Squirrels are common in urban and suburban environments, but they become destructive when they nest inside a structure. Because these rodents have continuously growing incisors, they chew on wood, wiring, and insulation, which causes property damage and fire hazards. Homeowners often view live-trapping and relocation as a solution, but wildlife removal is governed by a complex framework of state and local regulations. These rules are designed to manage wildlife populations and prevent disease transmission.
Understanding Legal Restrictions on Wildlife Relocation
The legality of relocating a squirrel varies dramatically by geographic location. In many jurisdictions, transporting captured nuisance wildlife is strictly prohibited or requires a special permit from the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Fish and Wildlife agency. This restriction prevents the spread of diseases, such as rabies or distemper, into healthy animal populations. Many states prohibit moving a captured animal across county lines, sometimes requiring release within a short radius of the capture site or immediate euthanasia. Homeowners must verify local ordinances before attempting any removal, as specific rules often depend on whether the animal is classified as native or invasive.
Humane Methods for Capture
When squirrels have established a den inside an attic or wall void, the most effective technique is using a one-way exclusion door or funnel. This device is installed over the primary entry/exit hole, allowing the animal to exit to forage but preventing re-entry. This method avoids the stress of physical capture and transportation.
For animals on the exterior, a live-capture cage trap can be employed, using a spring-loaded door to safely secure the squirrel once it enters. Effective baiting includes nuts, sunflower seeds, or a small smear of peanut butter, placed to lure the animal onto the trigger plate. Any live trap must be checked at least once every 24 hours to ensure the captured animal does not suffer from dehydration or exposure.
Relocation Distance and Release Environment
Once a squirrel is successfully captured, the practical challenges of relocation arise, compounded by ethical considerations for the animal’s survival. To prevent the squirrel from returning to its established territory, experts recommend relocating the animal a minimum distance of five to ten miles away from the capture site. Squirrels possess an excellent homing instinct, and releasing them any closer significantly increases the chance they will track their way back.
Moving a squirrel to an unfamiliar location severely impacts its chances of long-term survival. Studies have demonstrated that relocated squirrels often face a high mortality rate, due to the animal’s lack of an established food cache, water source, and territory. This forces it to compete with resident squirrels. The release site must be a suitable, non-urban habitat with immediate access to natural shelter, food, and water. The animal should be released during daylight hours to give it time to orient itself before nightfall.
Preventing Future Infestations
Effective long-term solutions for homeowners focus on exclusion, which means physically blocking access to the property once the offending animals have been removed. The first step involves a thorough inspection to identify all potential entry points, which can be as small as a quarter-sized hole, especially around roof lines, vents, and fascia boards. All holes must be sealed with materials that squirrels cannot chew through, such as heavy-gauge hardware cloth or metal flashing.
Exclusion efforts must also include removing attractants that draw squirrels to the property in the first place. This involves securing outdoor garbage in heavy containers, bringing pet food inside promptly after feeding, and eliminating sources of standing water. To prevent easy access to the roof and upper levels of the home, tree branches should be trimmed back so they are at least six to eight feet away from the structure.