How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In The Attic

How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic: 11+ Tips and Tricks

If you’re hearing scratching and scampering sounds coming from above, chances are you have a squirrel problem in your attic. These cute critters may look harmless, but they can cause quite a bit of damage to your home, not to mention the potential health risks they pose. Luckily, there are several methods for getting rid of squirrels in the attic, ranging from humane to more extreme measures. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best approaches to squirrel removal, so you can enjoy a squirrel-free home once again.

1. Assess the Situation

Before you start taking action to get rid of the squirrels in your attic, it’s important to assess the situation. Are there one or multiple squirrels? Is there any damage that they have caused? How did they get into your attic? Answering these questions will help you determine the severity of the problem and which method of removal will work best for you.

2. Look for Entry Points

Squirrels can enter your attic through small openings that you may not even notice, such as vents, pipes or gaps in the roofline. It’s important to locate these entry points so that you can seal them up and prevent future squirrel invasions.

3. Set Traps

One of the most common methods of squirrel removal is setting traps. There are several types of traps available, including live traps and lethal traps. Live traps will capture the squirrel unharmed, allowing you to release it back into the wild later. Lethal traps are designed to kill the squirrel quickly and humanely. Before setting traps, make sure to check your local laws and regulations regarding trapping and relocating wildlife.

4. Use Repellents

There are several products on the market that claim to repel squirrels, such as sprays, granules, and electronic devices. While these products may work to some extent, they are not foolproof and may not work in all situations. It’s also important to remember that some repellents may be harmful to other wildlife or pets in the area, so use them with caution.

5. Call in a Professional

If the squirrel problem in your attic is severe or you’re not comfortable handling it yourself, it’s best to call in a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise and equipment needed to safely and effectively remove the squirrels from your attic.

6. Seal Entry Points

Once you’ve removed the squirrels from your attic, it’s important to seal up any entry points to prevent future invasions. Use wire mesh or caulk to seal gaps, openings, and cracks that could provide access to your attic.

7. Trim Trees

Squirrels can easily jump from trees onto your roof and make their way into your attic. By trimming any overhanging branches or trees near your home, you can make it less accessible to squirrels.

8. Install a Squirrel-Proof Chimney Cap

Chimneys can be a popular entry point for squirrels, as they provide a direct path from the outside to your attic. Installing a squirrel-proof chimney cap can prevent squirrels from getting inside.

9. Repel with Smells

Squirrels have sensitive noses and can be deterred by certain smells, such as ammonia, vinegar, or peppermint oil. Soak rags or cotton balls in these scents and place them in areas where the squirrels have been spotted, or inside the entry points to your attic.

10. Use Lights and Sound

Squirrels prefer dark, quiet spaces, so using lights and sound can be an effective way to repel them. Install bright lights in your attic and play loud music or loud noises like from an ultrasonic squirrel repellent device.

11. Take Away Food Sources

Squirrels are attracted to easy food sources, such as bird feeders, pet food, and garbage cans with food scraps. By removing these food sources, you can make your home less appealing to squirrels.

12. Caulk Cracks and Crevices

Squirrels can enter your attic through tiny cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior. Seal these gaps with caulk or foam to prevent squirrel invasions.

13. Use Fencing

If you have a garden or bird feeder, fencing can be an effective barrier to keep squirrels at bay. Use metal fencing with small openings that squirrels can’t get through.

14. Keep Your Attic Clean

Squirrels are attracted to cluttered, messy attics because they provide plenty of hiding places. Keep your attic clean and well-organized to make it less attractive to squirrels.

15. Block Off Access to Your Roof

Squirrels can easily climb up the side of your home to reach your attic. By blocking off access to your roof, you can make it more difficult for squirrels to get inside. Install bird spikes or other barriers along the roofline to prevent squirrels from climbing up.

16. Use Critter Ridder

Critter Ridder is a type of animal repellent that is specifically designed to deter squirrels and other critters. It works by emitting a strong scent that squirrels find unpleasant, making them more likely to avoid your home.

17. Install a One-Way Door

One-way doors are a humane way to remove squirrels from your attic without harming them. They allow the squirrels to leave your attic but prevent them from getting back in. Make sure to seal off any entry points before installing a one-way door to ensure the squirrels can’t find another way back in.

18. Repel with Water

Squirrels don’t like getting wet, so using a motion-activated sprinkler can be an effective way to keep them away from your home.

19. Use Trunk Wrap

If squirrels are climbing up the trunk of a tree to reach your roof, wrapping the trunk with a slippery material, like metal flashing, can prevent them from gaining traction and reaching your roof.

20. Call Animal Control

If all else fails, calling in animal control may be necessary. They have the equipment and expertise needed to safely remove squirrels from your attic and relocate them to a suitable area.

FAQs

Q: Are squirrels dangerous?
A: Squirrels can carry diseases, such as rabies, and can cause damage to your home by chewing through wires and insulation.

Q: How do I know if I have squirrels in my attic?
A: Scratching and scampering sounds coming from above are a tell-tale sign of squirrels in the attic.

Q: What’s the best way to get rid of squirrels?
A: The best way to get rid of squirrels depends on the severity of the problem and your personal preferences. Live trapping, repellents, and professional removal services are all effective methods.

Q: How can I prevent future squirrel invasions?
A: Seal entry points, trim trees near your home, install a chimney cap, and remove food sources to prevent future squirrel invasions.

Kesimpulan

Squirrels can be a persistent and damaging pest when they get into your attic. Fortunately, there are several effective methods for removing them and preventing future invasions. Whether you choose to use live traps, repellents, or professional wildlife removal services, it’s important to act quickly to limit the damage and potential health risks of a squirrel infestation. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a squirrel-free home once again.