How To Get Squirrels Out Of Attic

How to Get Squirrels Out of Your Attic: A Complete Guide

Squirrels in the attic? It's a common problem, leading to noise, damage, and potential health hazards. This comprehensive guide provides humane and effective solutions to remove squirrels from your attic and prevent future infestations. We'll cover everything from identifying the problem to long-term prevention strategies, ensuring your home remains squirrel-free.

Identifying a Squirrel Infestation:

Before you begin the removal process, confirm that squirrels are indeed the culprits. Look for these telltale signs:

• Noises: Scratching, scurrying, and chattering sounds, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Droppings: Small, dark pellets found in your attic or near potential entry points.
• Damage: Chewed wires, insulation damage, or holes in your roof or siding.
• Sightings: Actual squirrel sightings in or around your home.

Getting Rid of Squirrels Humanely:

The key is to remove the squirrels safely and humanely, without harming them. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Seal Entry Points:

This is crucial. Before attempting to remove the squirrels, identify and seal all potential entry points. This prevents them from re-entering after you've removed them. Common entry points include gaps around vents, chimneys, and rooflines. Use materials like steel wool, caulk, or wire mesh to seal these openings securely.

2. One-Way Doors:

Install one-way doors on the remaining openings. These allow the squirrels to exit but prevent them from re-entering. Place them strategically near where you've observed squirrel activity. These are available at most hardware stores.

3. Encourage Natural Departure:

Once the one-way doors are installed and other entry points sealed, give the squirrels a few days to exit on their own. They'll naturally seek an escape route.

4. Professional Removal (If Necessary):

If the squirrels haven't left after a week or if you're uncomfortable handling the situation yourself, it's best to contact a wildlife removal professional. They have the experience and tools to safely remove the squirrels from your attic. Always choose a humane removal service.

Preventing Future Squirrel Infestations:

After removing the squirrels, take preventative measures to keep them from returning:

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your roof and siding for any potential entry points.
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Keep trees and bushes trimmed away from your house to prevent squirrels from easily accessing your roof.
• Secure Garbage Cans: Store garbage in tightly sealed containers to eliminate food sources that attract squirrels.
• Remove Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food or bird feeders outside, as these can attract squirrels.
• Repair Damaged Areas: Fix any holes or damaged areas in your roof or siding to eliminate potential entry points.

Dealing with the Aftermath:

After the squirrels are gone, you'll likely need to deal with the mess they left behind:

• Clean Up Droppings: Use a respirator and gloves to clean up droppings and other debris. Dispose of waste properly.
• Replace Damaged Insulation: If the insulation is damaged, it should be replaced. This prevents future nesting areas and helps maintain your home's energy efficiency.
• Professional Cleaning (Optional): For extensive damage or if you're uncomfortable cleaning up the mess yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

Removing squirrels from your attic requires a combination of patience, humane methods, and preventative measures. By following these steps, you can effectively and safely eliminate the problem and protect your home from future infestations. Remember, prioritizing humane methods ensures the well-being of the animals while effectively solving your problem.