How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In Attic

Hearing scratching and scurrying above your head? It’s more than just an annoying sound; it could very well be a family of squirrels taking up residence in your attic. These furry intruders can cause serious damage, chewing through electrical wiring, insulation, and even structural beams. Beyond the potential for costly repairs, squirrel droppings can pose health hazards, and their nesting materials can attract other pests. Getting rid of squirrels quickly and effectively is crucial to protecting your home and your family's well-being.

Ignoring a squirrel infestation in your attic won't make it go away; in fact, it'll likely get worse. Squirrels reproduce quickly, and a small problem can easily escalate into a major headache. The longer they stay, the more damage they inflict and the harder they are to evict. Understanding the best methods for squirrel removal, preventative measures, and long-term strategies is essential for any homeowner facing this common problem. Learning how to safely and humanely remove these unwanted guests is the first step towards reclaiming your attic.

What are the best ways to get squirrels out of my attic and keep them from coming back?

How do I identify the entry point squirrels are using to get into my attic?

Identifying the entry point squirrels are using to access your attic involves a careful and methodical inspection of your home's exterior, particularly focusing on areas near the roofline. Look for any visible holes, gaps, or damage around the eaves, vents, soffits, fascia boards, and where pipes or wires enter the house. Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so even minor imperfections should be investigated.

Once you're prepared to search, begin your inspection by walking the perimeter of your house, paying close attention to the roofline and any areas where squirrels might gain access. Use binoculars for a closer look at hard-to-reach areas. Key indicators include:

Be especially thorough around areas where tree branches overhang your roof. Squirrels are excellent climbers and jumpers, and they often use trees as bridges to reach your house. Trim back any branches that are close to your roof to eliminate this easy access route. Once you have located possible entry points, document them with photographs. This information will be helpful when you're planning your squirrel removal and exclusion strategy.

What's the most humane way to remove squirrels from my attic without harming them?

The most humane way to remove squirrels from your attic without harming them is through a combination of exclusion techniques, centered around a one-way door or exclusion device installed over their entry point, paired with habitat modification to make your attic less appealing once they're gone. It is important to note that in some regions, trapping and relocation is illegal. Always consult with your local animal control or wildlife removal service.

Exclusion works by allowing the squirrels to leave your attic freely but prevents them from re-entering. Install a one-way door or commercially available exclusion device over the main entry point the squirrels are using. This allows them to exit in search of food and water but blocks their return. Prior to installation, identify all possible entry points and seal them securely with sturdy materials like metal flashing, hardware cloth, or caulk. Leaving alternative openings could allow squirrels back in or worse – trap squirrels inside once the primary entrance is sealed. Ensure you aren't trapping baby squirrels inside; the best time for exclusion is typically spring or fall when babies are independent. Once you're sure all the squirrels are out, permanently seal the entry point you used for exclusion with durable materials. Next, clean the attic thoroughly to remove any traces of squirrel activity, including droppings, nesting materials, and scent markings. This will help to deter other squirrels (or the same ones!) from trying to return. Consider also implementing habitat modification techniques, such as trimming tree branches that provide easy access to your roof, removing bird feeders (a food source for squirrels), and using squirrel-repellent products cautiously (and only after exclusion) to further discourage them from returning. This multi-faceted approach minimizes stress on the squirrels while ensuring they don't simply relocate to another part of your home. If you are uncomfortable or unable to perform these tasks yourself, contact a professional wildlife removal service that specializes in humane exclusion techniques. They have the experience and expertise to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your attic without harming them.

After removing squirrels, how do I prevent them from returning to my attic space?

Preventing squirrels from re-entering your attic requires a multi-pronged approach focused on sealing entry points and removing attractants. Thoroughly inspect your home's exterior, seal all holes and gaps, reinforce vulnerable areas, and eliminate food sources around your property to make your attic and home less appealing to these persistent invaders.

Squirrels are incredibly resourceful and determined, so a single preventative measure is rarely sufficient. Focus on physically blocking their access. Start by carefully inspecting the entire exterior of your home, paying close attention to the roofline, vents, chimneys, and any areas where pipes or wires enter the building. Look for any holes, cracks, or gaps larger than an inch. Seal these openings with durable materials like heavy-gauge hardware cloth, sheet metal, caulk, or expanding foam. For larger openings, consider hiring a professional to ensure a secure and long-lasting repair. Beyond sealing entry points, consider making your property less attractive to squirrels. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof, as these provide easy access to your attic. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent squirrels from scavenging for food. Remove bird feeders, or use squirrel-proof feeders and place them far away from your house. Regularly inspect and maintain your home's exterior to catch and repair any new damage promptly, further discouraging squirrels from considering your attic a suitable home.

Are there any natural squirrel deterrents I can use in my attic?

Yes, several natural deterrents can help discourage squirrels from nesting in your attic, including strong smells like peppermint oil, capsaicin (found in chili peppers), and predator urine. These methods aim to make the attic environment unpleasant for squirrels, encouraging them to relocate.

While these natural methods are often less harmful than traps or poisons, their effectiveness can vary. Squirrels can become accustomed to smells over time, so consistency is key. For peppermint oil, soak cotton balls and place them throughout the attic, refreshing them regularly. Capsaicin can be sprinkled in powder form or mixed with water and sprayed, but use caution as it can irritate skin and eyes. Predator urine, such as that from foxes or coyotes, can be purchased at hunting supply stores; the scent mimics a natural threat, potentially scaring squirrels away. It's crucial to address the entry points squirrels are using to access your attic. Natural deterrents alone are unlikely to be successful if squirrels can easily re-enter. Seal any holes or cracks with durable materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth after you've confirmed the squirrels have left (usually best done during the day when they are foraging). Combining natural deterrents with exclusion techniques offers the best chance of a squirrel-free attic.

What are the signs of squirrel damage in an attic, and how do I repair it?

Signs of squirrel damage in your attic include gnawed wiring, insulation damage (shredded or compressed), droppings and urine stains, nests made of shredded materials, and the sounds of scurrying, chewing, or scratching. Repair involves removing contaminated materials, disinfecting the area, repairing or replacing damaged wiring and insulation, and sealing entry points after the squirrels are removed.

Squirrels can cause significant damage to attics due to their constant gnawing and nesting habits. They need to chew to keep their teeth filed down, and attic materials like wiring, wood, and plastic are fair game. This chewing can lead to fire hazards from damaged electrical wires and structural damage to wooden beams and supports. Nesting activities further exacerbate the problem. Squirrels will tear apart insulation to create nests, reducing its effectiveness and increasing energy bills. Their droppings and urine can also create unsanitary conditions and attract other pests. The extent of repair needed depends on the severity of the infestation and the duration of their stay. Minor damage might only require replacing some insulation and patching small holes. However, extensive damage may necessitate professional remediation to properly disinfect the area, repair or replace damaged wiring, and ensure all entry points are sealed. It's crucial to address the root cause – the presence of squirrels – before beginning any repairs, or the damage will simply reoccur. Safe and humane removal methods should always be prioritized.

Should I hire a professional to remove squirrels from my attic, and how much does that typically cost?

Yes, hiring a professional for squirrel removal from your attic is generally recommended due to safety concerns, the complexity of the removal process, and the need to prevent future infestations. Professional squirrel removal typically costs between $300 and $800, but this price can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of your attic, the location of entry points, and the specific services required (e.g., repairs, sanitation).

Attempting DIY squirrel removal can be risky. Squirrels can bite or scratch, potentially transmitting diseases. Furthermore, if you trap a squirrel incorrectly, you could injure it or inadvertently separate a mother from her young, leading to the death of the babies in your attic, which creates a whole new set of problems (odor, insect infestation). Professionals are trained to handle squirrels humanely and effectively, and they know how to identify and seal all entry points to prevent re-entry. They also understand local regulations regarding wildlife removal. The price variations in professional squirrel removal are driven by several factors. A simple one-squirrel eviction might be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. However, if there’s an established nest, significant damage to wiring or insulation, or multiple entry points to seal, the price will increase. The cost also includes the trapping and removal of the squirrels, the cleanup of droppings and nesting materials, and the repair of any damage caused by the squirrels. Some companies also offer preventative services like installing chimney caps or reinforcing vulnerable areas of your roof. Before hiring, get multiple quotes and understand exactly what services are included in each quote to make an informed decision.

What diseases can squirrels carry that might be a concern if they're in my attic?

Squirrels can carry a variety of diseases and parasites that pose health risks to humans and pets if they infest your attic. These include rabies (though rare), tularemia, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and ringworm. They also host parasites like fleas, ticks, mites, and roundworms, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and others.

While the risk of contracting rabies from a squirrel is low, it's not zero, particularly if the squirrel behaves erratically (aggressively or unusually docile). Tularemia and leptospirosis are bacterial diseases transmitted through contact with infected squirrel urine, feces, or tissue. Salmonellosis, another bacterial infection, is also spread through fecal contamination. Ringworm is a fungal infection transmissible through direct contact with an infected squirrel or contaminated surfaces. The parasites squirrels carry are often a bigger concern. Fleas, ticks, and mites can easily migrate from the attic into the living spaces of your home, infesting pets and humans alike. These parasites are vectors for numerous diseases, making a squirrel infestation a potential health hazard beyond the direct diseases squirrels themselves carry. Roundworm eggs in squirrel feces can also contaminate surfaces and become infectious if ingested. Removing squirrels promptly and thoroughly disinfecting the attic are essential to minimizing these health risks.

Well, there you have it! Hopefully, these tips will help you reclaim your attic from those furry little freeloaders. Thanks for reading, and good luck squirrel-proofing! Feel free to stop by again if you need more help around the house, we're always adding new tips and tricks!