Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

Squirrels are cute little creatures, but they can be a real nuisance when they decide to take up residence in your attic. Not only can they cause damage to your home’s insulation and wiring, but they can also leave behind droppings and urine, which can create a health hazard. If you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation in your attic, don’t panic! There are several things you can do to get rid of them safely and humanely.

1. Identify the Entry Point

The first step to getting rid of squirrels in your attic is to identify how they’re getting in. Look for holes or gaps in your roof, eaves, or soffits. Once you’ve found the entry point, you can seal it up to prevent the squirrels from getting back in.

2. Remove the Squirrels

Once you’ve sealed up the entry point, it’s time to remove the squirrels from your attic. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most effective method is to use a live trap. Live traps are humane and will not harm the squirrels. Simply bait the trap with something the squirrels will find appealing, such as nuts or seeds, and place it in the attic. Once the squirrels are trapped, you can release them far away from your home.

3. Clean Up the Attic

Once the squirrels are gone, it’s important to clean up the attic to remove any droppings or urine they may have left behind. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris and then disinfect the area with a bleach solution. This will help to prevent the spread of disease and make your attic a less appealing place for squirrels to nest.

4. Prevent Future Infestations

Once you’ve gotten rid of the squirrels and cleaned up the attic, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are a few tips:

Trim tree branches that are close to your house. This will make it more difficult for squirrels to climb onto your roof and gain access to your attic.
Install squirrel baffles on your downspouts. This will prevent squirrels from climbing up your downspouts and onto your roof.
Seal up any gaps or holes in your roof, eaves, or soffits. This will prevent squirrels from getting into your attic in the first place.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips for getting rid of squirrels in the attic:

• Be patient. It may take some time to get rid of all the squirrels in your attic. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately.
• Be humane. Squirrels are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Never try to harm or kill a squirrel.
• If you’re not comfortable dealing with squirrels on your own, call a professional wildlife removal company.

Conclusion

Getting rid of squirrels in the attic can be a challenge, but it’s definitely possible. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and humanely remove the squirrels from your attic and prevent them from coming back.

If you’re looking for more information on how to get rid of squirrels in the attic, check out these resources:

• How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic
• Squirrels in the Attic: How to Get Rid of Them
• How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Attic

FAQ about How to Get Squirrels Out of the Attic

1. How do I know if I have squirrels in my attic?

• Answer: Listen for scratching, scampering, or gnawing noises in the attic, especially at dawn and dusk. Inspect your roof for holes or gaps where squirrels could enter. Look for droppings, nests, or food stashes in the attic.

2. Why should I get squirrels out of my attic?

• Answer: Squirrels can damage insulation, electrical wires, and other materials in your attic. They can also carry diseases and parasites.

3. What is the best way to get squirrels out of my attic?

• Answer: The most effective way is to use a combination of exclusion, trapping, and deterrents.

4. How do I exclude squirrels from my attic?

• Answer: Seal all holes or gaps in your roof, eaves, and soffits with caulk, expanding foam, or wire mesh. Trim tree branches that could provide access to your attic.

5. How do I trap squirrels?

• Answer: Use live traps baited with nuts or seeds. Place the traps in areas where squirrels are active. Release trapped squirrels far away from your home.

6. What deterrents can I use to keep squirrels away from my attic?

• Answer: Use ultrasonic devices, predator urine, or cayenne pepper around the perimeter of your attic. Keep your yard clean of bird feeders or other food sources that attract squirrels.

7. Is it legal to kill squirrels?

• Answer: In most areas, it is illegal to kill squirrels without a permit. Contact your local wildlife authorities for guidance.

8. How can I prevent squirrels from getting into my attic in the future?

• Answer: Keep your roof and yard well-maintained. Install squirrel-proof bird feeders and secure any potential entry points.

9. What should I do if I hear baby squirrels in my attic?

• Answer: Wait until the babies are old enough to leave the nest (about 8 weeks) before sealing any holes or attempting to remove the squirrels.

10. I’ve tried everything, but I can’t get the squirrels out of my attic. What do I do?

• Answer: Contact a professional wildlife removal company. They have specialized equipment and techniques to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your attic.