Silver Bullet Pest ControlStraight answers from Silver Bullet Pest Control, a licensed exterminator based in Garfield, NJ, serving Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties. Call or text 973-510-2585. Hablamos español.
Featured on Telemundo 47 • EPA Pesticide Safety Certified • 4.9 Stars on Google • NJ License 90568B
Text a photo of what you're seeing and we'll tell you what it is and what to do.
Squirrels chew into houses most often at the soffit corners and roof returns, where the fascia, soffit and roof meet. Signs include rounded chew holes, torn vinyl or aluminum soffit, gnawed wood and squirrels going in and out. The fix is to get the squirrels out with a one-way door, replace rotted wood, and cover the weak spots with heavy-duty metal so they can't chew back. Call 973-510-2585.
The roof edge is where a house is weakest. Soffits are often thin vinyl or aluminum panels, fascia boards can be rotted from leaking gutters, and the inside corner where two roof lines meet (the roof return) often has a gap from the start. Squirrels can feel air coming out of the attic and chew to widen any opening. Once inside, they find a warm, dry attic with insulation to nest in.
The three situations behind most of these calls in North Jersey:
We get squirrels out with one-way doors and seal the roofline so they can't chew back in. Exclusion, not relocation.
Raccoons tear their way in and do real damage. We remove them from the house and close the opening with heavy-duty materials.
Ground animals cause foundation and yard problems. We find where they live and block access so they move on.
| Problem | Repair | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Chewed hole in vinyl soffit | Replace panel and back it with metal mesh | Vinyl alone gets chewed again |
| Rotted fascia board | Replace the wood, then wrap or seal | Squirrels go for soft wood |
| Gap at roof return | Custom metal flashing or heavy mesh | The most common entry point |
| Torn gable vent | Heavy-gauge vent guard | Louvers bend easily |
| Gaps along the drip edge | Seal with metal and sealant | Squirrels squeeze in under shingles |
Patching a hole while a squirrel is inside traps it, and it will chew a new hole, sometimes into the living space. We first install a one-way door so the squirrels leave, confirm the attic is empty, and only then repair and seal. In late winter and summer, we check for babies before any of this. See squirrel proofing for the full process.
Leaking gutters are often why the fascia rotted in the first place. Fixing them, and adding sturdy gutter guards, keeps the new wood from going soft again.
Keep tree limbs about 6 to 8 feet from the roof so squirrels can't jump on.
Use cans with tight lids and bungee cords. Raccoons learn trash night fast.
A sturdy chimney cap keeps out raccoons, squirrels and birds.
Look for chewed soffit corners, loose vents and gaps at roof returns each spring and fall.
Tell us what you're seeing and where. A photo often lets us identify the pest right away. We answer 24/7 for emergencies.
A licensed tech finds the source: where the pest lives, how it gets in and what draws it.
We use the right method for the pest, placed where it works and kept away from kids and pets.
We close entry points and tell you what to change so the problem doesn't come back.
Call or text 973-510-2585 for the fastest answer, or tell us what's going on and we'll get back to you quickly.
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Yes, easily. Vinyl soffit should be backed with metal mesh in spots squirrels target.
Most often at soffit corners and roof returns, gable vents and gaps around the chimney.
That depends on your policy; many exclude damage from rodents and wildlife. Check with your insurer.
Only after you're certain no squirrels are inside. Otherwise use a one-way door first.
Heavy-gauge metal: galvanized mesh, metal flashing or purpose-made guards.
Usually from overflowing or leaking gutters. Soft wood makes it easier for squirrels to chew in.
We seal entry points with heavy-duty materials as part of squirrel exclusion. Ask about repairs when you call.
Not when it's done right. We use one-way doors and check for babies first so nothing is sealed in.
They chew wiring, tear insulation and leave droppings and urine. Raccoons can carry rabies and roundworm, so their droppings need careful cleanup.
Yes. Squirrels gnaw constantly, and chewed wiring in an attic is a real fire risk, which is one reason to act quickly.
It depends on how many entry points there are, the roof height and whether repairs are needed. Estimates are free: call or text 973-510-2585.
Call or text a photo of the damage to 973-510-2585.
Based in Garfield, we serve these towns and the rest of Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.
Updated November 2026 by the Silver Bullet Pest Control team, Garfield, NJ • NJ License 90568B
