How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrels are fuzzy and cute creatures to watch when they are hopping around the backyard, but they can be quite a nuisance and potentially harmful when they decide to invade the attic of your house. Squirrels can make noise, chew on wires, leave droppings, and even cause damage to the roof. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of squirrels in the attic in a humane way.
1. Inspect the Attic
- Start by inspecting your attic and look for signs of squirrels, such as droppings, chewed wires, and nesting materials.
- Identify the entry points that squirrels can use to access your attic, such as holes or gaps in the roof, vents, or chimney.
- Make sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, when inspecting the attic to avoid exposure to droppings and other harmful substances.
Once you have identified the signs of squirrels and their entry points, it’s time to take action to get rid of them.
2. Seal Entry Points
The first step towards getting rid of squirrels in the attic is to seal all the entry points that they can use to access the attic. This will prevent them from coming back once you have evicted them.
- Use caulk, steel wool, or wire mesh to seal the gaps in the roof, vents, and other openings.
- Make sure to seal the entry points properly to prevent any future entry attempts by the squirrels.
3. Use Squirrel Repellents
- You can use squirrel repellents to keep the squirrels away from your attic.
- There are many types of squirrel repellents available on the market, such as predator urine, peppermint oil, and hot pepper spray.
- Apply the squirrel repellent around the entry points and other areas where the squirrels are active.
Make sure to use caution when using squirrel repellents and read and follow the instructions carefully to avoid any harm to yourself or the squirrels.
4. Install Squirrel-Proof Barriers
- You can install squirrel-proof barriers, such as cages or wire mesh, around the entry points to prevent the squirrels from entering the attic.
- Make sure to install the barriers properly and securely to prevent the squirrels from escaping or causing damage.
5. Use Traps
- You can use live traps to catch the squirrels and relocate them to a different location.
- Place the traps near the entry points or other areas where the squirrels are active.
- Make sure to check the traps regularly and release the squirrels in a safe location away from your house.
6. Call a Professional
If all else fails, you may need to call a professional pest control company to help you get rid of the squirrels in the attic.
- A professional pest control company has the expertise and equipment to safely and effectively remove the squirrels from your attic.
- They can also advise you on how to prevent future squirrel infestations in your attic.
7. Humane Squirrel Removal Tips
When it comes to getting rid of squirrels from your attic, it’s important to do it in a humane way. Here are some tips to help you remove squirrels humanely:
- Use live traps instead of lethal traps to catch the squirrels.
- Release the squirrels in a safe location away from your house, such as a park or forest.
- Check the traps regularly to prevent the squirrels from being trapped for too long.
8. Dangers of Squirrels in the Attic
Having squirrels in the attic can be dangerous for many reasons. Here are some dangers of squirrels in the attic:
- Squirrels can chew on wires and cause a fire hazard.
- Squirrels can leave droppings and other harmful substances in the attic, which can lead to health problems.
- Squirrels can make noise and cause disturbance to your sleep and daily activities.
9. Preventing Squirrels in the Attic
The best way to get rid of squirrels in the attic is to prevent them from entering in the first place. Here are some tips to help you prevent squirrels in the attic:
- Trim the trees around your house to prevent squirrels from jumping onto your roof.
- Seal all the entry points to your attic, such as vents and chimneys.
- Keep your attic clean and free of clutter to prevent squirrels from making nests.
10. Natural Squirrel Deterrents
There are many natural ways to deter squirrels from your attic without harming them. Here are some natural squirrel deterrents:
- Peppermint oil
- Hot pepper spray
- Predator urine
Apply these natural deterrents around the entry points and other areas where the squirrels are active.
11. Signs of Squirrel Infestation
It’s important to identify the signs of squirrel infestation in your attic early on to prevent any damage or hazards. Here are some signs of squirrel infestation:
- Droppings
- Nesting materials
- Chewed wires
- Noises
If you notice any of these signs, make sure to take action to get rid of the squirrels.
12. DIY Squirrel Removal
If you’re planning to remove squirrels from your attic on your own, make sure to follow these DIY squirrel removal tips:
- Wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, when handling droppings and other harmful substances.
- Use humane traps and release the squirrels in a safe location away from your house.
- Seal all the entry points to prevent the squirrels from coming back.
13. Squirrel-Proofing Your Attic
To prevent future squirrel infestations in your attic, make sure to squirrel-proof your attic. Here’s how:
- Seal all the entry points, such as vents and chimneys.
- Trim the trees around your house to prevent squirrels from jumping onto your roof.
- Install squirrel-proof barriers, such as cages or wire mesh, around the entry points.
14. Getting Rid of Baby Squirrels
If you have baby squirrels in your attic, it’s important to handle them with care. Here’s how to get rid of baby squirrels:
- Wait until the babies are old enough to leave the nest, which is usually around 8-10 weeks.
- Seal all the entry points to prevent the mother from coming back.
- Leave a one-way door, such as a plastic bottle with a hole in it, for the babies to leave the attic.
15. Squirrel Trapping Tips
To increase your chances of catching the squirrels in a live trap, make sure to follow these squirrel trapping tips:
- Bait the trap with something that squirrels like, such as nuts or peanut butter.
- Place the trap near the entry points or other areas where the squirrels are active.
- Check the traps regularly and release the squirrels in a safe location.
16. Squirrel Nest Removal
Removing squirrel nests from your attic can be dangerous and should be left to professionals. If you’re planning to remove the squirrel nest on your own, make sure to follow these safety tips:
- Wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid exposure to droppings and other harmful substances.
- Use caution when handling the nest to avoid injuring the baby squirrels.
17. Squirrel Facts
Here are some interesting facts about squirrels:
- Squirrels can jump up to 20 feet.
- Squirrels have excellent eyesight and can see colors.
- There are over 200 species of squirrels.
- Squirrels can run up to 20 miles per hour.
18. Squirrel Behavior
Understanding squirrel behavior can help you get rid of them from your attic more effectively. Here are some squirrel behaviors:
- Squirrels are active during the day and sleep at night.
- Squirrels store food for the winter by burying it in the ground.
- Squirrels can remember the locations of thousands of nuts.
- Squirrels are social animals and live in groups called drays.
19. Humane Squirrel Exclusion Tips
To exclude squirrels from your attic humanely, follow these tips:
- Seal all the entry points to prevent the squirrels from entering.
- Install one-way doors to allow the squirrels to leave but not re-enter.
- Use squirrel repellents to keep the squirrels away from your house.
20. Conclusion
Squirrels in the attic can be a serious problem and can cause damage to your house and health hazards. It’s important to get rid of them in a humane way by following the tips discussed in this article. Remember to wear protective gear and use caution when handling squirrels to avoid harm to yourself and the animals. Preventing future squirrel infestations by squirrel-proofing your attic can save you time and money in the long run.
FAQs
What are the dangers of squirrels in the attic?
Squirrels in the attic can be dangerous for many reasons. They can chew on wires and cause a fire hazard, leave droppings and other harmful substances, and cause noise and disturbance.
How can I prevent squirrels from entering my attic?
You can prevent squirrels from entering your attic by sealing all the entry points, trimming the trees around your house, and installing squirrel-proof barriers.
How can I remove squirrels from my attic humanely?
To remove squirrels from your attic humanely, you can use live traps, release them in a safe location away from your house, and seal all the entry points to prevent them from coming back.