How To Catch A Squirrel In The Attic
Before tackling the task of catching a squirrel in your attic, you should be aware of the baby squirrel problem. Usually, the first sign that you have a baby squirrel is its nipples. Baby squirrels cannot enter the traps when they are still babies. You can also find their nipples if you notice them running around. Although it is not an easy task, you can safely remove these babies by trapping them when they’re young. Usually, babies squirrels have their adult size after twelve weeks.
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Live traps
If you want to catch squirrels in the attic, you can buy live traps that work very well. The trick is to place the traps near the squirrels’ entry points. It is very unlikely that the squirrels will go into the trap unless they are close to the entry point. Alternatively, you can use a squirrel proof netting. Both methods will catch squirrels, but you will need to be very cautious to not harm them or the traps themselves.
You can set traps near the entry points of the attic, but you need to be careful not to hurt the squirrels when using live traps. They may get trapped by mistake and cause more damage to your home. You can also set traps in a tree or at the base of a building. While using live traps to catch squirrels in the attic, make sure you use gloves while working with them to avoid putting your hands on the traps or the cage itself.
Ultrasonic repellents
If you’re tired of dealing with rodents and squirrels in the attic, you may want to consider using ultrasonic repellents. These devices emit a powerful, odor-based sound that repels both rodents and squirrels. In addition to being effective, these devices are also safe for your pets and children. In addition to putting an end to your worries, ultrasonic repellents for squirrels in the attic are easy to use and inexpensive to purchase.
One of the more affordable ultrasonic repellers available today is the Vensmile Electronic Repeller. This product uses three to six watts of ultrasonic sound to drive the animals out of hiding spots. The product is safe for use in homes, warehouses, offices, and other areas. Its ultrasonic frequency reaches a range of twenty-five to sixty-five kHz, enough to drive off a squirrel from up to 6,000 square feet of space. One device will last up to 60 days before it will cease working, so it’s wise to choose a model with a warranty.
Body-gripping traps
One way to keep squirrels out of the attic is to use body-gripping traps. Body grip traps can be set near the hole they use to enter and exit. If the squirrels are a particular species, you can place a body-gripping trap near the hole so it is within easy reach. If you want to avoid the use of bait, you can also use dried fruit or peanut butter. Body-gripping traps may be set at the entrance hole or on a railing.
You can use body-gripping traps to catch squirrels within the attic. Simply pull up the trap on one side until it touches the other side. Then, you can release the safety feature so you can operate the trap without the animal getting trapped. When the squirrel enters the trap, the latch pops open and snaps shut. The trap will catch the squirrel by the leg, neck, or middle.
One-way door mechanisms
Squirrels can squeeze through a small hole, but they do not have the strength to climb through a metal door. If separated from their mother, the babies can suffer from starvation and dehydration. Once excluded, the mother will try to make an alternative way in, causing further damage. Ideally, a one-way door should be made of galvanized steel and sealed with metal flashing.
The one-way door mechanism is mounted directly on the building. It covers the hole that the animal is using to enter the attic. The one-way door should be mounted on the building and have flanges for mounting the trap. While traps may be effective in the long term, they are time consuming and may not result in a squirrel-free attic. This is because traps can accidentally trap the mother squirrel as well as other animals.
Place a trap in the middle of the attic
If you notice that the squirrels are not going anywhere, it’s probably time to use a trap. Place the trap near an entrance point, such as a bird feeder, or near a gap in the gutters. Squirrels enter your home through cracks and openings on the exterior of your home, such as loose flashing around a chimney, or a hole in gable-end louvered panels. You can also put bread crumbs covered in peanut butter in the trap. This can help detect a squirrel trapped in your attic.
If you cannot catch a squirrel at an entry point, install a one-way cage door or funnel outside the attic. This will catch the animal while it is on its way out of the attic. A funnel prevents the squirrel from returning through the hole. A live-catch trap is also a good option. You can set it up in the middle of the attic and move it to a location three miles away. Once you have trapped the squirrel, relocate it to another area.
What are some common signs that there is a squirrel living in your attic?
Some common signs that there is a squirrel living in your attic include hearing noises coming from the attic seeing damage to furniture or stored belongings or finding squirrel droppings.
How can I determine if the squirrel is still in my attic?
One way to determine if the squirrel is still in your attic is to look for signs of nesting such as pieces of chewed up paper or fabric or twigs and leaves.
If you see any of these signs it is likely that the squirrel is still in your attic.
How do I safely trap a squirrel in my attic?
There are a number of ways to safely trap a squirrel in your attic.
One way is to set a live trap baited with a food that squirrels like such as nuts or seeds.
Once the squirrel is trapped you can then release it outside.
What should I do if I find a sick or injured squirrel in my attic?
If you find a sick or injured squirrel in your attic the best thing to do is to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
How do I prevent squirrels from getting into my attic in the first place?
There are a number of ways to prevent squirrels from getting into your attic.
One way is to seal off any openings or cracks that they could use to get inside.
Another way is to install a squirrel-proof barrier around the perimeter of your home.
What are some of the risks associated with having a squirrel in my attic?
Some of the risks associated with having a squirrel in your attic include the potential for property damage the spread of disease and the risk of being bitten or scratched.
Can I poison the squirrel to get rid of it?
No you cannot poison the squirrel to get rid of it.
This is illegal in many states and it is inhumane.
Will the squirrel just leave on its own once it has had babies?
No the squirrel will not just leave on its own once it has had babies.
The squirrel will likely stay in the attic until the babies are old enough to fend for themselves.
I found a dead squirrel in my attic.
What should I do?
If you find a dead squirrel in your attic the best thing to do is to contact a professional for assistance with removal.
How long will the squirrel stay in my attic?
It depends.
If the squirrel is just passing through it may only stay for a few days.
However if the squirrel has made a nest and is raising young it could stay for several months.
What time of year do squirrels typically invade attics?
Squirrels typically invade attics during the fall and winter months when they are looking for a place to nest.
Will the squirrels damage my insulation?
Yes the squirrels can damage your insulation as they build their nest.
This can lead to higher energy bills and potential fire hazard.
Can squirrels chew through electrical wires?
Yes squirrels can chew through electrical wires which can cause a fire hazard.
I think there is more than one squirrel in my attic.
Is this possible?
Yes it is possible for there to be more than one squirrel in your attic.
Squirrels are social animals and typically live in groups.
I’ve tried everything but the squirrel is still in my attic.
What should I do?
If you’ve tried everything but the squirrel is still in your attic your best option is to contact a wildlife removal service for assistance.

Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.