Squirrels seeking warmth and security often enter attics, walls, and crawlspaces, especially during colder months or when raising young. Their presence quickly becomes a nuisance, causing structural damage and posing risks. Addressing this problem requires a strategic, multi-step approach, moving from initial identification to long-term prevention. This guide covers practical methods for safely and effectively removing squirrels and fortifying your home against future incursions.
Identifying Entry Points and Damage
Resolving a squirrel problem begins with a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the infestation and the primary routes of access. Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. The most common sign of their presence is the sound of scurrying, scratching, or rolling nuts in the early morning or late afternoon, often coming from attic spaces or within wall voids.
Visible damage often includes gnawed wood, torn insulation, or shredded nesting materials in the attic. Small, dark droppings, blunted at the ends, may be clustered near nesting sites. The most dangerous sign of activity is chewed electrical wiring, which squirrels gnaw on to maintain their continuously growing incisor teeth, creating a fire hazard.
Exterior inspection should focus on the roofline, as squirrels are adept climbers who prefer high-level entry points. Look for holes or gaps around soffits, fascia boards, and roof edges, especially where wood is softened by water damage. Frequent points of entry include unprotected openings like attic vents, chimney caps, and loose siding near utility lines. A hole as small as 1.5 inches in diameter is enough for a squirrel to squeeze through, making meticulous inspection necessary for successful exclusion.
Exclusion and Habitat Modification
Preventing squirrels from accessing your home is the most effective long-term solution and should be prioritized immediately after confirming the animals are out. Sealing all potential and actual entry points with durable, chew-proof materials creates a permanent barrier. Standard insect screening or thin plastic will not suffice against a squirrel’s persistence.
Use 1/4-inch mesh hardware cloth or heavy-gauge metal flashing to cover and reinforce vulnerable areas like vents, soffits, and chimneys. For smaller cracks and gaps, copper mesh wool or specialized sealants can be tightly packed to deter gnawing. If an active entry hole is found, temporarily install a one-way door device over the opening, allowing any remaining squirrels to exit without re-entering.
Modifying the surrounding habitat reduces the attraction of your home as a nesting site. Trim all tree branches that are within 6 to 10 feet of the roofline or structure, eliminating easy access points. Remove food attractants from the yard, such as securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and regularly raking up fallen nuts, seeds, and fruit. If using bird feeders, switch to squirrel-proof designs or use seeds like safflower or Nyjer thistle, which squirrels find less appealing.
Non-Lethal Removal Strategies
Once exclusion measures are in place, the next step is active removal of any squirrels still inside the structure, typically accomplished through humane live-trapping. Live-catch cage traps, designed to capture the animal without injury, are the preferred method. Place these traps along the squirrel’s travel pathways, such as near the entry hole, along rooflines, or in the attic, ensuring they are on a stable, level surface.
Effective baits include nuts, sunflower seeds, peanut butter spread on a cracker, or apple chunks, as these items are highly attractive. The trap should be checked at least once daily to prevent the trapped animal from stress or dehydration. Wear thick, protective gloves when handling the trap, as captured squirrels can become aggressive and may attempt to bite or scratch.
Relocation of the captured animal requires strict adherence to local and state wildlife regulations, which vary significantly. In many jurisdictions, relocating wildlife without a permit is illegal due to the risk of spreading disease or disrupting ecosystems. Where legal, the recommended relocation distance is 10 to 25 miles from the capture site to prevent the squirrel from returning. The release site should offer suitable natural shelter, such as a wooded area, and access to water and food sources.
Other non-lethal deterrents can be employed, though their effectiveness is often temporary. Motion-activated sprinkler systems can deter squirrels from foraging by surprising them with water. Applying capsaicin-based repellents to surfaces or seeds discourages chewing and consumption, as the compound irritates the squirrel’s mouth. Loud noises or bright lights placed in an attic may temporarily encourage a squirrel to vacate a nesting space, but these methods rarely offer a permanent solution.
Lethal Control and Professional Intervention
When non-lethal methods fail to solve a persistent infestation, lethal control options may be considered, though these are often restricted by law. In certain regions, a captured squirrel must be humanely euthanized rather than released into the wild. This is often the case for invasive species, such as the grey squirrel in the United Kingdom.
Specialized lethal traps, such as approved spring traps or Conibear traps, are designed to dispatch the animal instantly and humanely. These devices require careful placement and often specific training or licensing to ensure safety and legality. The use of toxic rodenticides or poisons to control squirrels is not recommended for homeowners and may be illegal, as the chemicals pose a risk of secondary poisoning to pets, non-target wildlife, and scavengers.
Professional wildlife control services are the most appropriate course of action in complex situations. They should be called immediately if the infestation involves structural damage, if the nesting area is inaccessible, or if a large population is present. Professionals possess the necessary permits, knowledge of local regulations, and specialized equipment to safely remove animals, including young, and implement exclusion repairs. They can also assess whether the animal is a protected species, ensuring all actions comply with state and federal wildlife conservation laws.