How to Get Squirrels Out of Attic: A Comprehensive Guide

Hearing scratching and scampering above your head? You’re not alone. Squirrels, while adorable in the park, can become serious home invaders, turning attics into noisy nests. These resourceful rodents seek shelter from the elements and a safe haven to raise their young, often choosing the cozy confines of your attic as their ideal location.

Ignoring a squirrel infestation can lead to significant problems. They can chew through electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fire. Their droppings can create unpleasant odors and pose health hazards. Furthermore, their nesting habits can damage insulation and other building materials, leading to costly repairs. Taking action to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your attic is crucial to protect your home and family.

Wondering how to reclaim your attic and evict those unwanted tenants?

What’s the most humane way to get squirrels out of my attic?

The most humane way to get squirrels out of your attic involves a combination of exclusion and deterrent strategies, ensuring they leave on their own accord without being harmed or trapped inside. This primarily means identifying their entry points, installing a one-way exclusion device, and making the attic less appealing to them in the long run.

Effectively and humanely removing squirrels begins with a thorough inspection of your attic and roof to pinpoint all potential entry points. Squirrels are adept climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Once you’ve identified these spots, seal all but one or two of the main entry points. At the remaining openings, install one-way exclusion devices. These devices, often cage-like traps with a one-way door or flexible plastic tubing, allow the squirrels to exit but prevent them from re-entering. It’s crucial to choose a device specifically designed for exclusion and avoid trapping, as trapping and relocating squirrels can be inhumane and often illegal, as relocated squirrels often don’t survive in unfamiliar territories. Before sealing the final entry points after you’re sure all squirrels have left (observe for a few days), take steps to make your attic less attractive. Remove any food sources, like stored birdseed, and clean up any nesting materials the squirrels may have accumulated. Consider using scent deterrents like mothballs or commercially available squirrel repellent sprays (always following label instructions) near entry points. Addressing the conditions that initially attracted the squirrels is essential to prevent future infestations. It’s also important to consider the time of year. If it’s spring or early summer, there’s a high chance the squirrels have babies. It’s best to wait until the young are old enough to leave the nest on their own before implementing exclusion methods to avoid separating them from their mother and causing them to starve. If you’re unsure, consult with a wildlife removal professional.

How do I seal up entry points to prevent squirrels from returning?

After successfully evicting squirrels from your attic, meticulously sealing all potential entry points is crucial to prevent a re-infestation. This involves a thorough inspection of your roof, soffits, vents, and any other exterior openings, followed by the strategic use of durable materials like heavy-gauge hardware cloth, sheet metal, caulk, and expanding foam to create impenetrable barriers.

To ensure a comprehensive seal, start by carefully walking around your property and identifying any holes, cracks, or gaps larger than one inch. Squirrels are surprisingly adept at squeezing through small openings, so even minor imperfections should be addressed. Pay particular attention to areas where different building materials meet, such as where the roof joins the walls, or around pipes and wiring entering your house. Repair any damaged siding or roofing immediately. Reinforce vulnerable areas like gable vents and soffits with hardware cloth, securely fastening it to the structure. For smaller cracks and crevices, use a high-quality, weather-resistant caulk or expanding foam to fill the gaps. Remember that squirrels can chew through some materials, so choose durable options like steel mesh over plastic. Effective sealing also includes properly addressing chimney openings. Install a chimney cap to prevent squirrels from entering through the flue. Ensure all vent openings, including attic, bathroom, and dryer vents, are covered with sturdy screens. Regularly inspect these seals, especially after harsh weather, to identify and repair any damage promptly. Don’t neglect to trim tree branches that overhang your roof. These branches can act as bridges, providing squirrels with easy access to your attic. By diligently sealing entry points and maintaining your home’s exterior, you can significantly reduce the risk of future squirrel infestations and protect your property.

What sounds or smells deter squirrels from attics?

Strong smells like peppermint oil, mothballs, or predator urine (fox or coyote) can sometimes deter squirrels from attics. In terms of sounds, ultrasonic devices marketed for pest control are generally ineffective against squirrels. Loud, sudden noises might scare them temporarily, but they quickly habituate to consistent sounds. The most effective sound deterrent is often human presence and activity in the attic space.

While certain smells might offer temporary relief, their effectiveness diminishes over time. Squirrels can become accustomed to even unpleasant scents, especially if they have already established a nest and feel secure in the attic. Mothballs, while historically used, pose a risk to humans and pets due to their toxic chemicals and are often restricted by local laws. Predator urine can be difficult to obtain and its effectiveness is variable. Peppermint oil needs to be reapplied frequently, and its scent dissipates quickly in a large attic space. The limitations of using smells and sounds for squirrel removal highlight the importance of employing exclusion techniques. These include sealing entry points with durable materials such as metal flashing or heavy-gauge mesh. Before sealing, it’s crucial to ensure all squirrels have left the attic, typically achieved by installing a one-way exclusion door. This allows squirrels to exit but prevents them from re-entering. Combining exclusion with cleanup efforts to remove nesting materials and droppings is the most effective and humane approach to long-term squirrel control.

Should I hire a professional or try to remove squirrels myself?

Whether you should hire a professional to remove squirrels from your attic or attempt DIY removal depends on several factors: your comfort level with heights and wildlife, the severity of the infestation, your budget, and your understanding of local laws and regulations. While DIY might seem cheaper initially, improper removal can lead to re-infestation, property damage, and potential harm to yourself or the squirrels.

Attempting DIY squirrel removal can be successful for minor infestations or if you’re comfortable with basic exclusion techniques. This usually involves identifying entry points, setting one-way exclusion devices (like excluder doors) that allow squirrels to exit but not re-enter, and then sealing the openings permanently. However, accurately identifying all entry points, especially in complex rooflines, can be challenging. If you miss just one, the squirrels will simply find it. Furthermore, handling wild animals always carries a risk of bites or scratches, and squirrels can carry diseases. It’s also vital to ensure you’re not trapping mothers with young still in the attic, as this can lead to inhumane outcomes and unpleasant smells if the young die. On the other hand, a professional wildlife removal service brings expertise, experience, and the right equipment to the job. They can thoroughly inspect your property to identify all entry points, safely and humanely remove the squirrels (including babies), and properly seal entry points to prevent future infestations. Professionals are also knowledgeable about local laws regarding wildlife removal and can ensure compliance. While the initial cost is higher, the long-term benefits of a guaranteed solution, proper repairs, and peace of mind often outweigh the DIY savings. Consider getting quotes from multiple reputable companies and checking their reviews and credentials before making a decision. Ultimately, carefully weigh the pros and cons of each approach before deciding. A particularly large or complex infestation, or any hesitancy about handling wildlife, strongly suggests hiring a professional is the best course of action.

What are the dangers of having squirrels in my attic?

Having squirrels in your attic can pose several significant dangers, ranging from structural damage to your home to potential health risks for your family. They can chew through electrical wiring, leading to fire hazards; contaminate insulation with urine and feces, reducing its effectiveness and creating unpleasant odors; and introduce parasites like fleas and ticks into your home. Furthermore, the noise and disruption they cause can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive to your peace of mind.

Squirrels are rodents with an insatiable need to gnaw, and your attic provides them with ample opportunities to do so. They will chew on wood beams, drywall, and, most concerningly, electrical wiring. Damaged wiring dramatically increases the risk of electrical fires. Beyond the immediate danger of fire, squirrels can also damage your home’s structure by chewing through support beams or creating holes in the roof to gain entry, exposing your home to the elements and potentially leading to water damage and mold growth. The waste squirrels leave behind is also a considerable issue. Squirrel urine and feces not only create foul odors but can also contaminate insulation, reducing its R-value and making your home less energy-efficient. Squirrel droppings can also harbor bacteria and parasites that can be harmful to humans and pets. Finally, squirrels can bring fleas, ticks, and mites into your attic, which can then spread to other areas of your home and infest your pets or even bite your family members. Therefore, prompt and effective squirrel removal is crucial for protecting your home and health.

How can I tell if squirrels have already caused damage in my attic?

Several telltale signs indicate squirrel damage in your attic. You’ll want to look for visual clues like gnawed wood around entry points (e.g., vents, eaves, soffits), shredded insulation, droppings, and nesting materials. You should also listen for scratching or scurrying noises, and be mindful of any water stains or leaks indicating a damaged roof or compromised weatherproofing.

Squirrels are notorious for causing considerable damage once they’ve infiltrated an attic. Their constant gnawing, driven by their need to keep their incisors sharp, can compromise structural integrity by damaging wooden beams, wiring, and plumbing pipes. Shredded insulation not only reduces energy efficiency but also serves as nesting material, creating unsanitary conditions. Squirrel droppings and urine can create unpleasant odors, attract insects, and even pose health risks due to bacteria and parasites. Beyond the immediately visible damage, squirrels can create fire hazards by chewing on electrical wires. This not only risks a short circuit and potential fire but can also lead to costly repairs. Furthermore, they can damage stored belongings by nesting in boxes, clothing, and furniture. Regular attic inspections, especially after hearing suspicious noises, are essential to catch problems early and minimize potential damage.

When is the best time of year to remove squirrels?

The best time of year to remove squirrels from your attic is generally during the periods between breeding seasons: late summer (August-September) and late winter/early spring (February-March). This is because young squirrels are less likely to be present, reducing the risk of separating them from their mothers.

During spring and fall, squirrels are most likely to be actively raising their young. Removing a mother squirrel during these periods can lead to baby squirrels being abandoned, which is inhumane and can cause further problems like attracting other pests due to the decaying scent. While it might seem urgent to remove squirrels as soon as you notice them, waiting until the off-season is much more ethical and effective. Keep in mind that weather conditions can influence squirrel behavior. Extremely cold or hot temperatures might drive them indoors regardless of the season. However, the overall recommendation remains to avoid peak breeding times if possible. After removal, it is extremely important to seal all entry points to prevent future squirrel infestations. Consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service for humane and effective squirrel removal and exclusion.

Well, that’s about it! I hope this guide has given you a solid plan for evicting those unwanted furry tenants. Remember to be patient and persistent, and before you know it, your attic will be squirrel-free once again. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more helpful tips and tricks on keeping your home happy and healthy!