Here are tips for squirrel removal and when to call a professional.
Warning
Squirrels are not naturally aggressive, but they may get frantic if cornered.
A bite or scratch can become infected or lead to transmission of a viral disease.
The Spruce / Ellen Lindner
What Causes Squirrels in the House?
It may have wandered in for a quick snack or accidentally.
The squirrel will do what it can to escape on its own.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
It does not want to nest or make a home in a house with lots of human activity.
The first solution to try is to make it easy for the squirrel to find the exit.
Remove any pets from the room where the squirrel is running or hiding.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Also, remove any foods or snacks that might give the squirrel a reason to hang around.
Then, leave the room yourself, and let the squirrel find its way out.
If the squirrel is in an upper-level room, open only the windows that are above grass and trees.
Do not open windows that fall steeply down to concrete or hard surfaces.
In most cases, the squirrel will vacate the premises within a few minutes.
Slowly approach the squirrel, then quickly drop the blanket on it and roll it up.
Don’t roll it too tight or push too hard, or you risk injuring the creature.
But squirrels will be unlikely to stay if these spaces suddenly become active and inhabited.
If you have squirrels in the attic, try frightening them out of the house with loud noises.
And, you might soak rags in cider vinegar and set them around the attic.
Squirrels do not like the vinegar smell, so they are likely to leave.
In that case, a professional should be called.
This will provide the squirrel with a way to climb out.
Trim back any overhanging tree branches that allow squirrels to reach your roof or eaves.
Seal any potential entry pointto prevent another squirrel or another wild animal from getting in.
Metal flashing can be a sealant, as the animals cannot chew through it to get back in.
Cover chimneys with chimney caps.
Keep all exterior doors closed when not in use.
Do not feed squirrels or provide easy food sources like open garbage cans.
Take measures to keep squirrels from stealing the birdseed from your feeders.
If pet foods or birdseed are stored in the garage, place them in sealed metal containers.
These hidden squirrels will be very hard to get rid of without the tools and materials used by professionals.
If you do hire an exterminator, specify if you wish for the animals to be live-trapped only.
Where allowed, some exterminators may use spring traps that kill the squirrels.
Carefully release any squirrel you have caught into the yard outside your home.
Take steps as soon as possible to seal your home to ensure it doesn’t return.
This might be an option if you live in such an area and have no moral qualms about hunting.
In some regions, squirrel and rabbit meat are often consumed in stews or used in other recipes.
These can be expensive devices but are worth a try if other methods have failed.
However, some pets may be affected by the high-pitched noise emitted by these devices.
A squirrel nesting box is a human-fabricated squirrel house that can be installed on trees in your yard.
you’ve got the option to buy one pre-made or make a DIY version.
A squirrel nesting box can provide an attractive alternative to your home.
Tree Squirrels Management Guidelines.
Tree Squirrels.Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Tree Squirrels.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, 2016.
Aflitto, Nicholas and DeGomez, Tom.Sonic Pest Repellant Devices.University of Arizona College of Agricultural Sciences,2015.
Building Homes for Squirrels.
Mississippi State University Extension.
