How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Attic: A Comprehensive Guide

Hearing scratching and scurrying above your head in the dead of night? You’re not alone. Squirrels nesting in attics are a surprisingly common problem for homeowners. These furry freeloaders can cause significant damage, gnawing on electrical wiring (a fire hazard!), tearing up insulation, and leaving behind droppings that pose health risks. Ignoring the problem won’t make them go away; in fact, it will likely lead to a bigger (and more expensive) infestation.

Beyond the immediate damage, a squirrel family taking up residence can depreciate the value of your home and create a persistent nuisance. The longer they stay, the harder they are to evict, and the more likely they are to return in the future. Knowing how to safely and effectively get rid of squirrels in your attic is crucial for protecting your property and ensuring a peaceful living environment.

What are the most frequently asked questions about squirrel removal?

How do I humanely get squirrels out of your attic?

The most effective and humane method is a one-way exclusion door, installed over the main entry point the squirrels are using to access your attic. This allows them to leave but prevents them from getting back inside. Before installing, thoroughly inspect to ensure no baby squirrels are present. If babies are present, you must wait until they are old enough to leave with their mother before implementing the exclusion.

Before you install the one-way door, locate all potential entry points to your attic, including gaps around pipes, vents, and loose siding. Seal all of these entry points securely with sturdy materials like sheet metal, hardware cloth, or caulk. This ensures the squirrels won’t simply find another way in once the primary entry is blocked. If you don’t seal secondary entrances, you’ll likely just move the problem around. The exclusion door should be left in place for at least a few days (ideally a week) to ensure all the squirrels have left. Once you are certain the squirrels are gone, permanently seal the original entry point with the same robust materials used for the secondary openings. Consider placing deterrents outside the sealed entry point, such as motion-activated sprinklers or noise-making devices, for a short period to discourage the squirrels from trying to re-enter. After sealing, clean up any nesting materials and droppings inside the attic, wearing protective gear such as gloves and a mask. The area should then be disinfected to eliminate any lingering odors that could attract other animals.

What entry points should I seal after removing squirrels?

After successfully removing squirrels from your attic, it’s crucial to seal all potential entry points to prevent re-infestation. This includes any holes, cracks, or gaps in your roof, eaves, vents, chimneys, siding, and around pipes and wiring. Prioritize sealing any areas where you observed squirrel activity or found evidence of chewing.

Sealing these entry points effectively cuts off the squirrels’ access to your attic. Squirrels are persistent and can chew through a variety of materials, so choosing the right sealing materials is essential. Use heavy-duty hardware cloth (wire mesh), sheet metal, or expanding foam for larger gaps. For smaller cracks, use caulk that is paintable and durable. Ensure that any patches are securely fastened and extend beyond the opening to prevent squirrels from simply chewing around the edges. Don’t forget to inspect less obvious entry points. Check the seals around windows and doors, the area where your roof meets your siding (soffits), and any utility line entrances. Squirrels can exploit even the smallest weaknesses in your home’s exterior. A thorough inspection and sealing job will safeguard your attic and prevent future infestations. Remember to address any overhanging tree branches that could provide squirrels with easy access to your roof as well.

What sounds indicate squirrels versus other pests in the attic?

Distinguishing squirrel sounds from those of other attic pests relies on identifying the time of day they are most active and the type of noises they make. Squirrels are typically active during the day (diurnal), particularly at dawn and dusk, producing sounds like scurrying, scratching, thumping, and rolling noises as they move around and hoard nuts. Other pests, like mice and rats, are primarily nocturnal, so you’ll likely hear them scratching and scurrying mostly at night.

Squirrel sounds are often described as heavier and more erratic compared to the lighter, more consistent scratching of mice. Squirrels are larger and more agile, and their movements reflect this. They might be heard running along rafters or even gnawing on wood, while rodents tend to make more subtle scratching noises closer to the floor or within walls. Bird sounds would typically be fluttering and chirping, most often near entry points, whereas raccoons might produce heavy thumping and vocalizations, particularly during mating season. Consider the location of the sounds. Squirrels often use a few consistent entry and exit points, so you may hear more activity localized around these areas. They also tend to create nests of leaves, twigs, and insulation, contributing to rustling noises. Listening carefully to the sounds’ timing, intensity, and location will help to identify the culprit and allow you to implement the most effective removal strategy.

Are there natural repellents that effectively deter squirrels?

Yes, several natural repellents can help deter squirrels, although their effectiveness varies and often requires consistent application and a multi-pronged approach. Common options include capsaicin-based products (derived from chili peppers), peppermint oil, vinegar, and predator urine. These work by irritating the squirrels’ senses of smell and taste, encouraging them to seek more comfortable environments.

While natural repellents can be a useful component of squirrel control, it’s important to manage expectations. Squirrels are adaptable creatures, and if food sources are readily available or they’ve already established a nest in your attic, repellents alone may not be sufficient. Success often hinges on combining repellents with exclusion techniques like sealing entry points, trimming tree branches away from the roof, and removing attractants such as bird feeders and accessible garbage. For attic infestations, a humane approach is critical. Before sealing any entry points, confirm that all squirrels have left the attic. Trapping and relocating squirrels is another option but may be subject to local regulations, so consulting with a wildlife removal professional is advisable. They can also provide tailored advice on repellents that are most likely to work in your specific situation and ensure humane and effective removal.

How much does professional squirrel removal typically cost?

The cost of professional squirrel removal from an attic generally ranges from $300 to $800, but this can vary significantly depending on the severity of the infestation, the complexity of the removal process, the size of your home, and your geographic location. This price typically includes inspection, trapping and removal of the squirrels, and sealing entry points.

The quoted price is influenced by several factors. A larger infestation, requiring more traps and multiple visits, will naturally increase the cost. Difficult-to-access areas in the attic or roof will also drive up labor costs. Moreover, if significant damage has been caused by the squirrels (e.g., chewed wires, damaged insulation), repairs will add considerably to the overall expense. Some companies may offer a warranty on their work, guaranteeing that the squirrels will not return through the sealed entry points, which can also affect the price. It is crucial to obtain quotes from multiple pest control companies before making a decision. Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the services included in the price, such as the number of visits, the type of traps used, and the extent of the sealing and repair work. Also, check if the company is licensed and insured to ensure you’re working with qualified professionals who can handle the job safely and effectively. Neglecting professional removal and repairs can lead to further property damage and potential health hazards.

How can I prevent squirrels from returning to my attic next year?

Preventing squirrels from returning to your attic requires a multi-pronged approach focused on eliminating access points, removing attractants, and maintaining a deterrent presence. This involves sealing entry holes, trimming tree branches, removing food sources near your house, and potentially using squirrel deterrents.

Successfully keeping squirrels out long-term demands thoroughness and vigilance. Start with a comprehensive inspection of your home’s exterior. Look for any holes, cracks, or gaps, no matter how small. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly tiny openings. Pay close attention to areas where different building materials meet, such as where the roof meets the walls, around pipes and vents, and near the foundation. Seal all potential entry points with durable materials like galvanized steel mesh, hardware cloth, or caulk. Regularly inspect these repairs, as squirrels are persistent and may try to gnaw through them over time. Beyond sealing entry points, eliminate factors that attract squirrels to your property. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof, as these act as natural bridges. Securely cover garbage cans and remove any fallen fruit or nuts from your yard. Bird feeders can also be a significant draw, so consider removing them during peak squirrel activity seasons or using squirrel-resistant feeders. Finally, consider deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, or natural repellents like peppermint oil or predator urine (available at some garden centers). Consistency is key; regular application of these deterrents reinforces the message that your property is not a safe or desirable habitat.

What diseases can squirrels in the attic potentially spread?

Squirrels in the attic can potentially spread several diseases to humans, either directly through bites or scratches, or indirectly through their droppings, urine, and the parasites they carry. These diseases include salmonellosis, leptospirosis, tularemia, and rabies (though rare), as well as parasites like ticks, fleas, mites, and roundworms, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, plague, and typhus.

Squirrels, being wild animals, are hosts to various pathogens. Salmonellosis and leptospirosis are bacterial infections spread through contact with contaminated food or water, often via squirrel droppings and urine in the attic. Tularemia, another bacterial disease, can be transmitted through bites from infected ticks and fleas that squirrels carry. While rabies is rare in squirrels, it’s still a possibility to consider, especially if a squirrel behaves aggressively or appears disoriented. Beyond direct diseases, squirrels can introduce a range of ectoparasites into your home. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other diseases. Fleas are known carriers of plague and typhus. Mites can cause skin irritation and transmit diseases as well. Additionally, roundworms, found in squirrel feces, can pose a risk to humans, particularly children, if ingested. Because of these risks, professional removal and thorough cleaning of the attic are essential after a squirrel infestation.

Well, there you have it! Getting rid of squirrels in the attic can be a bit of a challenge, but hopefully, these tips will set you on the right path to a squirrel-free home. Thanks for reading, and good luck! We hope you’ll come back and visit us again for more helpful advice and solutions around the house.