Squirrels may be small but can cause significant problems entering your attic. They’re known to chew through insulation and electrical wiring, which could lead to a fire.
Their droppings can contaminate your home with diseases like Salmonella and Leptospirosis.
In addition to being a nuisance, they can infect your insulation with their urine and droppings, leading to serious health problems.
Your attic should be a safe haven for you and your family, not a playground for squirrels. But if you’ve noticed furry little critters running upstairs, it’s time to take action.
Here are some tips on how to keep squirrels out of the attic.
1) Seal Off Entry Points
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One of the best ways to keep them out is to seal off all potential entry points. Inspect the outside of your home and look for any cracks or holes that could be potential entryways.
Pay special attention to areas around vents, chimneys, and gutters. If you find any openings, seal them with caulk or steel wool.
You may also consider installing a squirrel-proof screen over your vents and chimney.
2) Remove Food Sources
Another way to keep squirrels out of the attic is to remove food sources that might attract them.
- Pick up fallen nuts or fruits from your yard and store them in airtight containers.
- Trim back any trees or bushes close to your house so squirrels can’t use them as a launching pad onto your roof.
3) Set Up Traps
If you already have squirrels in the attic, setting up traps is an effective way to get rid of them. You can use several different types of traps, including live traps and snap traps.
If you go with a live trap, release the squirrel far away from your property, so it doesn’t come back. And whatever type of trap you use, check it regularly so that any animals caught don’t suffer needlessly.
Trapping squirrels can be tricky, but getting rid of these pests for good is worth it.
- Live traps are a great option because they allow you to release the animal far away from your home, ensuring it won’t come back.
- Snap traps are also effective but check them regularly so that animals caught don’t suffer needlessly.
Traps that I recommend:
- Havahart #1025 Easy Set Cage Trap (diypestcontrol.com store)
- Safeguard Squirrel-Rat Live Trap 50450 (diypestcontrol.com store)
Check the traps regularly to ensure that the animals caught don’t suffer needlessly. If you have children or pets, ensure they know not to go near the traps.
4) Get A Cat
Cats are natural predators of squirrels, so having one around can help to keep the little critters at bay. Of course, you’ll need to ensure that your cat is well-fed, so it doesn’t see the squirrels as potential prey.
You might also want to borrow a cat from a friend or neighbor if you don’t have one of your own. Either way, a furry feline friend can be a helpful addition when it comes to keeping squirrels away.
5) Use Repellents
If you’re looking for a way to keep squirrels away from your attic, you might want to try using repellents.
- Several commercial repellents are available to help keep squirrels away, usually containing either an unpleasant taste, smell, or both.
- You can apply these repellents to surfaces where squirrels are likely to enter your home.
- They may contain spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper to deter them from entering an area.
Overall, using repellents is an excellent way to keep squirrels away from your property and cause damage.
Repellents that I recommend:
- Ultrasonic Animal Repeller (Amazon.com store)
- Deer Off RTU (diypestcontrol.com store)
- Bobbex-R Animal Repellent (diypestcontrol.com store)
6) Call an exterminator (optional).
If you struggle to get rid of squirrels, you may consider calling a professional exterminator. Exterminators have the tools and experience necessary to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property.
They can help to prevent future infestations by sealing up entry points and providing guidance on avoiding attractants.
While hiring an exterminator may be an additional expense, ensuring that your home is free of these pesky critters is often worth the investment.
FAQ:
When should you call a squirrel removal professional?
When you have a squirrel problem, you may be questioning when is the best time to call in professional help. The answer depends on various elements, such as how many there are and if you’re comfortable around animals.
- If you only have one or two squirrels in your home, you may be able to handle the situation yourself.
- However, it is best to call a professional if there are several squirrels or if they are causing damage to your property.
A Squirrel Removal Specialist can assess the situation and recommend the best action. They will also have the necessary equipment and experience to safely and humanely remove the squirrels from your home.
Conclusion:
As any homeowner knows, dealing with unwanted house guests is never fun. And when those guests are furry little rodents, it can be even less enjoyable.
But by taking some proactive steps, you can keep squirrels out of your attic for good. Start by sealing off all potential entry points and removing food sources that might attract them.
If you already have squirrels in the attic, setting up traps is an effective way to get rid of them.
