How to Trap a Squirrel in the Attic 
If you have squirrels in your attic, you may be wondering how to trap them. There are several methods you can use, from Live traps to Relocating, Removing food sources, and Natural ways to get rid of critters in the attic. Let’s take a look at a few of them. If you can’t catch the squirrels using traps, you may consider installing one-way door mechanisms. These types of doors allow the squirrel to leave the attic naturally without the need to use traps, which means they can’t come back again.
Live traps
If you find a squirrel living in your attic, you should immediately get rid of it. Squirrels are small and can fit through tiny holes in the attic, but with the right precautions, you can trap them and send them away. A one-way door or funnel should be installed outside the access point to deter the squirrels from returning. If you are unable to get rid of the squirrels by trapping them, you can use a one-way door and place it in a distance of at least three miles away. Live traps are also one of the most effective ways to send squirrels away.
If you use a cage trap to catch the squirrels, you must place it near the entrance points of the attic. If the squirrels don’t enter the trap, they might run through it in a flurry. Use a heavy-duty work glove, and be careful while placing the trap. Use the proper equipment and cleaning supplies after using live traps. If you do not have a professional service to clean up afterward, it could harm the wiring or damage the attic insulation.
Relocation
There are a few methods for how to relocate a squirrel in the attic. First, you should look for the evidence of the animal’s presence. Squirrels leave behind excrement and urine, which indicate a nesting area. If you are unsure whether the squirrel is living in your attic, you can use a trapping cage to capture it. Then, release the animal at least three miles away from your home.
You can also attempt to trap the squirrel in the attic by removing the insulation. A slick metal flu makes it difficult to get out of. However, a thick rope with a heavy weight attached to it can help the animal climb out. If you fail to trap the animal, it may attempt to improvise its new home inside your home. It may also use your attic, a neighbor’s attic, or a non-running car. You can also try setting a fire. A fire will kill the animal. Another way to get rid of a squirrel in the attic is to unplug the exhaust fan or chimney.
Removing food sources
One of the easiest ways to get rid of a squirrel is by removing any potential food sources. This might include bird feeding stations, pet food and seeds. Squirrels are attracted to foods such as sunflower seeds in bird feed. Also, you can remove any food stored in your attic such as corn and sunflower seeds. If you want to trap a squirrel in the attic without poison, you should follow the instructions below.
If there is a single squirrel in the attic, it’s most likely that the mother is there with her litter. Taking away the mother will likely leave dead litter behind. However, if you’re not prepared to kill the squirrel, you can try removing food sources. Remember, you need to avoid letting a squirrel decompose in your attic – there are health risks associated with the decayed body of the animal.
Natural ways to get rid of critters in the attic
There are several natural ways to get rid of critters in your attic. Squirrels, for instance, will be scared of things with a strong flavor, so you can spray them with pepper-based taste spray. Another effective method is to place mothballs in your attic and replace them frequently. Trimming the branches around your attic is another effective way to get rid of squirrels.
Several natural repellants are effective for removing rodents and other animals from attics, but most of them are species-specific. Cayenne pepper does not work to get rid of squirrels and birds, as they cannot detect it, making them highly resistant to it. If you are removing the animals yourself, make sure to wear protective gear and gloves, as the feces and urine from these creatures will be contaminated with dust.
What are some reasons you might want to trap a squirrel in the attic?
Some reasons you might want to trap a squirrel in the attic include if the squirrel is damaging the insulation chewing on wires or leaving droppings.
What are some things you need to do in order to prepare to trap a squirrel in the attic?
In order to prepare to trap a squirrel in the attic you need to first find the squirrel’s entry point then block off all other possible exits except for the one you will be setting the trap at.
What is the best type of trap to use to trap a squirrel in the attic?
The best type of trap to use to trap a squirrel in the attic is a live trap as it will allow you to safely remove the squirrel without harming it.
How do you bait the trap to attract the squirrel?
In order to bait the trap you can use a variety of foods as bait such as nuts fruits or even peanut butter.
How do you know if the trap has been successful in catching the squirrel?
If the trap has been successful in catching the squirrel you will find the squirrel inside the trap when you check it.
What do you do once the squirrel has been caught in the trap?
Once the squirrel has been caught in the trap you need to take it a few miles away from your home and release it.
What are some things you need to do in order to prevent the squirrel from returning?
In order to prevent the squirrel from returning you need to find and seal up the entry point that the squirrel was using to get into the attic.
What are some other methods of getting rid of squirrels in the attic?
Some other methods of getting rid of squirrels in the attic include using ultrasonic devices which emit high-frequency sound waves that deter squirrels or using a one-way door which allows the squirrels to leave but not re-enter.
What are the pros and cons of using a trap to remove a squirrel from the attic?
Some pros of using a trap to remove a squirrel from the attic include that it is a humane way to remove the squirrel and it is a relatively simple process.
Some cons of using a trap to remove a squirrel from the attic include that it can be time-consuming and there is a chance that the trap may not be successful.
What are the pros and cons of using a one-way door to remove a squirrel from the attic?
Some pros of using a one-way door to remove a squirrel from the attic include that it is a relatively simple process and it does not require any baiting.
Some cons of using a one-way door to remove a squirrel from the attic include that it needs to be checked regularly to make sure that the squirrels have left and there is a chance that the squirrels may chew through the door.
What are the pros and cons of using ultrasonic devices to remove a squirrel from the attic?
Some pros of using ultrasonic devices to remove a squirrel from the attic include that it is a relatively simple process and it does not require any baiting.
Some cons of using ultrasonic devices to remove a squirrel from the attic include that it needs to be checked regularly to make sure that the device is working and there is a chance that the squirrels may not be deterred by the sound waves.
What are the pros and cons of using a professional to remove a squirrel from the attic?
Some pros of using a professional to remove a squirrel from the attic include that they have the experience and the knowledge to safely and effectively remove the squirrels.
Some cons of using a professional to remove a squirrel from the attic include that it can be costly and you may need to have the professional come out multiple times if the squirrels keep returning.
What are some things you need to consider before you decide on a method to remove a squirrel from the attic?
Some things you need to consider before you decide on a method to remove a squirrel from the attic include how many squirrels are in the attic what type of damage the squirrels are causing and your budget.
What are the risks of not removing a squirrel from the attic?
Some risks of not removing a squirrel from the attic include the squirrels causing further damage to the attic such as to the insulation or wiring or the squirrels contracting and transmit disease.
What are the risks of using a trap to remove a squirrel from the attic?
Some risks of using a trap to remove a squirrel from the attic include the trap not being successful or the squirrels being able to escape from the trap.
There is also a risk that the squirrels may become agitated and bite you when you check the trap.
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.
