Humane Ways to Evict Squirrels From Your Attic

We all know how cute squirrels can be when playing around in the yard. But, when these nut collectors set up camp in your attic, it spells trouble. Squirrels can chew up your home's structure and even bring health hazards into your living space. To keep your property in tip-top shape and your family safe, you've got to tackle this rodent invasion head-on. This guide shares how to get rid of squirrels in the attic for your peace of mind.

Why Do I Have Squirrels in My Attic?

First, it is essential to know that squirrels can be destructive. They won't hesitate to gnaw their way through wood siding, trim, and baseboards, creating an entry point into your home. They also enjoy chewing on electrical wires, potentially leading to fires and costly damage. 

There are several reasons why these furry creatures may choose your attic as their new residence.

• Shelter: Attics provide a safe and sheltered environment for squirrels looking to evade predators or escape harsh weather conditions. 

• Nesting: Your attic's insulation and other materials can be appealing building materials for nests during breeding season.

• Food: If your attic is near trees or other food sources like bird feeders, squirrels may move in because their kitchen pantry is nearby.

• Easy access: Squirrels can squeeze themselves into openings around 2 inches in diameter and are skilled jumpers and climbers. Any hole or opening makes your attic a potential home, even if they wander in accidentally. 

Identifying an Infestation  

The first step in dealing with an infestation is confirming that you have unwelcome guests. If you have yet to spot a pest, look for droppings and listen for scratching noises and chewing sounds. Also, check for entry points. Squirrels can enter through openings in the roof, vents, eaves, soffits, and other vulnerable areas. 

And don't forget to check for signs of squirrel damage:

• Chewed wiring or insulation: Look for signs of chewed or frayed wires and damaged insulation.

• Nesting materials: If you find leaves, twigs, shredded paper, and bits of insulation, it's a strong indication.

• Gnaw marks: Squirrels have strong teeth that continually grow, so they gnaw on objects made of plastic or wood to keep them trimmed. 

• Foul odors: Squirrel urine and feces can create unpleasant odors lasting long after they are gone.

• Water damage: Squirrels can cause water damage by chewing on roofing materials, leading to leaks and structural issues.

How to Get Squirrels to Move Out 

Before you show those pesky critters the door, looking at local guidelines for dealing with squirrel squatters is crucial. In many states, these furry fellas are considered protected wildlife. That means removing squirrels humanely without causing them any unnecessary harm or distress. 

The following shares different humane methods to send them packing; combining all of these steps is best for optimal results.

Sealing Entry Points

The first line of defense is closing up those entry points to keep those squirrels out. But if you've already got unwelcome guests inside, you'll need to take it further and give them a way to leave. That's where the one-way door comes into play, and we'll dive into that in the next section.

1. Identify Entry Points

Begin by scrutinizing the exterior of your home. Look for any openings, gaps, or holes squirrels could use to enter. Remember, they can squeeze into very small crevices. Common entry points include vents, chimneys, gaps in soffits, eaves, rooflines, and damaged or chewed areas in the siding. Remember, you don’t want to seal the main entrance until a one-way door is in place.

2. Gather Supplies

Once you know what you are dealing with, it's time to make repairs. You must fill significant gaps and holes with materials squirrels can't chew. Aluminum flashing, fine stainless steel mesh, and sheet metal are gnaw-proof materials. Foam sealant, which you can paint over later, is suitable for small gaps.

3. Safety Precautions

Wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and potential contaminants at entry points, such as squirrel poop.

4. Prepare Your Chosen Metal Material

Measure the dimensions of the entry point and cut the mesh, sheet, or flashing a little larger than the opening.

5. Secure the Metal 

Place it over the entry point. Use screws or nails to secure it in place. Make sure it's tightly fastened and covers the entire opening. Pay close attention to corners and edges to ensure there are no gaps.

6. Seal Small Gaps

Use sealant foam to fill small gaps or openings that can't accommodate larger materials. Apply a generous amount to ensure it creates a tight seal. Foam is more durable than caulk; even better, it doesn't shrink. 

7. Inspect Your Work

Double-check your sealed entry points to ensure no gaps or loose edges. Squirrels are persistent, so a secure seal is essential.

8. Monitor for Activity

Keep an eye on the sealed entry points to ensure that squirrels do not attempt to reopen them. 

How to Keep Squirrels Out of the Attic 

No one wants dead squirrels in the attic after sealing entry points. A one-way door excluder is a humane way for critters to find their way out without getting back in. Install it at the main entry point. You can buy these doors at a home improvement store or online marketplace. Here's what to do.

1. Safety Precautions

Wear heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands while working with the device and a mask if you are concerned about allergens or contamination.

2. Prepare the One-Way Door

Familiarize yourself with the one-way door excluder and read the instructions that came with it. It typically consists of a hinged door that allows animals to exit but not re-enter. Make sure the door is functioning correctly before installation.

3. Install the One-Way Door

Securely attach the one-way door over the entry or exit point using screws or nails. Ensure it allows squirrels to exit easily but prevents them from pushing it open from the outside to re-enter. Double-check that the door operates smoothly.

4. Monitor Activity

After installing the one-way door, observe the area to ensure that squirrels are using it to exit. It may take some time for them to become accustomed to the new exit route. To speed things up, try using squirrel bait.

5. Permanent Closure

Once you are confident that all squirrels have left through the one-way door and are not returning, you can permanently seal the entry point following the instructions shared previously.

6. Cleanup and Prevention

After ensuring the squirrels are gone, clean and sanitize the affected area to remove any lingering odors or contamination. 

What to Consider Before Nest Removal

Working with a local squirrel control professional is always best when in doubt. As a rule of thumb, the optimal timing for squirrel nest removal falls between mating seasons, ideally during late winter, late spring, or mid-fall.

Mother and Baby Squirrels

It's best to be patient and wait until squirrel babies have grown up and left the nest before considering any eviction measures. Typically, squirrels become independent and naturally disperse from their natal area around 12 to 14 weeks after birth. Removing a nest before this time can risk harm to the little ones.

Adult Squirrels

Adult squirrels are in no danger if you remove their nest. They typically will seek alternative shelter in nearby trees or structures.

How to Handle Nest Removal

1. Preparing for Removal

Gather the necessary equipment, including heavy-duty gloves, a mask, a sturdy trash bag or container, and a ladder if the nest is in a high location. 

2. Remove the Nest

Carefully remove the nest. Use a plastic bag or container to contain the nest materials. Be cautious not to damage the surrounding area, especially if the nest is within insulation or structural components.

3. Dispose of the Nest

Seal the bag or container tightly with the nest materials to prevent potential parasites or diseases from spreading. Then, place it in an outdoor trash bin or follow local guidelines for disposing of wildlife materials.

4. Clean Up

After nest removal, thoroughly clean and sanitize the area to eliminate any lingering odors and potential health hazards associated with squirrel droppings. Use appropriate cleaning agents and disinfectants.

How to Prevent Squirrels From Moving In

Keeping squirrels away from your house can be challenging, as they are agile and persistent creatures. However, there are several methods you can try to avoid having unwanted roommates.

First, remove food sources. Use squirrel-proof bird feeders, seal garbage cans, store pet food indoors, and secure your vegetable garden. Do you have tree branches close to your house? Trim them to prevent squirrels from accessing your roof and attic. 

Lastly, experiment with commercial repellents. Apply them around vulnerable points. Repellents usually have mixed results, so follow the product's instructions and monitor progress.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Squirrels?

The cost of getting rid of squirrels in your attic can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the methods used, your location, and whether you choose to handle the problem yourself or hire a professional. Typically, professional animal removal costs range from $190 to $585. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Whether you should handle an attic squirrel infestation yourself or hire a pro depends on the extent of the problem and your expertise in dealing with wildlife. Here are some factors to consider:

• Severity of the infestation: If you suspect or know that you have a significant squirrel infestation in your attic, hiring a professional is generally safer and more effective. They can employ appropriate methods to remove the squirrels safely and reasonably quickly.

• Safety concerns: Working in an attic can be hazardous, with potential risks associated with insulation materials, electrical wires, and other hidden dangers. Professionals are trained to handle such environments safely.

• Legal considerations: In some areas, it may be illegal to trap or relocate squirrels without the proper permits. Pest control professionals are usually aware of local regulations and can ensure compliance.

• Humane treatment: Using humane traps and relocation methods is crucial if you choose to DIY. Professionals know how to handle wildlife ethically and humanely.

• Health concerns: Squirrels can carry diseases, and their feces and urine can contaminate your attic. Professionals can handle cleanup and disinfection, reducing health risks.

Paige Bennett contributed to this article.