How to Get a Squirrel to Come Out of Your Attic 
If you’re looking for ways to get rid of squirrels, you might want to try to lure them out of your attic. Using food, a trap, or even a fence charger can work well to attract the animal to your property. Then, once you have their attention, you can introduce traps to catch them. The following are three effective methods that are sure to get the animals out of your attic.
Luring a squirrel with food
If you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of a squirrel problem, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re probably one of the thousands of people who’ve faced this exact situation. Whether it’s a nest in your attic or a baby squirrel, these critters are creatures of habit, and sometimes they can be difficult to remove. While trapping them will work, you should also try to seal off any possible entry points.
Flying squirrels are the most common problem in homes and businesses, as they live in the attic and bring their food from outdoors. They can also transmit diseases to humans through their bites or contaminated food. In addition to damage to your attic, flying squirrels can be dangerous to handle. While flying squirrels are often difficult to catch, you can identify them easily by their unusual scratching or quick, brisk footsteps.
Using a fence charger
Dealing with small critters can be intimidating. It can be even more difficult if you’re dealing with a squirrel infestation, but a little caution and expert advice can help you get the job done. After all, a squirrel infestation is not only a nuisance, it can also be a dangerous one for your home and your health. Once a squirrel gets into your attic, it will likely stay there and multiply, so a quick solution is the best way to get rid of them for good.
If a single squirrel has taken up residence in your attic, chances are it’s a mother squirrel with her litter. When you remove the mother from the attic, you may end up with a dead litter. Moreover, there is a risk of disease transmission, and decomposing bodies are not good for your health. If you’re serious about getting rid of squirrels in your attic, you can install an electrified fence that has an alternating current under 12 volts. Make sure you consult with the Building Department regarding the installation guidelines for your type of fence.
Using a trap
To get a squirrel out of your attic, first determine its exact location. It is most likely a nest of young, so if you see a nesting female, she is probably pregnant. The young are immobile, but will eventually grow into adulthood. You can spot them by hearing the pitter-patter of several tiny squirrels. To catch the squirrel, install a live-catch trap that can be moved to a distance of 3 miles. Then, check it at least twice a day and relocate it to another location three miles away.
If you do not want to use a trap, you can use mothballs or a repellent made of soybeans near the nest. Squirrels don’t like the smell of ammonia, so place some near the nesting area. This will cause them to avoid your attic as much as possible. If you want to trap a squirrel, you should also place a poison-free rat lure.
Using poison
Poison is an alternative method to trapping, but it is much more difficult and less effective than trapping. Although registered rodenticides are often effective in getting rid of rodents, they are ineffective when used for other animals. Unlike rats and mice, squirrels and raccoons do not usually eat the food found in attics. Also, rat poison contains toxins and may not kill other animals.
Some pesticides are dangerous to human beings. Always use appropriate precautions when poisoning a squirrel. You must wear protective gear and work gloves when handling these poisons. Use the product according to label instructions and be aware of its adverse side effects. The bait should be applied only to areas where you see the squirrel. One bite-sized baits may kill a squirrel in a matter of days, but weaker poisons may take several days before killing the rodent. You must also read the label of the poison to find out its appropriate dosage and use.
How do you get a squirrel out of the attic?
You need to trap it and release it outside.
How do you keep squirrels out of the attic?
You need to seal up any openings they could use to get in.
What kind of damage can squirrels do in the attic?
They can cause a lot of damage by chewing on wires and other things.
Why do squirrels go into attics?
They are looking for a place to nest and have their babies.
What time of year are squirrels most likely to be in the attic?
They are most likely to be in the attic in the fall and winter.
How do you know if you have squirrels in your attic?
You may hear them running around or chewing or you may see droppings.
Is it harmful to have squirrels in the attic?
Yes it can be harmful because of the damage they can do and the diseases they can carry.
How do you get rid of squirrels in the attic?
You need to trap them and release them outside.
What do you need to trap a squirrel?
You need a trap that is big enough for the squirrel to fit in and you need bait to lure the squirrel into the trap.
What kind of bait should you use for a squirrel?
You can use nuts seeds or peanut butter.
How do you release a squirrel once it is in the trap?
You need to take the trap to an area where there are trees and let the squirrel go.
What if there are no trees where you live?
You can release the squirrel in a park or other area where there are trees.
What should you do if you can’t find a place to release the squirrel?
You can call your local animal control to find a place to release the squirrel.
How do you prevent squirrels from getting into your attic?
You need to seal up any openings they could use to get in.
What are some common places where squirrels enter attics?
They can enter through holes in the roof gaps in the soffit or openings around vents or chimneys.
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.
