Westchester County · Somers, NY
Professional Squirrel Removal in Somers, NY
Licensed & insured. Same-day service available. Serving all of Westchester County.
Somers' semi-rural landscape of 1970s through 1990s ranch and split-level homes surrounded by farmland and open space gives eastern gray squirrels direct access corridors to residential rooflines across the community. Properties near Somers Town Park and surrounding woodland see squirrels traveling along mature tree branches onto aging wood soffits and gable vents, gnawing through deteriorated trim to create attic entry holes quickly. Split-level homes with multiple roofline angles and joint connections are especially vulnerable, as each junction presents a potential weak point that squirrels exploit with persistent chewing. Once inside, squirrels gnaw on electrical wiring hidden above ceilings, creating the leading cause of residential attic fires. BluesWay's DEC-licensed wildlife operators handle squirrel intrusions across Somers using humane one-way exclusion devices at every active entry point, then permanently seal all openings with heavy-gauge metal flashing designed to withstand relentless squirrel gnawing.
Why Somers Homes Need Squirrel Removal
Somers consists mainly of 1970s-1990s suburban ranch and split-level homes on modest properties with wood frame construction and basements, where the semi-rural setting creates exposure to wildlife and moisture pests.
Local Risk Factors
- •Semi-rural location with surrounding farmland and open space maintains strong rodent populations and provides direct access corridors for wildlife entering homes
- •Aging basements in 1970s-1990s construction are susceptible to moisture intrusion and foundation cracks that attract termites and carpenter ants
- •Variable terrain and seasonal water movement create drainage challenges and foundation moisture issues on many properties
Gray squirrels have two breeding seasons: late winter (January–February) and summer (June–July), with attic invasions peaking 4–6 weeks later as females seek nesting sites. Flying squirrel activity is year-round but most noticed in fall/winter when homeowners hear nocturnal sounds. Mature tree canopy throughout Westchester provides continuous squirrel pressure on homes.
Warning Signs of Squirrels
Daytime scratching and rapid scurrying overhead in a Somers ranch or split-level typically indicates gray squirrels nesting in the attic space. These sounds peak during early morning and late afternoon when squirrels actively travel between their indoor nest and surrounding farmland and woodland areas for daily foraging.
Chewed openings roughly two to three inches in diameter at soffit corners, gable vents, or roofline joints on Somers homes reveal active squirrel entry. The community's semi-rural setting with surrounding open space and woodland corridors gives gray squirrels direct tree-to-roof pathways to reach these vulnerable roofline features.
Small dark pellet-shaped droppings found across attic insulation or near rafter junctions in Somers properties confirm ongoing squirrel activity. In the lower attic spaces common to ranch-style homes, droppings accumulate closer to living areas and contamination of insulation spreads rapidly once a nest is established.
Gnaw marks scoring electrical wiring, PVC plumbing, or wooden framing inside the attic of a Somers home signal active squirrel damage creating fire risk. Persistent chewing strips insulation from wires, creating exposed conductors that are the leading cause of attic fires in homes with aging electrical systems.
Nesting debris including shredded insulation, bark strips, and leaf fragments packed between rafters or in attic corners of Somers homes confirms established squirrel denning. Properties bordering farmland and open space see this frequently as squirrels carry natural materials from surrounding trees into their attic nesting sites.
How BluesWay Handles Squirrels in Somers
BluesWay provides complete squirrel removal using humane one-way exclusion devices installed at active entry points, allowing squirrels to exit naturally while preventing reentry. For flying squirrel colonies — which can number 10–20 animals sharing a single attic — we use the same exclusion approach with additional entry-point identification to ensure the entire colony exits before final sealing. Once exclusion is confirmed, all entry points are permanently sealed with heavy-gauge metal flashing and hardware cloth that resists persistent gnawing. The full service is performed in-house: humane exclusion, structural sealing of soffits, fascia, and dormers, plus attic insulation replacement when nesting has contaminated or compressed existing insulation. One company from start to finish.
Protecting Your Somers Home from Squirrels
Housing Types Most at Risk
- ⚠Ranch-style homes from the 1970s and 1980s throughout Somers feature low-profile rooflines with aging wood soffits and original fascia boards that gray squirrels gnaw through to reach attic areas. Single-story construction means tree branches extending over these lower rooflines provide direct overhead access from surrounding woodland corridors. Entry holes as small as one and a half inches at soffit-fascia junctions allow access, and once inside squirrels chew on electrical wiring creating serious fire conditions in homes with original wiring.
- ⚠Split-level homes common in Somers present multiple roofline angles and roof-to-wall joints that create natural gaps where different structural sections connect. Gray squirrels target these junction points, gnawing through wood trim and foam sealants to enter attic spaces at multiple levels. The varied roofline heights mean branches from surrounding trees can reach different parts of the structure, providing squirrels with multiple overhead approach routes that complicate exclusion without professional full-perimeter metal sealing.
- ⚠Older homes bordering Somers' farmland and open space face persistent squirrel pressure from surrounding habitat supporting large gray squirrel populations year-round. Flying squirrels, nocturnal and colonial, may also establish attic colonies of ten to twenty animals in these semi-rural properties, entering through small gaps at utility penetrations and roof vent edges as small as one and a half inches. Aging infrastructure including sheds near these homes attracts squirrels close to the dwelling before they exploit roofline vulnerabilities.
Prevention Tips
- ✓Trim all tree branches to maintain minimum 8-foot clearance from roof, gutters, and utility lines
- ✓Replace deteriorated wood soffits and fascia with metal-wrapped or composite materials
- ✓Install heavy-gauge (16-gauge minimum) galvanized hardware cloth over all attic vents, gable vents, and roof vents — standard aluminum screening will not stop squirrels
- ✓Seal gaps around roofline utility penetrations with metal flashing, not expanding foam (squirrels chew through foam easily)
- ✓Inspect roofline annually — especially dormer joints, fascia/soffit intersections, and ridge vents — for early signs of gnawing
- ✓Do not feed squirrels or place bird feeders near the house — this habituates them to the structure
Why Professional Squirrel Removal Matters
Squirrels are persistent gnawers with teeth that grow continuously — they will re-chew sealed openings made with wood, foam, or thin materials within days. Effective exclusion requires one-way devices correctly positioned at active entry points (placing them at inactive holes simply locks squirrels inside). Flying squirrel colonies of 10–20 animals require careful timing to ensure all animals exit before final sealing. The most serious risk from squirrel infestations is electrical fire: squirrels gnaw on wiring insulation, and damaged attic wiring is difficult to detect without professional inspection. BluesWay handles the complete process in-house — humane exclusion, gnaw-proof structural sealing, and attic insulation restoration — identifying all entry points rather than just the obvious one, and verifying the attic is fully clear before permanent closure.
Health & Safety Risks
- •Electrical fire hazard — squirrels gnaw on wiring insulation in attics and wall voids; this is the most serious risk and a leading cause of residential attic fires
- •Structural damage — gnawing on wood framing, rafters, and fascia weakens structural elements over time
- •Insulation damage — nesting compresses and contaminates insulation, reducing energy efficiency and creating odor
- •Leptospirosis — squirrel urine can carry Leptospira bacteria, though transmission to humans is uncommon
- •Ectoparasites — squirrels carry fleas, ticks, and mites that can migrate into living spaces after the animals are removed if nesting material is not cleaned up
- •Noise and sleep disruption — gray squirrels are active from dawn; flying squirrel colonies create persistent nighttime noise
Frequently Asked Questions
How does BluesWay handle squirrels in Somers?
BluesWay's DEC-licensed wildlife operators inspect your Somers property to locate every squirrel entry point along rooflines, soffits, gable vents, and utility penetrations. Humane one-way exclusion devices are installed at active openings so squirrels exit naturally but cannot return. Once all squirrels have departed, every entry point is permanently sealed with heavy-gauge metal flashing and hardware cloth. Metal is essential because squirrels gnaw through wood, foam, and thin materials within days. If attic insulation has been contaminated or compressed by nesting, we handle full insulation replacement. One company from inspection through final sealing.
Why are split-level homes in Somers vulnerable to squirrels?
Split-level homes feature multiple roofline angles and roof-to-wall joints where different structural sections connect. These junctions create natural gaps that gray squirrels exploit through persistent gnawing on wood trim and foam sealants. The varied roofline heights mean tree branches from Somers' surrounding woodland can reach different parts of the structure, providing multiple overhead approach routes. Professional full-perimeter inspection and permanent metal sealing at every joint is essential to prevent squirrels from finding alternative entry points after partial repairs.
Are squirrels in my Somers attic a fire hazard?
Yes. Squirrels gnaw compulsively on electrical wiring inside attics, stripping away protective insulation and exposing bare conductors. This is the leading cause of residential attic fires. In Somers' older ranch and split-level homes with original wiring and aging electrical systems, the risk is particularly serious because deteriorated wire insulation is easier for squirrels to chew through. Prompt professional exclusion is essential to prevent wiring damage from creating a dangerous fire condition before it is discovered.
When should I watch for squirrel activity in my Somers home?
Eastern gray squirrels have two breeding seasons, late winter in January through February and summer in June through July. Attic invasions peak four to six weeks after each breeding period when females seek secure nesting sites. Somers homeowners should listen for daytime scratching and scurrying in early spring and late summer. Flying squirrels are active year-round and most noticed in fall and winter when their nighttime sounds become apparent. The community's semi-rural setting with surrounding woodland maintains continuous squirrel populations.
Keep Your Westchester Home Pest-Free
Your family deserves a home without pests. Get a free estimate from your local experts — family-friendly treatments, honest pricing, and we stand behind our work.