How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic

Signs That You Have Squirrels in Your Attic

You may have a squirrel infestation if you hear rustling, chewing, or scratching sounds coming from the attic. These sounds are prevalent in the evening and morning hours. Another indication is the presence of droppings accompanied by a pungent smell.

If you notice a lot of squirrel activity such as squirrels running along the roof, fences, or utility line, you may have a population of these pests in your house. Other signs to watch out for include insulation damage, holes in the siding, chewed wired, and destruction in the yard.

Ways to Remove Squirrels

Below are some tips on how to get squirrels out of your attic.

Seal Any Entry Point

You need to determine how the squirrels got inside your attic for you to get rid of them. Possible entry points include chimneys, plumbing mats, roof edge, and the walls.  Inspect your house for any spaces and gaps.

If you find these holes, you need to seal them up. You can use steel wool, bricks, or caulk to seal these openings. Place a wire mesh on chimney tops and open vents.  It’s recommended to leave one entry point open to allow the squirrels to leave. Once you stop seeing any squirrel activity or hearing their noises, you can seal it for good.

Use a Trap

One of the most effective ways on how to remove squirrels from attic is to trap and remove them. All you need is to find a trap that fits squirrels and place it next to entry points.  Alternatively, you can set the trap against the hole they use to get in and out.

Squirrels are active and tend to go out in search of food and water. Get a repeating type trap that allows you to catch them all at a single time. You can also find a body-gripping trap that enables you to capture the squirrels as it darts in and out of the attic.  Box traps work outside the yard and in burrows. They help prevent squirrels from entering your house.

Make the Environment Inhabitable

Squirrels love a quiet, warm, and safe environment. They will leave once the attic becomes too bright or loud. Try making the environment unfavorable by removing potential food sources. You can also get rid of their nests.

Clean and Disinfect the Attic

When squirrels have been in the attic for a long time, they may cause significant damage. If you’ve heard noises coming from the attic or you’ve seen nesting sites, it’s time to clean and disinfect the attic.

Remove squirrel droppings and place them in sealed garbage bags to prevent the spread of bacteria. Use a disinfecting solution throughout the attic to kill any remaining bacteria, and ensure the attic is safe.

Practice Prevention Measures

Sometimes preventing squirrels from getting into your house is simpler than getting rid of them. You can keep your home free of these pests by:

Getting Gutter Covers and Guards

Squirrels can get into your house through the gutter. Invest in gutter covers and guards to prevent rooftop access.

Trim Bushes and Branches

Do away with any tree branches that touch your house. Trim tree branches, and get rid of the raked bushes and trees to avoid creating a nesting site for these pests.

Cover Cracks and Crevices

Inspect your house for cracks, holes, and other openings that can allow squirrels inside your home. Seal these openings with expandable foam or caulk. Get a new siding or screen on your doors and windows.

Do Squirrel Repellent Work?

Is using squirrel repellent attic effective? Unfortunately, squirrel repellant in the form of odor sprays and electronic repellants do not work. You need to proof your home and eliminate possible food sources that may attract squirrels.

Squirrel Professional Pest Control

Squirrels can be tricky animals to control. Unfortunately, once they get inside your attic, they can cause damage to your electrical wiring and wooden structures.  If the above DIY methods on how to get squirrels out of your attic don’t work, you need to contact a professional pest control company that will deal with the situation in a cost-effective, yet safe way. Moreover, they have the tools to get rid of them and keep them out for good.