Squirrel Species You'll Meet in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has four main tree squirrel species: eastern gray, red, northern flying, and southern flying. The eastern gray is the most common and the one most often found in attics. They are active during the day and can cause substantial damage if they get inside. Red squirrels are smaller and more aggressive, often entering homes in search of food. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and social, and a single attic may host a dozen or more. They are often mistaken for mice because of their size, but their gliding ability and tail shape are distinctive. Naming the species first saves you money, because each one answers to a different eviction method. Cage traps set on the roof work well on grays. Flying squirrels come out in numbers after dark, so one-way doors on the main hole usually clear a colony faster. Reds will gnaw fresh wood and new mesh, so repairs after a red squirrel need metal, not caulk.
A Month-by-Month Timeline for Squirrel Activity
In New Hampshire, squirrel activity peaks in late winter and mid-summer when litters are born. Gray squirrels breed in mid-December or early January, with births about 44 days later, so you may hear babies in February. A second litter is born in June, and you might hear them in July. During these times, mothers are protective and removal must be done carefully to avoid separating them from their young. Across the 12 cities in our New Hampshire data, summer highs sit near 82F, warm enough that mid-summer litters grow fast and leave the nest before Labor Day. In the fall, squirrels are busy gathering food and may cause damage to bird feeders and gardens. They also look for warm places to spend the winter, so October and November are prime times for attic invasions. If you seal entry points in the fall, you can prevent winter guests. Walking the roofline twice a year, once after mud season and once before the first hard frost, catches the small gaps while they are still small.
What the First Visit from a Professional Looks Like
When you call a professional squirrel control company in New Hampshire, the first step is a thorough inspection. Expect someone on a ladder working the whole perimeter: drip edge, fascia returns, soffit seams, gable and ridge vents, and the spots where a dormer meets the main roof. They'll also look inside your attic for signs of nesting, droppings, and damage. After identifying the entry points, they will discuss a removal plan with you. Typically, they will set up one-way doors or traps, depending on the situation. They may also recommend sealing other potential entry points to prevent future problems. The cost of the inspection may be rolled into the removal service or charged separately. Always ask about what is included in the quote and whether the inspection fee is applied to the treatment cost.
What Affects the Price in New Hampshire Homes
Several factors influence the cost of squirrel removal in New Hampshire. The number of squirrels and whether there are babies is a major factor. The accessibility of entry points also matters; a simple gap in a soffit may be cheaper to fix than a complex roofline issue. Damage found during the walkthrough is its own line item, and torn blown-in insulation over a New Hampshire attic floor costs more to replace than the removal itself. If cleanup and decontamination are needed, the price will rise. Your location within the state affects labor rates, with more urban areas like Manchester and Nashua possibly having higher costs. The age and construction of your home also play a role. Older homes may have more entry points and require more extensive exclusion work. To get a fair price, request quotes from at least three companies and compare what each includes.
Renters, Landlords, and Who Pays
If you rent a home in New Hampshire and discover squirrels, you should notify your landlord immediately. In most cases, the landlord is responsible for pest control and structural repairs, but you may be responsible for reporting the issue promptly. The lease should specify who handles wildlife problems, but generally, it is the landlord's duty to maintain a habitable property. Landlords should address squirrel issues quickly to prevent further damage and potential liability. Hiring a professional wildlife control service is often the best course. If you own a rental property, consider scheduling annual inspections to catch entry points before they become a problem. The cost of removal and repairs can be deducted as a business expense, so keep records.
Prevention for New Hampshire's Older Homes
Many homes in New Hampshire were built before 1980, and older homes often have gaps that squirrels can squeeze through. a squirrel can fit through an opening as small as one and a half inches, so even small cracks matter. Inspect your roofline, especially around fascia boards and soffits, for signs of wear. Replace rotted wood and seal gaps with metal flashing or wire mesh. Pay attention to areas where utility lines enter your home, as squirrels can use these as a pathway. Install chimney caps and cover vents with heavy-duty mesh. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof. By making your home less accessible, you can avoid the hassle and expense of an infestation.
When It's an Emergency: Squirrel in the Living Space
Occasionally, a squirrel may find its way into your living area, not just the attic. This can happen through an open door or chimney. If a squirrel is inside your home, it may panic and become aggressive. Do not attempt to handle it with bare hands. Open doors and windows to give it an escape route, and leave the room. Contact a professional if it does not leave on its own. This situation is more urgent because the squirrel could cause damage or injure pets. If the squirrel is in a wall or fireplace, do not light a fire. A professional can safely remove it. While rare, these emergencies require immediate attention to prevent harm.