Squirrel intrusion into attic spaces is among the most common wildlife management calls in Missouri, and among the most frequently mismanaged. Trapping and relocating the animals you catch without identifying and sealing all entry points produces a revolving door — new animals colonize the accessible attic space within days to weeks of removal.
Missouri's Three Attic Squirrel Species
Missouri's largest squirrel — the big reddish-orange or gray-and-tan species common in suburban yards. Enters attics through gable vents, roof-fascia gaps, and damaged soffits. Active during daylight; noise is heard in the morning and late afternoon. Causes significant insulation damage and creates fire risk from gnawing on electrical wiring.
Smaller and more urban-adapted than fox squirrels. Exploits smaller entry points and is particularly agile at navigating roof edges and downspout routes to access roof penetrations. Also diurnal — noise heard during daylight hours. Often coexists with fox squirrels in suburban areas.
Missouri's most overlooked attic pest. Small (3–4 inches body), strictly nocturnal, and colonial — flying squirrels typically enter in groups of 6–20 or more. Homeowners hear scratching and rolling sounds after dark and often assume rats. Flying squirrels enter through much smaller gaps than tree squirrels and require finer mesh for exclusion. Common in wooded suburban and rural properties throughout the state.
The Exclusion Approach
One-way exclusion devices — tube or flap mechanisms that allow animals inside to exit but prevent re-entry — are the professional standard for squirrel management. All secondary entry points are sealed first with appropriate materials (hardware cloth, metal flashing), leaving only the primary entry point with the exclusion device. After 3–5 days with no re-entry sounds, the device is removed and the final entry point sealed. D&D Pest Control handles squirrel removal and structural exclusion for Franklin County and rural Missouri — visit ddpestcontrolmo.com.