Hearing scurrying and scratching above your head? You’re not alone. Many homeowners face the frustrating problem of squirrels taking up residence in their attic. These bushy-tailed creatures, while cute in the park, can cause significant damage to your home by chewing on wires, insulation, and wood. Beyond the structural damage, their nests and droppings pose a health hazard, potentially spreading diseases and attracting other unwanted pests. Getting rid of squirrels humanely and effectively is crucial for protecting your property and ensuring the health and safety of your family.
The longer squirrels remain in your attic, the more extensive the damage can become, and the harder it is to remove them. DIY removal attempts can be dangerous for both you and the squirrels if not done correctly. Understanding the best strategies for eviction, prevention, and damage repair is essential for resolving this common household issue. By taking the right steps, you can reclaim your attic and prevent future infestations.
What are the most frequently asked questions about squirrel removal?
What’s the most humane way to remove squirrels from my attic?
The most humane way to remove squirrels from your attic involves a combination of exclusion and habitat modification, starting with identifying entry points and installing a one-way exclusion door or repeater trap over the main entrance during the appropriate season (avoiding spring and summer when nests of babies may be present). After confirming all squirrels are out, permanently seal all entry points to prevent re-entry. It is always best to contact local wildlife control experts for effective and compassionate services.
First, a thorough inspection of your attic and roof is essential to identify all possible entry points the squirrels are using. Squirrels can squeeze through remarkably small spaces, sometimes only an inch or two in diameter. Common entry points include gaps in siding, loose roof shingles, vents, and damaged soffits. Once identified, all but the primary entry point should be sealed with durable materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth. The main entry is where you’ll install a one-way exclusion device.
A one-way exclusion door allows squirrels to exit the attic but prevents them from re-entering. These devices are typically cages or tubes with a door that swings outward, but not inward. Install the exclusion door over the primary entry point, ensuring it is securely attached. Allow several days to a week for the squirrels to leave. You can also use repeater traps to capture the squirrels alive, then release them into a wooded area far enough from your home, but close enough for them to survive. Important: Avoid trapping and relocating during spring and summer when young squirrels might be present in the attic, as abandoning them will result in their starvation.
After confirming that all squirrels have left (check for activity and listen for noises), permanently seal the remaining entry point with the same durable materials used earlier. It is crucial to clean and disinfect the attic to remove squirrel droppings and nesting materials, which can attract other pests and pose health risks. Consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service. They have the experience and expertise to safely and humanely remove squirrels, repair damage, and prevent future infestations. They will also be aware of local regulations regarding squirrel removal and relocation.
How do I identify squirrel entry points into my attic?
Identifying squirrel entry points into your attic requires a thorough inspection of both the interior and exterior of your home, focusing on areas where squirrels could easily gain access, such as rooflines, vents, soffits, and any existing holes or gaps.
To start your investigation, carefully walk around the perimeter of your house, paying close attention to the roofline. Use binoculars for a closer look at hard-to-reach areas. Look for obvious holes, gnawed areas, or damaged siding. Squirrels can chew through various materials, including wood, plastic, and even soft metals like aluminum. Pay special attention to areas where different building materials meet, as these are often weak points. Also, check for climbing aids, such as tree branches overhanging the roof or vines growing up the side of the house, which squirrels can use to reach the attic. Inside the attic, look for light shining through any cracks or holes. On sunny days, this can be particularly helpful. Also, look for nests made of insulation, leaves, and twigs near potential entry points. Check around vents, chimneys, and plumbing stacks. Squirrels often use these as pathways. Additionally, examine the soffits and fascia boards for any signs of damage or openings. Remember to wear protective gear, including a dust mask and gloves, when inspecting your attic to avoid inhaling insulation particles or coming into contact with droppings. Identifying all entry points is crucial because you need to seal them all to prevent re-entry after the squirrels are removed.
What are the risks of trying to remove squirrels myself?
Attempting to remove squirrels from your attic yourself carries several risks, including potential injury from bites or scratches, exposure to diseases and parasites, property damage, and the inhumane handling of squirrels, especially mothers with young. Improper methods may also be ineffective, leading to a prolonged infestation and further damage to your home.
Handling wild animals like squirrels always presents a risk of injury. Squirrels can bite or scratch if they feel threatened, which can lead to painful wounds and potential infections. They also carry diseases like rabies (rarely, but possible), leptospirosis, and tularemia, which can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with their urine and feces. Furthermore, squirrel droppings can contain parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, all of which can infest your home and bite you or your pets.
Beyond personal safety, DIY attempts often fail to address the root cause of the problem: entry points. Simply trapping and relocating a squirrel without sealing these entry points only opens the door for other squirrels to move in. In fact, removing a mother squirrel without knowing if there are babies can lead to the inhumane death of the young, as they are dependent on their mother for survival. Additionally, improper trapping methods can injure or kill the squirrels, which is both unethical and, in some areas, illegal. Finally, trying to force squirrels out with loud noises or repellents might only temporarily deter them, potentially causing them to relocate within your attic and cause more damage in different areas.
Will noise deterrents actually work to get rid of them?
The effectiveness of noise deterrents for squirrel removal is generally low and offers only a temporary solution at best. While loud or unpleasant sounds might initially startle squirrels, they quickly habituate to these noises, especially if the source is constant and poses no real threat. This means squirrels will likely return to their attic nest once they realize the noise isn’t associated with danger.
The problem with solely relying on noise deterrents, such as ultrasonic devices or playing loud music, is that they fail to address the underlying reasons why squirrels are in your attic in the first place: shelter, safety, and potential food sources. Your attic provides a secure environment for nesting and raising young, protecting them from predators and harsh weather. A simple noise, even if initially irritating, won’t outweigh these benefits in the long term. Squirrels are remarkably adaptable creatures, and they’re likely to simply adjust their behavior to coexist with the noise. Therefore, using noise deterrents as a standalone solution is usually ineffective. A more comprehensive approach, involving sealing entry points, removing attractants, and potentially employing humane trapping and relocation, is necessary for a lasting solution. After these more effective approaches, noise deterrents may help to prevent squirrels from trying to come back inside.
How much does professional squirrel removal from an attic usually cost?
The typical cost for professional squirrel removal from an attic ranges from $300 to $800, but this price can fluctuate significantly depending on factors such as the severity of the infestation, the size and accessibility of your attic, the removal methods used, and your geographic location. More complex situations involving extensive damage repair or larger squirrel populations can easily exceed this range, potentially costing upwards of $1,500 or more.
Squirrel removal is rarely a simple “one-size-fits-all” service. The quoted price reflects the work involved in identifying entry points, implementing humane trapping or exclusion strategies, removing the squirrels, and sealing off those entry points to prevent future infestations. Some companies may offer a flat fee for the entire service, while others charge per squirrel trapped or per visit. The latter can lead to unpredictable costs if the infestation is more extensive than initially assessed. Always obtain a detailed quote outlining all services included and any potential additional charges before hiring a professional. Beyond the basic removal, many homeowners opt for additional services like attic cleaning and sanitization to remove squirrel droppings, nesting materials, and lingering odors that can attract other pests or pose health risks. Insulation replacement is often recommended if the squirrels have damaged or contaminated the existing insulation. These extra services can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost but are often worth the investment to ensure a clean and healthy attic space. Remember to ask if the company provides a warranty for their work, guaranteeing against future squirrel re-entry.
So there you have it! Getting squirrels out of your attic can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little patience and these tips, you can reclaim your space. Thanks for reading, and we hope this helps you create a squirrel-free home. Feel free to pop back anytime you need more pest-proofing advice!