If your attic has a squirrel problem, there are several methods you can use to remove it. These include traps, one-way exclusion doors, and cleaning and repair. These methods do involve some work, but they’re all effective ways to remove the animal. If the squirrels are large enough to enter the exclusion doors, trapping them may not be your best option. Read on to learn about the best ways to remove squirrels from your attic.
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Natural ways to get rid of squirrels
Squirrels can enter attics and lofts through bird feeders. To prevent them from entering your home, you can block bird feeders. Millet and chilli flakes are not popular among squirrels. Another way to prevent them from entering your home is to block your chimney. You should also block any access to chimneys so that they cannot enter your home. You can also spray granular squirrel repellent on your lawn and around your trees. Additionally, plant daffodils in your yard to deter squirrels. Lastly, cut back the branches of trees that hang over your roof so they can’t access it easily.
If you’ve found a nest of squirrels, you can frighten them away by banging on the rafters or speaking loudly in the attic. You can also use bright lights and rags soaked in cider vinegar. If you’ve already tried these methods and have failed, try natural ways to get rid of squirrels in attic without risking their health. If the squirrels still won’t leave, consider hiring a professional to relocate the family for you. If you don’t want to hire a professional, you can use traps to catch the animals. Once you’ve caught the squirrels, release them in another location at least three miles from your home.
Traps
There are two ways to get rid of a squirrel from your attic: live and poison traps. Live traps come with one-way exclusion doors and are better suited to catching small animals, such as squirrels. The advantage of live traps is that you can release them and later remove them. This method requires patience and research, so keep these tips in mind when preparing a trap.
You can also try ammonia-soaked rags as a deterrent for squirrels. Many homeowners report success with ammonia-soaked rags, and you can get commercial deterrents from specialized stores. Place rags with ammonia near the squirrel’s nest. The smell of the ammonia will discourage the animal from coming back to the attic, and it will not attract a squirrel that would otherwise be living there.
Chemical repellents
There are two primary ways to keep squirrels out of your attic: by using a trap or by using chemical repellents. If you use a trap, be sure to place it in a corner and away from high-traffic areas in your attic. If you put the trap in an area where the squirrels frequent, they will be afraid to come near it, but if you use a chemical repellent, the scent will drive them away.
If you use moth balls, it is believed that this will deter squirrels. But a repellent with the scent is useless if the squirrels’ odor is strong enough to compete with the scent of the bait. For this reason, you’ll want to carefully study where they tend to nest and how they choose their nest sites. You can also use a loud radio to disturb the squirrels, and talk radio stations may spook them enough to leave your attic.
Cleaning up
If you are dealing with a squirrel infestation in your attic, you’re probably already smelling their foul odor. In addition to dropping their foul scent, their urine contains pheromones, which signal other squirrels to break in and make their home a home for them. Once a squirrel dies, their body decomposes, releasing a foul smell. If this happens often, it’s time to get rid of the animal and clean up the mess.
The smell of the droppings will be particularly unpleasant if the squirrels have recently urinated in the area. This must be removed, since the droppings contain bacteria and fecal matter. As a result, homeowners should replace any contaminated insulation with new one. There are several methods to clean the affected areas. The most basic and simple way is to use bleach and water, but a more thorough cleaning method requires the use of an enzyme-based cleaning solution. In order to ensure a thorough cleaning, use a fogging machine to apply the solution and allow the solution to penetrate all the areas of the attic.
Deodorizing
Whether or not you’re able to remove the squirrels, deodorizing your attic is still a necessary part of pest control. Squirrels can cause serious problems for your home, from damaging insulation to chewing electrical wires. Squirrels also cause 30,000 house fires every year! Here are some simple steps you can take to help eliminate odors from your attic.
The first step to deodorizing your attic is to determine the cause of the smell. If your attic is a natural habitat, squirrel droppings and urine will be a nuisance. If the squirrels are using your attic as their personal toilet, their droppings are often full of biohazards. Additionally, their droppings and urine can attract other wild animals. The smell caused by the droppings is not only unpleasant, but it can also attract new squirrels.
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.
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