Squirrels are agile and clever creatures that can climb trees, jump from branch to branch, and even enter homes through small openings, especially during the fall and winter months when they are looking for a warm place to nest.
Once they enter your attic, they can cause significant damage to insulation, wood, and electric wires, as well as create a nuisance by making noise, chewing on objects, and leaving droppings. In this article, we will discuss how to remove squirrels from your attic and prevent future infestations.
Squirrel Nest and Squirrel Infestation
Squirrels can build nests in your attic by using insulation, leaves, twigs, and other materials to create a warm and cozy shelter for themselves and their offspring. If you suspect a squirrel infestation in your attic, look for signs such as noises, droppings, chewed objects, and visible nests. You may also notice a strong odor, particularly if the squirrels have been living there for a while.
Tree Branches and Entry Points
One of the main ways that squirrels enter your attic is by using nearby tree branches to climb onto your roof and find openings to enter. To prevent this, you can trim back any branches that are within six feet of your roofline or install barriers such as metal flashing or mesh to prevent squirrels from climbing onto your roof. You should also inspect your attic for any entry points and seal them with materials such as steel wool, caulk, or foam insulation.
How do Squirrels Enter Home
Squirrels are agile and intelligent creatures that can easily find their way into your home, especially during the fall and winter months when they are looking for a warm place to nest. There are several ways that squirrels can enter your home, and it’s important to identify and address these entry points to prevent infestations and damage.
One of the most common ways that squirrels enter homes is by climbing onto the roof and finding openings such as vents, chimneys, or lose shingles. Squirrels are excellent climbers and can easily jump from nearby trees or branches onto your roof. Once they have found an entry point, they can gnaw through the material or squeeze through a small opening to enter your attic or crawl space.
Squirrels can also enter homes through holes or gaps in the exterior walls, such as those created by deteriorating caulk or weather stripping. They can also chew through wood, siding, or other materials to create their own entry points. It’s important to inspect the exterior of your home regularly for any signs of damage or entry points and to seal them with materials such as steel wool, caulk, or foam insulation.
Squirrels’ Entry Gates
Another way that squirrels can enter your home is by using tree branches or vines that are in contact with the exterior of your home. Squirrels can use these natural pathways to climb onto your roof or enter your attic or crawl space. To prevent this, you should trim back any tree branches or vines that are within six feet of your roofline or install barriers such as metal flashing or mesh to prevent squirrels from climbing onto your roof.
They Flying Squirrels
Squirrels can enter homes through open windows or doors, particularly if they are left open for extended periods. It’s important to keep windows and doors closed when not in use and to install screens to prevent squirrels and other wildlife from entering your home.
Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic
Squirrels can enter your home in a variety of ways, including through the roof, exterior walls, natural pathways, and open windows or doors. By identifying and addressing these entry points, you can prevent infestations and damage caused by squirrels and other wildlife. It’s also important to seek professional help if you are unsure how to handle a squirrel infestation or need assistance with squirrel removal. Get Rid of Squirrels by closing all the holes.
Trapped Squirrel
If you have a trapped squirrel in your attic, it’s important to handle it with care to avoid injuring the animal or getting bitten. Use protective gloves and gently transfer the squirrel into a humane trap that you can use to release it outside. Once you have released the squirrel, it’s important to clean up any droppings or nesting materials that it may have left behind. This way you can get rid of squirrels and all the squirrel problems in your home.
Baby Squirrels Can Cause Damage
Squirrels can cause significant damage to electrical wires in your attic, which can lead to power outages and even fires. To prevent this, you should make sure that your attic is properly insulated and that any electric wires are protected by metal conduit or metal-clad cables. You should also consider hiring a professional electrician to inspect your attic and make any necessary repairs and to let no more squirrels in the attic.
Prevent Squirrels in the Right Way
If you have found baby squirrels in your attic, it’s important to handle them with care and avoid separating them from their mother. Baby squirrels are fragile and require specialized care, so you should contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. They can help you safely remove the baby squirrels and reunite them with their mother or provide them with the care they need.
Squirrel Repellents Can Help
There are several natural repellents that you can use to discourage squirrels from entering your attic. These include peppermint oil, vinegar, predator urine, and mothballs. However, it’s important to use these repellents with caution and avoid using toxic substances that could harm the squirrels or your family.
Squirrel Removal from Attic
Removing squirrels from your attic requires patience, care, and a humane approach. You can use traps, natural squirrel repellent, and exclusion methods to prevent squirrels from entering your attic and to safely remove any that may be present. If you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s always best to seek professional help when you intend to capture squirrels to ensure that the squirrels are removed safely and that any damage caused by them is repaired.
Conclusion
Squirrel removal from your attic requires a comprehensive approach that involves preventing entry points, using humane traps, and employing natural repellents. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can safely and humanely remove the squirrels from your attic and prevent any further damage or infestations. Remember, squirrels are wild animals and should be handled with care and respect.
