How to Get Rid of Squirrels: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you struggling with unwanted squirrels invading your home, yard, or attic? You’re not alone. Squirrels, while seemingly harmless, can cause significant damage and pose health risks if left unchecked. This comprehensive guide provides you with effective strategies to eliminate squirrels and prevent future infestations.

The Squirrel Problem: More Than Just Cute Critters

Squirrels might appear cute and fuzzy, but their presence in your home can lead to serious issues, including fire hazards, water damage, and unsanitary conditions. These rodents can wreak havoc in your attic, garden, and even within the walls of your house. This article will help you understand the dangers squirrels pose and provide actionable steps to reclaim your space.

Having squirrels in your home can lead to:

• Chewed electrical wiring, increasing the risk of house fires.
• Damaged insulation, reducing energy efficiency and increasing utility bills.
• Contaminated spaces due to their droppings and urine, posing health risks.
• Structural damage to your home as they gnaw on wood and other materials.

Let’s dive into understanding the different types of squirrels you might encounter and then explore effective methods to get rid of them.

Identifying the Culprits: Common Squirrel Species

Knowing which type of squirrel you’re dealing with can help you tailor your removal strategy. Here are the most common squirrel species found in the United States:

Grey Squirrels

Grey squirrels are among the most frequently encountered squirrels in North America. They are divided into two main varieties: Eastern Grey and Western Grey.

The Eastern Grey Squirrel is prevalent throughout the eastern United States, ranging from the east coast to the Midwest, stretching from Manitoba down to Texas and Florida. They have also been introduced to Europe, where they are considered an invasive species.

The Western Grey Squirrel inhabits the west coast, spanning from Washington state down to northern Baja California. Compared to their Eastern counterparts, Western Grey Squirrels are generally more timid. During the winter, their ears develop distinctive reddish tufts.

Contrary to their name, Grey Squirrels can exhibit a variety of colors, including black, grey, brown, cream, red, and even albino.

Fox Squirrels

Fox Squirrels are another common species found across the United States, excluding the northeastern coast. You’re unlikely to encounter them in New York, New England, eastern Pennsylvania, or the Virginias. They are the largest squirrel species native to North America.

A unique characteristic of Fox Squirrels is their diet, which consists largely of acorns. This diet can dye their bones and teeth red and pink under UV light, a phenomenon not observed in other squirrel species.

Fox Squirrels come in two color variations: dark-furred (ranging from black to grey with tan or gold undersides, and black heads with white ears, noses, and feet) and reddish-furred (red, tan, or orange with no white markings).

Other less problematic squirrel species include:

• Red Squirrels: These squirrels prefer pine forests and are less likely to invade human homes.
• Ground Squirrels: These squirrels burrow underground and primarily damage gardens.
• Flying Squirrels: These squirrels inhabit high-altitude forested areas.

Why Are Squirrels Invading Your Home?

Squirrels are arboreal creatures, meaning they naturally live in trees. Both Fox Squirrels and Grey Squirrels build nests, known as “dreys,” in tree hollows and high up in the tree canopy. However, squirrels are opportunistic rodents that seek warm, dry, and comfortable environments, such as your attic.

Attics provide ideal nesting locations, especially for mothers with young. Squirrels typically reproduce twice a year, in winter and late summer, making a safe and secure space crucial for raising their babies.

The Dangers of Coexisting with Squirrels

While it may be tempting to let squirrels stay, their presence in your home poses significant risks that should not be ignored. Here’s why you should take immediate action:

1. Structural Damage: Squirrels chew holes in your roof, allowing the entry of the elements and other pests.
2. Fire Hazard: Squirrels’ teeth constantly grow, requiring them to gnaw on various materials to keep them filed down. This can lead to chewed PVC pipes (causing flooding) and, most dangerously, electrical wiring. Exposed wires can ignite and cause a house fire.
3. Health Risks: Squirrels leave droppings and urine everywhere. These contaminants can infiltrate your HVAC system, spreading harmful fumes and fecal matter throughout your home.

DIY Methods for Squirrel Removal

You can attempt to remove squirrels yourself using various DIY methods. Here are some options to consider:

• Ultrasonic Pest Repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are irritating to squirrels. While their effectiveness can vary, they are a relatively inexpensive option to try.
• Predator Urine: Predator urine, such as that of foxes or coyotes, can create the illusion that a predator has moved into the area, deterring squirrels from nesting. Soak a rag in predator urine and place it in the attic.
• Pest Repellent Sprays: Apply pest repellent sprays to wires and wood that squirrels are likely to chew on. Always wear a mask to avoid inhaling the spray or getting it in your mouth.
• One-Way Excluder Doors: Install a one-way excluder door over the entry point that squirrels are using. This allows squirrels to exit your attic but prevents them from re-entering. Caution: Ensure there are no baby squirrels in the attic before installing a one-way door, as the mother will be unable to return to care for them.

Professional Squirrel Removal Services

If DIY methods prove unsuccessful or if you’re uncomfortable handling squirrel removal yourself, consider hiring a professional pest control service. There are several advantages to choosing professional removal:

• Compliance with Local Laws: Many states have regulations regarding wildlife removal. Professionals are knowledgeable about these laws and will ensure that removal is carried out legally and ethically.
• Thorough Inspection and Removal: Professionals conduct thorough inspections to identify all entry points and nesting locations. They will then implement a comprehensive removal plan, including trapping and relocating squirrels.
• Humane Removal Practices: Professionals use humane trapping methods to capture squirrels without causing them unnecessary harm. In some states, it may be illegal to kill squirrels, making professional removal the only legal option.

The Cost of Professional Squirrel Removal

The cost of professional squirrel removal typically begins with a free inspection to assess the extent of the infestation. After the inspection, the company will provide you with a quote for the removal service. Keep in mind that squirrel removal is different from squirrel exclusion, which involves preventing squirrels from re-entering your home.

On average, homeowners can expect to pay around $250 or more for squirrel removal services. However, the actual cost may vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and the location.

Preventing Future Squirrel Infestations

Once you’ve successfully removed the squirrels, it’s crucial to take preventative measures to keep them from returning. Squirrels are persistent and will quickly move back in if given the opportunity.

1. Trim Tree Branches: Cut back any tree branches that are close enough to your home for squirrels to jump onto your roof.
2. Squirrel-Proof Your Home:
   1. Seal Entry Points: Seal all holes and cracks in your foundation, siding, and roof with steel mesh or copper mesh. Copper mesh is particularly effective because its spacing hurts the squirrels’ gums and it won’t rust.
   2. Protect Vulnerable Areas: Cover wood paneling with metal panels that squirrels can’t chew through. Install heavy steel screens on roof vents and ensure all plumbing stacks are screened off. Also, check for and repair any damaged roof soffits.

DIY Squirrel-Proofing Techniques

You can perform many squirrel-proofing tasks yourself, saving you money on professional services. Here’s what you should do:

• Check for Builder’s Gaps: Inspect the roof line for builder’s gaps, which are spaces between the plywood under the shingles and the fascia board. Lift the shingles and insert a 90-degree bent metal strip, nailing it to the fascia and plywood. Repeat this process along the sides of the roof line.
• Seal Chimney Gaps: Look for holes around the chimney and stuff them with copper mesh. Caulk the mesh in place and cover it with a foam sealant.
• Repair Damaged Areas: Patch up any holes the squirrels are using to enter your home. Seal the holes to prevent water damage. If the damage is extensive, consider calling a contractor to repair the roof.

Cleaning Up After Squirrels

After removing the squirrels and sealing entry points, it’s essential to clean up the mess they left behind. Squirrels leave behind pheromones that can attract other squirrels to the area. To remove these pheromones, replace insulation near the squirrel nests.

Important: Wear a high-quality face mask and goggles while cleaning up in the attic to protect yourself from inhaling harmful particles, such as squirrel droppings and insulation fibers.

Squirrel droppings can harbor airborne pathogens like mold, which can pose health risks. Cleaning up the droppings helps prevent these pathogens from entering your ventilation system.

Consider using a commercial ozone generator to eliminate odors. Ozone generators produce concentrated ozone, which scrubs the air of bacteria and mold, leaving behind a fresh aroma. However, avoid using ozone generators in occupied rooms, as high levels of ozone can be harmful.

Conclusion

Getting rid of squirrels from your home requires a multi-faceted approach, including removal, exclusion, and cleanup. Whether you choose to hire a professional or tackle the job yourself, taking prompt action is crucial to prevent further damage and health risks. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can reclaim your home and enjoy a squirrel-free environment.