Squirrels can cause property damage, contaminate food supplies, and create noise disturbances when they gain access to a structure. Effective control requires a comprehensive strategy involving physical exclusion, environmental modification, and, when necessary, safe removal. Success relies on correctly identifying and securing vulnerabilities in the home and yard to make the environment unappealing to these rodents.
Blocking Entry to Structures
The most reliable way to manage a squirrel problem is to physically deny them access to your home, particularly attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small openings and will actively gnaw to enlarge a gap if they sense a warm, sheltered space inside. Inspecting the roofline and foundation for vulnerable spots is the first step in creating a secure barrier.
Common entry points include gaps in soffit panels, loose flashing around chimneys, and unsealed roof or gable vents. Any material used to seal an opening must be robust, as squirrel incisors grow continuously, compelling them to chew on hard surfaces. Galvanized steel hardware cloth, with a mesh size of 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch, is required because squirrels cannot chew through this heavy-gauge metal.
Before permanently sealing an entry point, it is crucial to confirm that all squirrels have left the structure to prevent trapping them inside. To ensure eviction, install a one-way exclusion door over the main access hole. These specialized devices, typically featuring a 3×3-inch opening, allow the squirrel to push its way out but prevent re-entry. Once no activity has been detected for several days, the one-way door can be removed and the opening sealed with metal mesh.
Chimneys should be fitted with a professional-grade metal chimney cap and screen to prevent squirrels from falling in or nesting in the flue. Additionally, inspect and seal the “builder’s gap,” which is the small opening often found where the roof decking meets the fascia board.
Adjusting the Landscape and Food Sources
Modifying the outdoor environment is a powerful preventative measure, as squirrels are primarily driven by the availability of food and easy access to high vantage points. The easiest way to discourage their presence is to secure or eliminate their primary food sources. Bird feeders are major attractants, and switching from sunflower seeds to safflower seeds can help, as birds enjoy them but squirrels find them less palatable.
For taste aversion, natural repellents containing capsaicin, the active compound in chili peppers, are highly effective because mammals are sensitive to it while birds are not. Treating seeds with capsaicin creates a strong aversion in squirrels. Other food sources, such as fallen nuts, fruit from trees, and outdoor pet food, should be removed or stored in airtight containers.
Modifying the landscape to limit access to the structure is equally important for long-term control. Squirrels can jump impressive distances, including a horizontal leap of up to eight feet. Tree branches that overhang or come close to the roof or siding should be trimmed back at least six to eight feet from the structure. Installing metal collars, approximately two feet wide and six to eight feet above the ground, around mature trees can also prevent them from climbing up to the roofline.
In the garden, specific planting choices and physical barriers can protect vulnerable crops and bulbs. Squirrels tend to avoid strong-scented plants like marigolds, mint, and alliums, such as daffodils, which contain the toxic alkaloid lycorine. To protect newly planted bulbs, place a layer of hardware cloth or chicken wire six inches deep in the soil above the bulbs to prevent digging.
Safe Trapping and Handling
Trapping becomes a necessary step when exclusion and environmental controls fail to remove a squirrel that has taken up residence inside a structure. Live cage traps, typically at least 18 inches long, are the most common tool for active removal. The trap should be placed directly on the squirrel’s travel path or near the entry point, ensuring it is on a stable, level surface.
Baiting the trap with highly attractive food increases the likelihood of a successful capture. Effective baits include whole peanuts in the shell, walnuts, or a smear of peanut butter. The bait should be placed behind the trigger plate to encourage the squirrel to fully enter the trap and step on the mechanism.
It is paramount to understand the legal regulations regarding wildlife removal in your specific area before attempting to trap any animal. In many areas, it is illegal to trap and relocate squirrels off your property. This restriction prevents the spread of disease and avoids introducing a new animal to an established territory, which often leads to the relocated animal’s death.
Trapped squirrels should be handled with extreme caution, as they are wild animals that can bite or scratch when stressed. Always wear thick leather gloves when handling the trap, and cover it with a blanket to keep the animal calm during transport. If relocation is prohibited, contacting a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator is the safest and most responsible course of action.