps. Our tools and techniques focus on physical removal and exclusion.

After the squirrels are out, we sanitize nesting areas using non-toxic products safe for both families and pets. You can stay home during service without worry.

Safety is part of our promise — it’s how we’ve earned repeat clients across the Des Moines area.

Squirrels are persistent, so prevention is key. Trim branches near the roof, secure attic vents, and repair damaged fascia or flashing.

After removal, we can install long-term barriers — like chew-resistant mesh and vent screens — that blend with your home’s exterior. We also provide seasonal checkups if you’d like ongoing protection through winter.

Ask your technician about our annual exclusion maintenance plan.

As the weather cools, squirrels search for warm, dry places to spend the season. Attics, soffits, and roof gaps provide the shelter and safety they need. Once inside, they begin nesting and storing food.

That’s why squirrel calls increase sharply during Iowa’s fall months. Acting early prevents larger infestations and helps avoid damage before winter sets in.

Squirrels are active during the day, not at night. If you hear scratching, rolling, or scurrying sounds in your attic early in the morning or late afternoon, squirrels are the likely cause.

They rest at night, which helps tell them apart from mice or rats that are active after dark. Hearing consistent daytime noise means it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.

Yes. Squirrels chew constantly to wear down their teeth, which can damage wood, insulation, and even wiring. This leads to potential electrical issues, insulation loss, and structural damage over time.

They also leave behind droppings and nesting materials that create odor and mess. Our humane removal and sealing process helps protect your home and restore attic safety.

Every situation is different, but most squirrel problems are resolved within a few days to a week, depending on the number of entry points and animals.

Our team begins with a full inspection, installs humane one-way exits, and seals openings once the squirrels are gone. We stay in contact until your home is fully secure and squirrel-free.

It’s unlikely. Once squirrels find a safe nesting spot like an attic, they rarely leave voluntarily. They often stay through the cold months and return year after year.

Professional removal ensures they’re guided out safely, and sealing entry points keeps them from coming back. Taking action early saves time, repairs, and frustration.

Avoid blocking holes or using traps yourself. Squirrels can become trapped inside and cause more damage trying to escape. Instead, schedule an inspection with Bobcat Wildlife & Pest.

Our specialists will track down where the noise is coming from, determine whether it’s squirrels, rodents, or another pest, and use safe, humane steps to remove the problem quickly and completely.

Yes. Once the squirrels are out, we can remove nesting debris, droppings, and damaged insulation.

Cleaning and sanitizing affected areas helps prevent odors and secondary pest issues.

This ensures your attic is restored to a clean, healthy state after exclusion work is completed.

The cost depends on the size of the infestation, how many entry points there are, and the condition of the area.

During inspection, we’ll provide a clear explanation of what’s needed to solve the problem. You’ll always know the work involved before we begin.

Yes. Every squirrel removal includes identifying and sealing the access points they used to get inside.

We also offer recommendations for long-term prevention, such as trimming branches away from the roof and checking vents or gaps seasonally. The goal is lasting protection — not a temporary fix.

Bobcat Wildlife & Pest handles a wide range of animal and pest problems beyond squirrels. That includes raccoons, skunks, opossums, birds, and common insect or rodent issues.

All services follow the same humane and safety-focused standards we use in our squirrel work. Schedule Service if you’re not sure what’s causing the problem — we’ll inspect and identify it for you.

Why Choose Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Control

Proven Expertise

Our team’s accumulated experience in pest management equips us to deliver dependable solutions tailored to resolve your distinct challenges effectively.

Tailored Treatments

Understanding that no two pest issues are alike, we adapt our strategies to align with your particular situation, aiming for precise and successful outcomes.

Commitment to Quality

Quality is more than a standard for us; it’s a pledge. We use top-of-the-line products and cutting-edge techniques to deliver unparalleled results you can trust.

Exceptional Customer Care

Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal. From your initial inquiry to the final treatment, we’re committed to making your experience seamless and satisfactory.

Take Care Of Your Pest Problem Today

We service the entire Des Moines, IA metro area. Contact us today for the safe and efficient removal of your pest problem.

Service Pages Form
Cortney Dierks

Thank you so much! We debated calling for a long time. When I finally did Blake came the very next day and trapped the squirrel who was the culprit of the damage. He fixed the damage too! We are so happy we finally called, wish we would have done it sooner! Thanks Blake!

Cortney Dierks, Des Moines, Iowa
Knowledgeable, careful, and insightful-
I had the opportunity to meet with Nicole Spaulding from Bobcat Wildlife and Pest Management to learn more of what she does and to ask questions about their industry, fearing it affected my own (outdoor aquatic stock growth).
She took the time to share with me the ins-and-outs of her industry, genuinely caring for my concerns, resolving them completely in the end.
Grant Sodders, Des Moines, Iowa
Sophia O'Brien
Nate with Bobcat Pest was great to work with! I called in about a birds nest removal. He gave the roof a full inspection, cleaned out the nest/dead birds, and returned a week later to patch the hole. Very professional service.
Sophia O'Brien, Des Moines, Iowa
Jayson Jones

Highly recommend using this company for any pest control needs and or wildlife issues.

Jayson Jones, Des Moines, Iowa
Alison Kanne
Bobcat Wildlife & Pest Management came to my house to deal with a serious bat problem. I have had no issues with bats since they came, and the guy who did the work on my house was thorough and took obvious pride in his work. They are knowledgeable and thorough and don’t take the easy way out. It was clear that they really cared about solving my bat issue and I highly recommend them to anyone with a bat problem.
Alison Kanne, Des Moines, Iowa
Kayla Lynch Engebrecht

Highly recommend this group!!! Within 24 hours of my “something stinks” panic call, one of the techs, Ronnie, was at our place taking care of the animals that found their final resting place in our vents… and patched it up so we wouldn’t have this happen again. On time, efficient, and very knowledgeable!!

Kayla Lynch Engebrecht, Des Moines, Iowa
Scott Crook

What a great experience Ronnie Hayes came to our place he came to our place assessed that we had a few raccoons in our attic. He even put a trap on the roof and for them out the same day then the relocated them. For a very responsible place.

Scott Crook, Des Moines, Iowa
Molly Roffman Wosmansky

They do an amazing job with our pest control and keeping all the mosquitos at bay. I really appreciate how caring & respective Gene is towards these animals and rodents…

Molly Roffman Wosmansky, Des Moines, Iowa
Margaret Branwen Dewey
Jared was super helpful, set up traps, and we are looking forward to a raccoon free attic.
Margaret Branwen Dewey, Des Moines, Iowa