Squirrels often cause significant damage to residential property, including chewing through electrical wiring, destroying attic insulation, and raiding gardens. This damage leads many homeowners to seek methods of lethal control. Anyone considering lethal control must first understand the strict legal requirements and the specific, humane techniques necessary for effective removal.
Understanding Wildlife Control Regulations
Wildlife control is governed by laws that vary significantly between federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Before attempting lethal control, check specific state fish and wildlife codes. Many species are classified as game animals or furbearers, which may restrict lethal methods to certain seasons or require a hunting license. Regulations often distinguish between species, such as common tree squirrels (gray or fox squirrels) and less common or protected native populations.
Many states permit landowners to kill nuisance squirrels causing property damage without a permit. This allowance is not universal and may be subject to local ordinances regarding firearms or specific traps. All jurisdictions mandate humane dispatch, requiring the animal be killed quickly and painlessly. Relocation is frequently prohibited due to the risk of spreading disease or shifting the problem.
Lethal Trapping Methods
Body-gripping traps, such as the Conibear-style trap, are an effective method for lethal control. They are designed to kill the animal instantly upon activation by striking the neck or chest. The Conibear #110 size is appropriate for a quick and humane kill for squirrels.
These traps must be set carefully within a wooden cubby box or small enclosure to prevent non-target animals, such as birds or pets, from accessing the mechanism. The trap should be secured firmly over the squirrel’s entry point or set in a known travel pathway. Placing the trap inside a protective cubby box also shields it from the elements.
Effective baits include peanut butter, corn, nuts, or seeds. These should be placed beyond the trigger to encourage the squirrel to fully enter the trap.
Another lethal option is the heavy-duty rat snap trap, which is larger and more powerful than a standard mouse trap. For a humane kill, these traps require a strong spring mechanism and should be placed directly in the squirrel’s path, often secured to rafters or wall voids. Like body-gripping traps, snap traps must be secured in a location inaccessible to children and pets.
Active Removal Techniques
Active removal techniques involve direct intervention, primarily through shooting where legally permissible. The use of poisons is strongly cautioned against. Common rodenticides are often illegal for squirrels and carry significant risks of secondary poisoning to pets, wildlife, and children. A poisoned squirrel may also die inside an inaccessible wall or attic void, leading to a severe and persistent odor as the carcass decomposes.
Where local ordinances allow shooting, it is an effective method for culling nuisance squirrels, requiring precision for a humane kill. A small-caliber firearm, such as a .22 Long Rifle (LR) with solid-point ammunition, provides sufficient power without excessive over-penetration.
In residential settings, an air rifle is often preferred due to its lower noise profile and reduced risk. The .22 caliber is recommended over the .177 caliber, as the heavier pellet delivers greater knockdown power for a reliable, humane dispatch. The air rifle should produce at least 12 foot-pounds of energy (16 foot-pounds is ideal) to ensure a quick headshot kill. Always confirm local laws regarding the use of air rifles and projectile discharge within city limits.
Non-Lethal Exclusion Strategies
The most durable solution to a squirrel problem is exclusion, which prevents their entry into structures entirely. A thorough property inspection is necessary to identify and seal all potential entry points, as squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Openings larger than a quarter inch, especially around the roofline, vents, and eaves, should be patched or covered.
Exclusion materials must be durable, such as heavy-gauge, half-inch wire mesh or hardware cloth. Squirrels possess strong teeth and will chew through less robust materials like plastic or light screening.
If a squirrel is nesting inside an attic, install a temporary one-way door over the main entry point. This allows the animal to exit but prevents its return. Leave the device in place for several days to ensure all occupants have left before permanently sealing the hole.
Habitat Modification
Habitat modification reduces the property’s appeal and helps prevent future issues. This involves trimming tree branches that hang within eight to ten feet of the roofline, eliminating common access routes. Securing potential food sources, including bird feeders, pet food left outdoors, and unprotected fruit or nut trees, removes a primary attractant.