Get Rid of a Squirrel by Exclusion
A squirrel will eat anything, including your garbage, garage fridge food, and wire insulation. They will chew through walls and kitchen cabinets to get to the food, and they can smell soy oil in wire insulation. But the best way to get rid of a squirrel is to prevent its entry by exclusion. This article discusses four methods of exclusion. You can learn more about each one by reading the articles below.
Live traps
You can get rid of your squirrel problem without using a poison and can buy a squirrel trap. These traps work similar to those used in animal trapping, but instead of a cage, they have an open end. The squirrel will step into the trap and be trapped by the door, but it will not be killed immediately. Instead, it will be released into the wild and have a chance to thrive again. The advantages of squirrel traps are many.
Poison
If you want to get rid of squirrels in your yard, you can try using a variety of poisons. Some of them work like baits, allowing the squirrel to eat them and leave the poison behind. Others are more deadly. Some of these poisons are formulated to kill many rodents at once, increasing the value of your home. But beware! These products may harm non-targeted animals, including humans. The poisons are anticoagulants, which cause massive internal bleeding and can be deadly for people.
Body grip traps
A body grip trap is a type of animal capture device that captures an animal by its foot. While the animal suffers a permanent injury, it is not killed. Some traps can be adjusted so that they exclude animals below a certain weight. Small children and household pets can also be caught using a body grip trap. Here are some tips for choosing the best trap for your situation. Use the best body grip trap for the situation you are targeting.
Exclusion
In Northern Virginia, squirrels can be a nuisance. You’ve likely dealt with these critters a number of times, and you’ve probably grown frustrated with their antics. Not to mention the odor – you’re not exactly ready to live with a skunk’s smell. If this is the case, it’s time to get rid of them once and for all. Fortunately, there are several different ways to get rid of squirrels from your attic.
Changing landmarks
One possible reason a squirrel would move is a change in landmarks. The changes may confuse a squirrel, who cannot differentiate green from red. The squirrel may also feel threatened by statues or hanging reflective surfaces. Another solution would be to install bird feeders, which the squirrels may find attractive. It is recommended to put out food at the edges of your property. While you’re at it, put some food out in areas where squirrels cannot access them.
Vibration
One of the most effective ways to eradicate ground squirrels is to use a kill trap. This trap consists of a small plastic chamber with a high-conducting metal pad inside. When a targeted animal steps into the chamber, it will ground itself, causing a quick and painless death. The bait for these traps is Loganberry or Pecan paste, and they must be placed outside the ground squirrel’s den.
Banging
If you happen to encounter a dead squirrel, the first thing you should do is to smash it with force. Its head and neck must be crushed or broken to cause catastrophic damage to its central nervous system. It is important to be careful, though, because the squirrel may bite you. If you are not sure how to execute such a kill, you should double-fold a large towel and wrap it around the squirrel. Gently pick up the squirrel and carry it to a safe release location. It is also important to move slowly and use smooth movements. When leaving, you should observe its movements to make sure it doesn’t run away.
Loud music
It may seem counterproductive to make noise, but this approach will help drive squirrels out of your home. A squirrel’s hearing range goes from 113 Hz to 49 kHz, and if they hear loud music or other loud noises, they will probably leave your home. To make your home more unpleasant for a squirrel, play loud music and use lights. If these methods fail, try using other, non-violent prevention techniques.
What is the most common cause of death for squirrels?
The most common cause of death for squirrels is predation.
What are the three most common predators of squirrels?
The three most common predators of squirrels are snakes owls and hawks.
How can you tell if a squirrel has been attacked by a predator?
If a squirrel has been attacked by a predator you may find bite marks on the body or evidence of struggle.
What are the three most common diseases that kill squirrels?
The three most common diseases that kill squirrels are rabies mange and Lyme disease.
How can you tell if a squirrel has mange?
If a squirrel has mange you will see hair loss and scabbing on the skin.
How can you tell if a squirrel has rabies?
If a squirrel has rabies it may act aggressively have seizures or be paralyzed.
How can you tell if a squirrel has Lyme disease?
If a squirrel has Lyme disease it may have a fever be lethargic or have joint pain.
What is the most common cause of death for baby squirrels?
The most common cause of death for baby squirrels is abandonment by their mother.
What are the three most common causes of death for old squirrels?
The three most common causes of death for old squirrels are starvation exposure and predators.
How can you tell if a squirrel has been starved to death?
If a squirrel has been starved to death you will see that its body is severely emaciated.
How can you tell if a squirrel has died from exposure?
If a squirrel has died from exposure you will find it huddled in a nest or burrow.
What is the most common cause of death for sick squirrels?
The most common cause of death for sick squirrels is infection.
How can you tell if a squirrel has died from an infection?
If a squirrel has died from an infection you will see pus or discharge coming from its eyes nose or mouth.
How can you tell if a squirrel has been killed by a car?
If a squirrel has been killed by a car you will find it on the side of the road with injuries consistent with being hit by a car.
How can you tell if a squirrel has been killed by a dog?
If a squirrel has been killed by a dog you will find it with bite marks and bruises.
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.
