How To Get Squirrel Out Of Attic

How to Get a Squirrel Out of Your Attic: A Humane and Effective Guide

Squirrels in the attic? It's a common problem, leading to noise, damage, and potential health hazards. This guide provides humane and effective solutions to remove squirrels from your attic and prevent future infestations. This includes understanding squirrel behavior, implementing safe removal techniques, and preventing their return. Dealing with this nuisance requires a multi-pronged approach.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior

Before tackling the problem, understanding squirrel behavior is key. Squirrels are active during the day, creating noise from their movements and nesting activities. They're resourceful creatures, adept at finding entry points, often through small gaps or holes in your roofline, fascia boards, or vents. Knowing their habits helps you identify entry points and strategize removal. They are also particularly active during spring and fall, making these seasons peak times for attic invasions.

Humanely Removing Squirrels from Your Attic

Several humane methods exist to remove squirrels without harming them. Avoid poisonous traps or methods that could cause suffering. Instead, focus on these strategies:

• One-Way Doors: These devices are the most humane method. They allow squirrels to exit the attic but prevent their re-entry. Place them over access points, ensuring all other entryways are sealed. Patience is key; it might take a few days for all squirrels to leave.

• Live Traps: These traps capture squirrels alive, allowing you to relocate them safely to a wooded area at least 10 miles away from your home. Always wear gloves when handling the trap and the squirrel, and be mindful of local laws and regulations regarding animal relocation.

• Exclusion: This involves sealing all potential entry points after removing the squirrels. Inspect your roofline, vents, and fascia boards carefully for gaps. Use appropriate materials like steel wool, mesh, or caulk to seal these openings, preventing future infestations. This is arguably the most important step to long-term success.

Preventing Future Squirrel Infestations

Preventing future squirrel intrusions is just as crucial as removal. By implementing preventative measures, you can keep your attic squirrel-free. This involves:

• Regular Inspections: Inspect your home’s exterior regularly for any signs of squirrel activity, such as chewed wood, droppings, or gnaw marks. Early detection is key to preventing larger infestations.

• Trim Overhanging Branches: Keeping branches and trees trimmed back from your roofline eliminates easy access points for squirrels.

• Secure Garbage Cans: Securely storing garbage prevents attracting squirrels to your property in the first place.

• Remove Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food outside, and clean up any spilled birdseed or nuts promptly.

When to Call a Professional

While many homeowners can handle squirrel removal themselves, some situations warrant professional assistance. If you have a large infestation, encounter aggressive squirrels, or are uncomfortable handling the situation, contact a wildlife removal specialist. They possess the expertise and equipment to handle complex situations safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Getting squirrels out of your attic requires a combination of humane removal techniques and preventative measures. By understanding squirrel behavior and implementing the strategies outlined above, you can effectively remove squirrels from your attic and protect your home from future infestations. Remember, patience, persistence, and a commitment to humane practices are essential for successful squirrel control.