How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Attic: Safe and Humane Solutions
Squirrels might seem cute and harmless in your backyard, but when they invade your attic, they can become a real nuisance. These furry intruders can cause structural damage, chew on electrical wires, and leave behind droppings that pose health risks. Fortunately, there are safe and humane ways to evict squirrels from your attic and prevent them from returning. In this blog, we’ll explore how to identify a squirrel problem, the steps to remove them, and tips to squirrel-proof your home.
Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Attic
- Scratching or Scurrying Sounds Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk. Hearing scratching, scampering, or thumping sounds in the walls or ceiling during these times is a strong indicator of squirrel activity. Unlike nocturnal pests like mice or rats, squirrels are more likely to be heard during daylight hours. The sounds can include rapid movements as they run, softer scratching as they prepare nests, or occasional thuds from jumping. The size of the sounds often corresponds to the larger size of squirrels compared to smaller rodents.
- Chewed Wires or Insulation Squirrels’ continuously growing incisors compel them to chew on hard objects to keep their teeth filed down. Electrical wires and attic insulation are prime targets because they are readily available and easy to shred. Bite marks left by squirrels tend to be larger and deeper than those from mice or rats. Additionally, shredded insulation might be gathered into distinct piles or nesting material, a behavior typical of squirrels preparing for colder weather or raising young.
- Foul Odors A musky, ammonia-like smell in the attic could indicate squirrel droppings or urine. This odor is usually stronger and more pungent compared to that of smaller pests like mice, due to the larger volume of waste produced by squirrels. Moreover, squirrel droppings are larger and more oval-shaped, distinguishing them from rodent feces. The presence of these odors often suggests a well-established squirrel presence, as they repeatedly use the same areas as latrines.
- Visible Entry Points Squirrels are adept climbers and can gnaw through wood, shingles, and even thin metal to gain access to an attic. Look for chewed or frayed edges around small openings in the roofline, soffits, vents, or eaves. The holes created by squirrels are typically 2-3 inches wide and may show signs of gnawing at the edges. This differs from the smaller, smoother holes associated with birds or the irregular, ragged holes made by raccoons. You might also notice greasy smudges or tufts of fur around these entry points, further confirming squirrel activity.
- Nests or Droppings Squirrels build nests, also known as “dreys,” using leaves, twigs, and other natural materials. In the attic, these nests may incorporate insulation or shredded paper. A pile of such materials, often in a corner or secluded area of the attic, is a hallmark of squirrel nesting. Additionally, squirrel droppings are a telltale sign—they are larger and more cylindrical compared to mouse or rat droppings. Unlike raccoon feces, which are typically found in larger, scattered piles, squirrel droppings are usually concentrated near the nest.
Steps to Remove Squirrels Safely and Humanely
- Confirm Their Presence Before taking action, ensure that squirrels are the culprits. Use a flashlight to inspect your attic for nests, droppings, or chewed materials.
- Locate and Seal Entry Points Identify all possible entry points, but do not seal them immediately. Ensure no squirrels are trapped inside before closing these gaps. You can use one-way exclusion doors to let squirrels exit without re-entry.
- Set Humane Traps Use live traps baited with nuts or seeds to capture squirrels. Check the traps frequently to minimize stress on the animals and release them at least five miles away from your home.
- Repel with Scents Natural repellents like peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or ammonia-soaked rags can deter squirrels from staying in your attic.
- Call a Professional For persistent infestations or if you’re dealing with a persistent squirrel infestation or are unsure how to proceed, it’s best to contact a pest control expert like AMCO Ranger. Serving St. Louis and surrounding areas, our team has the tools and expertise to handle the situation safely and effectively. From professional trapping solutions to long-term prevention strategies, we ensure humane and eco-friendly removal of squirrels from your attic.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Returning
- Seal All Entry Points Once you’ve evicted the squirrels, close all holes, gaps, and cracks with durable materials like metal mesh or heavy-duty caulk.
- Trim Tree Branches Overhanging branches provide easy access to your roof. Trim them back to at least 10 feet away from your home.
- Install Squirrel-Proof Vent Covers Use specialized vent covers and chimney caps to block potential entryways.
- Eliminate Outdoor Food Sources Squirrels are drawn to convenient food sources. Remove birdseed, pet food, and fallen fruit from your yard to reduce their attraction to your home. Store trash bins securely and consider switching to squirrel-proof bird feeders to minimize the risk of repeat infestations.
- Use Motion-Activated Devices Install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter squirrels from approaching your home.
Why Choose AMCO Ranger for Squirrel Removal?
At AMCO Ranger, we specialize in safe and humane wildlife removal services for homeowners across St. Louis, St. Charles, O’Fallon, Chesterfield, and more. Our team has over 50 years of experience in handling squirrel infestations with eco-friendly solutions. From identifying entry points to implementing preventative measures, we ensure a comprehensive approach to keep your home squirrel-free.
Learn more about our wildlife control services or schedule a consultation with our experts today.
Additional Resources on Squirrel Removal
Act Now to Protect Your Home
Don’t let squirrels cause costly damage to your home! Contact AMCO Ranger today for safe, humane, and effective squirrel removal services. We proudly serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas, including St. Charles County, St. Peters, Wildwood, Chesterfield, O’Fallon, Wentzville, & more!
Schedule a free inspection or call us at (636) 441-BUGS (2847) today.