Squirrels are common in urban and suburban environments, but their constant need to gnaw and their nesting habits often make them significant pests. The damage they inflict can be extensive, ranging from raiding gardens to serious structural issues like chewing electrical wiring and damaging insulation in attics. Their persistent nature means that removal becomes difficult once they have settled into a structure. Squirrels are often classified as game animals or protected species, meaning lethal removal must comply with local regulations.
Exclusion and Deterrence Methods
Before considering lethal measures, exclusion and non-lethal deterrence are the most effective long-term strategies for managing a squirrel problem and are often required as a first step. The primary goal is to physically block all access points using materials squirrels cannot chew through, typically galvanized hardware cloth. For permanent sealing, use heavy gauge hardware cloth with a small mesh size (half-inch or quarter-inch), securely fastened over vents, chimney openings, and fascia gaps. Chicken wire and plastic netting are ineffective, as squirrels can easily chew through them.
Deterrents work by creating an environment the squirrel finds unpleasant, conditioning it to forage elsewhere. Capsaicin-based repellents are effective because mammals are sensitive to this irritant, while birds are not. Applying capsaicin oleoresin (e.g., 100,000 Scoville Heat Units) to birdseed will stop squirrels from feeding without harming the birds. Another effective tool is the motion-activated sprinkler. This device uses a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor to detect the animal’s heat and movement, releasing a sudden, startling burst of water. This conditions the squirrel to associate the area with an unpleasant surprise.
Direct Lethal Trapping Techniques
When exclusion is not feasible or an established squirrel population must be removed, direct lethal trapping offers a quick solution. One method uses specialized squirrel snap traps, which are heavy-duty versions of standard rat traps designed to dispatch the animal instantly. These must be set along known travel routes, such as attic rafters or fence lines. They are often baited with items like peanut butter or whole nuts smeared on the trigger plate.
Another lethal option is the body-gripping trap, often called a Conibear. The size 110 trap (typically 4 inches by 4 inches) is appropriate for squirrels, offering a quick kill by striking the neck and chest when triggered. These traps are powerful and must be set with specialized tools, such as setting tongs, to compress the heavy springs. Proper placement involves using a wooden cubby box or mounting the trap directly over a squirrel’s entry hole. They must be used with caution in areas inaccessible to children and pets.
Regulatory Frameworks and Chemical Control
Before using any lethal method, understand the local regulatory framework, as squirrels are frequently classified under state wildlife laws. In many jurisdictions, squirrels are considered game animals, meaning a hunting license is required for removal, which must occur within a specified hunting season. Killing a squirrel outside of season or without proper licensing can result in fines.
The use of firearms, including air rifles or pellet guns, for lethal control is highly restricted and often prohibited within city and suburban limits. Where discharge is permitted, strict requirements for distance from occupied dwellings (typically exceeding 150 yards) make them impractical for residential use. Chemical control, specifically using toxic rodenticides, is often illegal for squirrel control.
Most common rodenticides act as anticoagulants, interfering with the blood’s clotting ability and causing a slow death. A significant risk is secondary poisoning, where predators or scavengers (such as owls, hawks, or domestic cats) consume the poisoned squirrel. This transfer of toxins up the food chain can lead to illness or death in non-target wildlife. Therefore, non-lethal and mechanical trapping methods are preferred over chemical agents.