How to Get a Squirrel Out of My Attic
You’ve probably been wondering, “How can I get a squirrel out of my attic?” You might be concerned about the possibility of harming the animal, but this article will provide some natural methods to repel them. The techniques covered here include traps, one-way exclusion doors, and harassment. Read on to learn more. But first, let’s look at the signs squirrels leave behind. These small mammals are noisy, and you may hear gnawing, scratching, and running.
Natural ways to get rid of squirrels
It is important to protect the attic from squirrels if you want to avoid any damage. You can do this by keeping the roof and walls of your attic as dry and unobstructed as possible. Another method of squirrel removal is by using mothballs. However, excessive mothballs can be toxic and may cause you to get sick. Instead, try some more humane ways to get rid of squirrels in attic. One popular option is to use a trap. Make sure you use a trap that will catch multiple animals at the same time. You can even use a small trap if you think that it is safer for the squirrels.
Squirrels will come out of the attic once they’ve had enough food, but they won’t always do it on their own. Using a squirrel trap is one way to get rid of them permanently. If you’re unsure of the best method for getting rid of squirrels, you can leave a signal such as a radio to scare them away. If you can’t get rid of the squirrels by using a trap, you can use a one-way door to trap them. If you have already trapped the squirrels, you should take them with you to a different location. Some states do not allow the trapping of wildlife, so you need to know exactly where you’re going to release them.
Traps
One of the most effective ways to remove a squirrel from your attic is to scare them away. You can try banging on the rafters, talking loudly, or shining a bright light in your attic. In addition, you can use apple cider vinegar to spray rags and lay them around the attic. If none of these methods work, you can purchase traps. Make sure to buy a small cage trap with a trigger plate.
One-way-door traps are another great way to catch a squirrel. These devices are designed to lure the animal out with peanut butter or other attractive snacks and then trap it as it exits. Depending on the type of attic entrance, one-way doors may not work as effectively as the other two methods. One-way-door traps are most effective when the hole to the attic is sealed. The only catch is that you’ll have to remove the baby squirrels once the mother squirrel is trapped.
One-way exclusion doors
One way exclusion doors can be a great alternative to trapping, because they allow wildlife to live in their natural habitat without the hassle of relocation. One way doors must be installed with the proper precautions, though. Make sure there are no other possible entrances or helpless baby animals. If the squirrel still comes back through the door, he or she will have a hard time escaping the structure.
If the entry hole is small enough, a rodent can squeeze through the small opening. Caulking and wire can be used to seal the entrance hole while leaving one opening for the animal to escape. Installing a one-way cage door outside of the entrance hole is another option. Once trapped, relocate the squirrel to a safe distance at least five miles away. Some states do not permit trapping of wildlife, so be sure to follow the law when performing this task.
Harassment techniques
If a squirrel is living in your attic, it probably has a nest. Most squirrels live in attics only for a few months. After that, they tend to leave the area to forage for food and return. In some cases, a female squirrel may move to a new nest site, but she will always come back. You can try spraying ammonia around the nest site to scare the squirrel away. This method will not work for all squirrels, but it is one of the most effective and safest ways to get rid of a squirrel from your attic.
Using lights and sounds will work for a temporary deterrent. Although it isn’t permanent, it will give you the chance to seal up the entrance hole. You can also try ultrasonic devices to scare off the squirrel. These devices claim to send high-frequency sound waves to scare squirrels and other wildlife, but no scientific research has shown that they work. However, you should remember that the effectiveness of these methods depends on your diligence.
How do I get a squirrel out of my attic?
You will need to either trap or exclusion to remove the squirrel.
What is the best way to get a squirrel out of my attic?
The best way to remove a squirrel from your attic is by exclusion.
How do I trap a squirrel in my attic?
You will need to set a trap baited with food inside of the area where the squirrel is living.
Once the squirrel is caught release it outside at least five miles from your home.
How do I exclude a squirrel from my attic?
You will need to seal up all of the entry points that the squirrel is using to get into your attic.
This will need to be done with materials that the squirrel cannot chew through such as metal or hard plastic.
What do I do if I find a dead squirrel in my attic?
If you find a dead squirrel in your attic you will need to remove it as soon as possible.
Wear gloves and a mask when doing so and place the body in a plastic bag.
Double bag it and tie it closed before putting it in the trash.
I think there is more than one squirrel in my attic.
How can I tell?
If you think there may be more than one squirrel in your attic you can try setting up a trap.
If more than one squirrel is caught it is likely that there is a family living in your attic.
How can I tell if a squirrel is living in my attic?
There are a few signs that you can look for that may indicate a squirrel is living in your attic.
These include hearing noises coming from the attic seeing chewed up food or nesting materials or finding droppings.
What kind of damage can a squirrel do to my attic?
Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your attic.
They may gnaw on wires which could cause a fire hazard or they may urinate and defecate which can lead to contamination.
How much noise do squirrels make in an attic?
Squirrels can be quite noisy especially when they are running around or fighting.
You may hear them scratching or chewing or chattering and squealing.
What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels are mostly herbivores but will also eat insects and small animals.
In your attic they may eat stored food insulation and anything else they can find.
How often do squirrels have babies?
Squirrels usually have two litters of babies per year with each litter consisting of 2-5 babies.
What is the lifespan of a squirrel?
The average lifespan of a squirrel is 6-10 years but they can live up to 20 years in captivity.
Do squirrels carry diseases?
Yes squirrels can carry diseases that can be harmful to humans.
These include rabies salmonella and leptospirosis.
How can I prevent squirrels from getting into my attic?
You can prevent squirrels from getting into your attic by sealing up any entry points and making sure there is no food or water available for them.
What should I do if I see a squirrel in my yard?
If you see a squirrel in your yard there is no need to be alarmed.
Squirrels are not typically aggressive and will usually only bite if they feel threatened.

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.