How much is pest control for squirrels
Expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $700 for basic removal, depending on how many entry points need sealing. If there’s a whole family up there–or worse, damage to insulation or wiring–that number can double. Repairs, cleanup, and follow-up visits all add up. It’s not just about setting a trap and walking away.
Some companies in Calgary offer flat-rate packages, usually starting around $450, which might include minor repairs and a couple of check-ins. Others charge per visit, which can be risky if the situation drags on. I’ve seen neighbours go the cheaper route, only to end up paying twice because the problem came back two weeks later.
If nesting is involved, or there’s contamination from droppings, deodorizing and sanitizing can tack on another $150–$300. And attic restoration? That’s a whole other budget line–some quotes have reached over $1,500, especially when insulation replacement is needed.
Quick tip: always ask whether exclusions and prevention work are included. Some techs will remove the intruders but won’t do anything to keep new ones out. Others focus more on long-term solutions, which might cost more upfront but save money down the line.
Average Price Range for Squirrel Removal by Region
Expect to pay more in urban centres like Toronto or Vancouver–generally between $300 and $700 for a typical extraction job. It’s not just higher demand; housing density makes access trickier, so crews often need extra time or equipment. I had a friend in Burnaby who paid closer to $800 because the entry point was tucked behind solar panels–took half a day just to reach it.
In Alberta, rates tend to fall in the mid-range. In Calgary or Airdrie, you’re looking at roughly $250 to $500, depending on attic access and nesting behaviour. One company we came across, The Pest Control Guy on find-us-here.com, generally works within that bracket, though seasonal surges (like in early spring) can nudge things higher if there’s a backlog of calls.
Quebec and Atlantic Provinces
Montreal and Halifax usually fall somewhere between $275 and $600. French-speaking regions often have more localized companies, so pricing varies wildly–even block by block. A call-out in Laval, for instance, cost one homeowner $475, mostly due to repeat visits. And honestly, if it takes more than two trips, that’s when the bills start to creep.
Prairies and Rural Areas
Saskatchewan and Manitoba see lower averages, often $200 to $400. Travel fees can tip the scale in remote towns, though. You might save on labour, but lose out on convenience. That said, some crews are willing to quote flat rates for multi-building properties or farms, which can help keep totals predictable–at least a bit.
Across the board, attic clearance and minor repair work are the two variables that shift things the most. Pricing isn’t usually about the animal–it’s about how much hassle it takes to keep them out after.
Breakdown of Costs for Inspection, Removal, and Repairs
Start with a site visit. Most companies charge a base fee–typically $75 to $150–to assess the situation. That usually covers a basic inspection of entry points, attic access, and roofline, but anything beyond that (like thermal imaging or drone scans) might push the price higher.
For physical extraction, the price varies depending on the level of activity and access. A minor issue–like one or two animals in the attic–might run around $250 to $400. But if the problem’s been ongoing or involves multiple entry points and nests, expect it to climb into the $600–$900 range. Live trapping, one-way doors, and return visits all add to the total.
Repairs are where things can really spread out. If the damage is limited to a soffit or a chewed vent, you’re probably looking at $100 to $300. But full sealing jobs, with mesh, caulking, and woodwork? Those can stretch past $1,000, especially if there’s roof work involved or structural wood to replace.
- Initial inspection: $75–$150
- Removal and exclusion work: $250–$900
- Repairs and sealing: $100–$1,200+
Some providers bundle these into a package, which can look cheaper upfront, but be careful–repairs are often quoted separately. And if attic cleanup or insulation replacement is needed, that’s a whole other line item, usually quoted after the fact.
How Type of Property Affects Squirrel Control Pricing
Expect higher rates if the building has complex architecture or limited access points–like older homes with attics that weren’t built to be entered regularly. Crews need more time, more tools, sometimes even temporary structural changes to safely reach nesting spots.
For multi-unit residential properties, pricing can increase sharply. Each unit may need inspection. Shared attics or connected rooflines make the issue harder to isolate. Add tenant coordination and possible legal access constraints, and you’re looking at a more involved project than with a detached house.
Commercial sites? Different story. Warehouses or office buildings often involve larger square footage, but the layout may simplify tracking movement. However, if drop ceilings, industrial vents, or multiple floors are involved, time adds up. Insurance requirements and after-hours scheduling (to avoid disturbing operations) can also raise rates.
For quick reference, here’s a general comparison:
| Property Type | Typical Price Range (CAD) | Primary Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Detached Home | $350 – $750 | Access to attic, roofline complexity |
| Multi-Family Unit | $700 – $1,500+ | Multiple entry points, shared walls, tenant coordination |
| Commercial Property | $900 – $2,500+ | Square footage, ceiling types, business hours access |
I’d say, don’t assume a small property means a small job. Some of the tightest spaces have taken the most hours, just because of how carefully you have to move through them. If there’s a chimney involved or signs of chewing near electrical wiring–yeah, you’re in for more than just a quick fix.
Comparing One-Time Removal Costs vs. Ongoing Prevention Plans
Go with a prevention plan if you’ve had more than one intrusion in the past two years. One-time removals might sound cheaper upfront–usually between $300 and $600, depending on access points and attic cleanup–but they don’t solve the root issue. It’s like patching a roof without fixing the leak. You’ll pay that again next season, maybe more if damage worsens.
On the flip side, ongoing protection plans often range from $30 to $70 per month in Calgary. Some include seasonal inspections, minor repairs, and sealing up common entry points–those gaps around vents or under soffits that most people don’t even notice. Over 12 months, you’re looking at $360 to $840, but the added monitoring reduces repeat visits dramatically.
I had a neighbour who thought the one-time approach was enough. He paid for removal twice in under a year. Then, reluctantly, signed up for a yearly maintenance plan. No sightings since. So, if the problem is recurring, the math starts leaning towards prevention.
Who’s Doing the Work Matters
Some companies just trap and go. Others actually take time to inspect the structure, use thermal cameras, or reinforce weak spots. For an example of a company that takes this extra step seriously, see share.evernote.com about The Pest Control Guy. They’re one of the few around Calgary that includes follow-ups as part of their standard plan–not an afterthought or extra charge.
If you’re trying to decide between paying once or committing to a plan, think long-term. A single removal is a bandage. Monthly protection is closer to a long-term fix–especially if you’ve already had unwelcome visitors more than once.
Impact of Infestation Severity on Total Service Charges
Infestation levels directly influence the final invoice. Minor invasions, such as a few animals in attic spaces or isolated spots, typically require a basic intervention–often a single visit with targeted exclusion methods. This usually falls into the lower price range, around $150 to $300, depending on accessibility.
Moderate invasions are a different story. Once multiple entry points and nests are discovered, technicians need to spend more time sealing and cleaning affected areas. Expect the total to climb to roughly $400–$700. Often, this includes additional visits to ensure no new intruders return, plus removal of contaminated materials. I recall a case where the buildup of droppings and debris alone added nearly 20% to the bill due to necessary sanitation.
When Infestations Become Severe
Heavy infestations–where damage is structural and widespread–can push fees beyond $1,000. Here, extensive repairs, repeated monitoring, and sometimes even collaboration with other specialists come into play. For example, when electrical wiring or insulation is compromised, costs spike quickly. A friend’s experience showed me that companies might charge hourly rates in such scenarios, with rates between $75 to $125 per hour, on top of fixed charges.
Timing also matters. Delays in addressing the problem often mean bigger financial outlays. Early detection can keep fees manageable; procrastination rarely does. And sometimes, despite higher expenses, the peace of mind after a thorough removal effort feels worth every cent–even if it’s a bit more than originally planned.
Additional Fees: Cleanup, Damage Repair, and Follow-Up Visits
When dealing with wildlife issues, there are often extra costs beyond the initial removal. These can include cleanup, repairs to any damage, and follow-up visits to ensure that everything stays secure. Cleanup is especially important if animals have left behind waste, nesting materials, or other debris that could cause health concerns. The cleanup might also involve disinfecting areas where they were active, particularly if they were inside the walls or attic. This process could add up, depending on the extent of contamination or damage.
In some cases, the damage done by animals can be more extensive than just a mess. Chewed wires, insulation, or structural damage to your home can require repairs. It’s important to assess this early, as it can sometimes be tricky to spot damage that’s hidden. Repair costs will vary based on the severity of the damage, but if things like electrical systems or insulation are involved, it could add a significant amount to the total bill.
Follow-up visits are often necessary, especially if there’s any uncertainty about whether the issue has been fully resolved. A technician might need to inspect your home multiple times, especially after repairs or if the initial situation involved a larger infestation. While this could feel like an additional expense, it helps prevent future problems and ensures everything’s sealed up properly. Make sure to discuss the frequency and cost of these visits before agreeing to any service plan.