How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your House: 7+ Creative Ways
Squirrels can be fun to watch as they scamper around your yard, but they can become quite a nuisance when they start invading your house. They can chew through wires and insulation, create nests in your attic or walls, and cause all sorts of damage to your property. If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation, you might be wondering what your options are.
In this article, we’ll share creative and effective ways to get rid of squirrels in your house. From humane traps to natural deterrents, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
1. Use a Humane Trap
One way to get rid of squirrels is to use a humane trap. These traps are designed to capture the squirrels alive, so you can release them outside of your property. Before setting up the trap, make sure to place some bait inside. You can use a piece of apple, peanut butter, or birdseed to lure the squirrels in.
2. Seal Up Entry Points
Squirrels can squeeze through small entry points in your house, so it’s important to seal up any openings that could be providing them with access. Use steel mesh or aluminum flashing to cover vents, chimneys, and gaps in your roof or siding.
3. Install Fencing
Another way to keep squirrels out of your house is to install fencing around your yard. Make sure the fencing is at least 8 feet high and buried several inches into the ground to prevent the squirrels from digging underneath.
4. Use Natural Deterrents
Squirrels have an acute sense of smell, so you can use certain scents to deter them from entering your house. Mothballs, chili powder, and peppermint oil are all effective natural deterrents that you can use around your entry points.
5. Cut Down Overhanging Trees
If you have overhanging trees near your house, you might want to consider cutting them down. Squirrels use branches as a means of entry, so removing these branches will make it harder for them to access your property.
6. Place a Nest Box Outside
If you’re looking for a humane way to keep squirrels out of your house, you can try setting up a nest box outside. Squirrels prefer to nest in enclosed spaces, so providing them with an alternative nesting spot might deter them from entering your house.
7. Use Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders
Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders, so if you’re trying to attract birds to your yard, you’ll need to use squirrel-proof feeders. These feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the food, while still allowing birds to feed.
8. Hire a Pest Control Professional
If you’re dealing with a severe squirrel infestation, you might want to consider hiring a pest control professional. They’ll be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Subheading: How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic
Squirrels are particularly fond of nesting in attics, so if you’re hearing scratching or chewing sounds coming from your attic, you might have a squirrel problem. Here are some effective ways to get rid of squirrels in your attic.
9. Use Traps
Like we mentioned earlier, humane traps can be an effective way to get rid of squirrels. Set up the traps in your attic, taking care to place some bait inside. Check the traps regularly, and release the squirrels outside.
10. Create a One-Way Door
You can also create a one-way door that will allow the squirrels to leave your attic, but prevent them from returning. Install a door made from wire mesh or steel and place it over the entry point the squirrels are using. The squirrels will be able to push their way out, but won’t be able to return.
11. Use Ultrasonic Devices
Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched noises that are unpleasant to squirrels. You can install these devices in your attic to deter squirrels from nesting there.
12. Block Entry Points
As we mentioned earlier, sealing up entry points is a key step in preventing squirrels from entering your house. Make sure to check your attic for any gaps or holes they could be using to gain access.
13. Use Natural Deterrents
Peppermint oil, vinegar, and mothballs are all natural deterrents that you can use to keep squirrels out of your attic. Soak some cotton balls in any of these substances and place them around your attic.
14. Trim Your Trees
If you have overhanging trees near your house, you should consider trimming back the branches. Squirrels use branches as a means of entry, so removing these branches will make it harder for them to access your attic.
Subheading: How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Walls
If you’re hearing scratching or chewing sounds coming from your walls, you might have squirrels nesting there. Here are some effective ways to get rid of them.
15. Use Traps
Set up humane traps in the room where you’re hearing the noises. Place some bait inside and check the traps regularly. Once you’ve caught the squirrel, release it outside.
16. Use Ultrasonic Devices
Install ultrasonic devices in the room where you think the squirrels are nesting. These devices emit high-pitched noises that are unpleasant to squirrels and will encourage them to leave.
17. Cut Off Their Access
Identify the entry point the squirrels are using to access your walls. It could be a gap between the siding or a vent. Seal up this entry point to prevent them from getting in.
18. Apply a Repellent
You can apply a squirrel repellent around the entry point to discourage them from entering your walls. There are many natural squirrel repellents available that can be sprayed around your house.
19. Call a Professional
If you’re dealing with a severe squirrel infestation in your walls, you should consider calling a professional pest control company. They’ll be able to assess the situation and take the appropriate measures to remove the squirrels.
Subheading: Table Detailing Different Methods for Getting Rid of Squirrels
Method | Pros | Cons
——–|——–|——–
Humane Trap | Captures squirrels alive, humane | Can be time-consuming, requires you to release the squirrel outside
Sealing Up Entry Points | Prevents squirrels from entering your house | Requires identifying all the entry points and sealing them up
Fencing | Keeps squirrels out of your yard | Expensive, requires professional installation
Natural Deterrents | Safe for pets and humans | Can be hit or miss, requires frequent reapplication
Cutting Down Overhanging Trees | Prevents squirrels from entering your house | Can affect the aesthetics of your yard, can be costly
Nest Box | A humane way of keeping squirrels out of your house | Can be ineffective if squirrels prefer your house to the nest box
Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders | Keeps squirrels away from bird feeders | Can be expensive, requires installation
Subheading: FAQ – Common Questions about Getting Rid of Squirrels
Q: Is it legal to trap squirrels and release them elsewhere?
A: The laws regarding the trapping and relocation of squirrels vary by state. Check with your local wildlife agency to find out what the regulations are in your area.
Q: How can I prevent squirrels from nesting in my attic?
A: Sealing up entry points, installing one-way doors, and using natural deterrents are all effective ways to prevent squirrels from nesting in your attic.
Q: What should I do if I find baby squirrels in my attic?
A: It’s best to leave baby squirrels in the care of their mother if possible. If you must remove them, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or your local animal control department for assistance.
Q: Is it safe to use squirrel repellents around pets and children?
A: Most natural squirrel repellents are safe to use around pets and children, but it’s always a good idea to read the label and follow instructions carefully.
Q: How can I tell if I have a squirrel infestation?
A: Look for signs of chewing or scratching sounds coming from your attic or walls, as well as droppings or damage to your property.
Subheading: Conclusion
Dealing with a squirrel infestation can be frustrating, but with the right methods, you can get rid of them for good. From humane traps to natural deterrents, there are plenty of options to choose from. By sealing up entry points and using squirrel-proof bird feeders, you can prevent squirrels from entering your house in the first place. If things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control company. With a little effort, you can enjoy a squirrel-free home.