If you’ve discovered some furry intruders in your home, you may be wondering things like, “How do squirrels get into houses?” or “Why do raccoons come to my house?” At Skedaddle, we understand how frustrating these questions can be, which is why we specialize in identifying and addressing these issues. 

While raccoons and squirrels can both wreak havoc indoors, their entry points are often quite distinct. Understanding these differences will help explain how these animals make their way into your space and why professional inspections and solutions are essential. Below, our team of experts will walk you through the unique ways these animals gain access and what makes Skedaddle the trusted choice for wildlife control in Toronto.

Squirrel Entry Points Explained

Squirrels are determined climbers, and their agility plays a significant role in how they break into homes. These persistent animals often gain access to attics by leveraging tall structures on or around the home, including trees, rooflines, and utility lines. A favourite method is chewing through weak points like soffits, fascia boards, and vents. Their teeth are powerful enough to gnaw through wood, plastic, and even weaker metals, which means no structure is truly safe without proper reinforcements.

The small size of a squirrel works to its advantage, allowing it to squeeze through openings as small as two inches wide. Roof vents, gable vents, and chimney openings can often serve as welcoming access routes. Squirrels are also known to exploit gaps caused by wear and tear, such as cracks in roofing materials or poorly sealed eaves. Once inside, they typically target the attic, building nests in insulation while causing substantial damage, including chewed electrical wires and destroyed storage materials.

A surprising trait of squirrels is their constant need to chew in order to keep their teeth from growing too long. This behavioural trait leads them to gnaw on the materials around their entry points, worsening any damage they’ve already caused. Often, clients are astonished to see how much harm such small animals can inflict in a short period.  

During inspections, we carefully examine these high-risk areas. At Skedaddle, our experience with squirrel entry points allows us to spot even minor vulnerabilities in your home’s structure that might otherwise be overlooked. Dealing with squirrels quickly is essential, as their habit of reusing entry points can encourage repeat break-ins if not properly addressed.

Understanding Raccoon Entry Points

While squirrels rely on climbing and small openings, raccoons are a much larger and more forceful adversary. Known for their incredible dexterity and strength, raccoons are problem solvers capable of prying open or tearing apart anything they see as a potential entrance. Their larger size means they need wider openings—typically around four inches in diameter or larger—but their superior strength also allows them to create entry points where none existed before.

One common way raccoons enter homes is by tearing through roof shingles or removing soffit panels. Chimneys are another frequent point of access, as they mimic natural hollow spaces where raccoons often make their dens in the wild. Garage doors, pet doors, and even unsecured windows are additional targets. Because raccoons often visit homes looking for food or shelter, these areas can look particularly tempting if they’re poorly secured.

One telltale sign of a raccoon entry is the level of destructive force used. Scratches around the opening, bent metal vents, or even entire pieces of wood pulled away are strong indicators of their presence. Once inside, raccoons tend to make themselves at home in attics or crawl spaces. Their larger size and sharper claws mean that they damage insulation, ductwork, and stored belongings even more extensively than squirrels.

When inspecting homes, Skedaddle experts keep a close eye out for the signs that raccoons have been at work. By focusing on the traits that distinguish these animals’ handiwork from that of smaller intruders, we’re able to provide targeted recommendations to seal the space and prevent future reentry.  

Can Raccoons and Squirrels Live Together?

Many homeowners ask, “Can raccoons and squirrels live together?” When it comes to entry points, the answer is no—but only because they have very different needs. Raccoons would find the smaller openings favoured by squirrels too restrictive, while squirrels would avoid spaces too exposed to predators or large rivals. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t occupy the same home under different circumstances.

It is common for squirrels to nest in an attic, while raccoons live in a crawl space. Similarly, if an attic or chimney is large enough, raccoons may force squirrels to vacate an area altogether. This complex relationship means that homes with multiple vulnerable entry points may inadvertently host both at the same time. Understanding these dynamics is part of the detailed inspection process I carry out with each client.

How Skedaddle Protects Your Home in Toronto 

What truly makes Skedaddle the best choice for wildlife removal and prevention is our thorough approach to inspections and follow-up services. Unlike general pest control services, we specialize in non-lethal and humane removal techniques tailored to your specific situation. Our team is trained to identify entry points specific to the behaviours of all kinds of local wildlife, ensuring nothing is missed.  

We don’t stop at removal. After the animals have left, we focus on sealing and securing entry points to make sure they can’t return. This includes repairing damaged areas, using durable materials that deter future gnawing or pulling, and reinforcing weak spots to stand up to even the most determined intruders.  

Our work doesn’t end when we leave your property. With a lifetime guarantee included on many of our entry-point repairs, you can trust that your home will remain secure for years to come. By focusing on long-term prevention instead of quick fixes, Skedaddle offers peace of mind to families who want to keep wildlife out of their homes for good.

Why Professional Help is Essential

While it may be tempting to address wildlife problems independently, navigating the specific challenges posed by different animals requires specialized expertise. The differences between squirrel and raccoon entry points, for example, highlight just how diverse these intrusions can be. Getting it wrong could mean incomplete repairs, additional home damage, or even safety risks when attempting to handle large and potentially aggressive animals.

With over 30 years of experience in humane wildlife control, we at Skedaddle have seen it all. This expertise allows us to craft tailored solutions for every homeowner, regardless of whether they’re dealing with squirrels, raccoons, or a combination of both. By choosing our services, you’re not just removing wildlife from your home—you’re ensuring a safer, more secure space for your family to enjoy.

Protect Your Space with Confidence

Keeping your home safe from squirrels and raccoons begins with understanding their unique entry points and addressing vulnerabilities before they become a problem. With Skedaddle’s expert inspections, comprehensive repairs, and long-lasting guarantees, you can confidently protect your space while minimizing potential damage.  

If you’ve noticed signs of animal entry or suspect your home may be at risk, don’t wait—reach out to Skedaddle today. With our help, you’ll enjoy a worry-free home where unwanted visitors don’t stand a chance. Call us to schedule your inspection in Toronto and start safeguarding your space now!