How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Attic and Walls

Answers: To get rid of nuisance squirrels it’s best to hire a professional animal control service, or you can try these steps:

  1. Identify and Seal Entry Points: First, find the entry points around your home that the squirrels use. Seal up all these points except one, which will be used to encourage the squirrels to leave. Professionals have the experience and safety gear to access a hard to reach areas, so it’s better to hire someone for who can thoroughly inspect the entire roof.
  2. Use Disturbing Scents: Squirrels dislike certain scents. You can place a rag soaked in ammonia near their nesting spot. The pungent smell will irritate them and make the attic less appealing.
  3. Apply Taste Repellents: Spraying a mixture of garlic, water, and vinegar around the perimeter of your home can discourage squirrels from entering.
  4. Utilize Bright Lights or Noise: Turning on a bright spotlight or creating noise can make the attic less comfortable for squirrels, encouraging them to leave.
  5. Apple Cider Vinegar Spray: Squirrels also dislike the smell of apple cider vinegar. You can transfer apple cider vinegar to a spray bottle and apply it in areas where squirrels enter or leave droppings.

Remember, it’s important to check local wildlife regulations before attempting to relocate or evict squirrels, as some methods may be restricted or require professional assistance. Also, keep in mind that city squirrels are used to attempts to block the out of attics so if the exclusion methods are not done right, the squirrels will get back in the same spot or another area not protected for prevention.

Introduction

Are you hearing unusual noises in your attic that sound like gnawing or scratching? Do you suspect that you might have unwanted houseguests in the form of squirrels nesting in your home? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience a squirrel problem, with these energetic critters finding their way inside and causing all sorts of trouble. From chewed wires that create a fire hazard to insulation that gets destroyed, squirrels in your attic can create a major headache. Before you try to frighten squirrels out and potentially put yourself in danger, it’s important to understand the best methods for removal and prevention to keep your home safe and secure. But worry not! Our guide on how to get rid of squirrels in the attic and walls will arm you with the tools and know-how to send those furry frenemies packing.

Step One: Identify the Intruders

If you’ve been hearing suspicious movements, scrambling and chatter in your attic, you’re not alone. Most probably, there is something or someone sneaking around. You might have noticed visible holes where something is entering and exiting or heard the gnawing and chewing sounds indicating the presence of rodents. However, it’s crucial to identify the culprit before you take any drastic measures. It could be rats, mice, squirrels, or even a raccoon that might be the source of the commotion. A good rule of thumb is to investigate both day and night to determine who or what might be lurking in your attic. Before launching an eviction notice, make sure the culprits are indeed squirrels. You may even spot them entering or exiting your home.

Step Two: Seal the Deal – Squirrel Damage (entry points)

When you discover that it’s squirrels, whether gray squirrels or black, that have taken up residence in your attic, it’s important to take action swiftly and effectively. Holes and cracks in your roofline can be easy access points for these pesky creatures, but with Affordable Wildlife Control techniques and a thorough inspection, you can successfully evict them. One-way doors are a humane solution, allowing the squirrels to exit but not re-enter. But the work doesn’t stop there – stopping squirrels from re-entering your attic is crucial to keeping them out for good, and prevention screening can be used on other vulnerable areas. So don’t let those bushy-tailed critters take over your home – take control and get them out! Affordable Wildlife Control will:

  • Inspect your home for any holes or cracks, and set a one-way door.
  • Use steel mesh or metal flashing to cover any additional entry points.
  • They will also check the roofline, as squirrels are skilled climbers!
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Wildlife Removal Mississauga

Step Three: Let’s Get Physical

Now that you’ve had their entry points sealed, it’s time to give those squirrels the boot! With the one-way door installed, it’s their only option to exit for food or water.

  • When they need water, they will have to exit the one-way door
  • Once the squirrel exits, they’re free outside, but the door closes behind them ~ they are not caged or trapped when they exit
  • When the squirrel realizes he/she can’t get back in, he will move off
  • Prevention screening is strongly recommended for keeping squirrels out
  • If this happens during the early spring or late summer, the pros at Affordable Wildlife Control will perform an interior attic check as there might be babies inside to remove by hand

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Step Four: Preventative Measures are Key to Get Rid of Squirrels

Squirrels are playful and entertaining creatures, but when they reside in your roof, they can cause serious damage. Prevention is key when dealing with these pesky critters. Another place they can easily find their way into is through roof vents, so make sure they are securely covered with a strong wire mesh. Chicken wire will not keep them out, they, and other rodents, can chew through that. If squirrels are already inside, it is important that they are safely removed and the entry points are sealed off, the main entry has a one-way door set. Chimney caps are also a great addition to preventing squirrels from getting in. And, don’t forget to keep tree branches trimmed away from your roof, as squirrels can use them as a bridge to access your home. Finally, if you notice any bite marks or damage on your roof, act quickly, call the professionals at Affordable Wildlife Control to get them out safely, effectively, and of course affordably.

  • Trim tree branches that are near your home.
  • Install chimney caps and mesh over vent covers.
  • Remove any food supply, like bird feeders, to avoid attracting squirrels.
  • Instead of regular bird seed, try using safflower seeds

Squirrel-Proofing Your Home

Squirrels can be a real nuisance and cause serious damage to your home. Fortunately, there are effective deterrents that can keep these pesky critters at bay. Inspecting your home regularly can help you identify any potential entry points for squirrels. You can also try using sonar devices that emit high-pitched noises that squirrels hate. If you have bird feeders in your yard, sweep up any fallen bird seed. You can spread predator urine or create a barrier with cayenne pepper or chilli peppers around your residence. For a less pleasant approach, you can try using ammonia-soaked rags to create a foul-smelling environment that squirrels will steer clear of. Apple cider vinegar has also been known to deter squirrels. Make certain that your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids. If you have flower beds, consider planting daffodils around the perimeter, as they are poisonous to squirrels and work as effective deterrents. Take action now to squirrel-proof your home and protect it from these bushy-tail intruders. Squirrel-proofing your home is a surefire way to prevent a future squirrel infestation. In short, the steps mentioned above:

  • Use squirrel repellents, like a spray bottle of cayenne pepper, vinegar, water, ammonia, or ultrasonic devices.
  • Regularly inspect your home for any new entry points, and if you notice any damage, call Affordable Wildlife Control for fast, friendly assistance.
  • Keep your yard clean and free of debris that may attract squirrels.
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FAQs

Q: What are the signs of squirrels in the attic or walls? A: If you suspect you might have squirrels in your attic or walls, there are a few telltale signs to look out for. First, listen for scratching or scurrying noises in the walls or ceilings. Squirrels are notorious for making a lot of noise as they move around. You might also hear chatter or vocalizations from the squirrels as they communicate with each other. Another sign to look out for is damage to your electrical wiring. Squirrels have a habit of chewing on electrical wires, which can cause significant damage and even pose a fire risk. Finally, if you notice a foul smell or animal droppings in your attic or walls, this could signify a squirrel infestation. If you suspect you have squirrels inside your home, it is essential to contact a pest control specialist to safely and effectively remove them and deter squirrels from returning.

Q: Are there any humane ways to get rid of squirrels? A: If you constantly hear scratching and scuttling above your head, you may have some unwelcome guests in your attic – squirrels. However, before you start contemplating cruel methods of getting rid of them, there are more humane ways to remove squirrels. One option is to call Affordable Wildlife Control, who will come to install a one-way door in screen over the entry point, allowing the squirrels to leave but not come back in. This helps to avoid trapping the squirrels in a confined space, potentially causing them harm or distress. Trimming nearby trees and removing any possible food sources such as fallen nuts, can discourage squirrels from making your house their home. While the smell of squirrels living in your attic may not be pleasant, resorting to live traps or other cruel removal methods is unnecessary.

Q: Do squirrel removal companies go inside your attic? A: At certain times of the year, they must enter your attic to search for babies. This would be during early-mid spring and late summer-early autumn, as some squirrels have two litters yearly. They may be too small to walk yet, and the only way to know is to search the attic and remove squirrels humanely by hand. How many squirrels could be up there? It varies; depending on the size of the litter, it could be anywhere from 2 to 8 babies.

Q: Can squirrels cause significant damage to a home? A: You may not know these animals can cause significant damage to your house if left unchecked, but they can. Specifically, squirrels are notorious for chewing on electrical wires, leading to power shortages and even fires. Multiple squirrels can enter your house and wreak havoc on your roof, causing leaks and even creating holes that give them access to the walls. Additionally, squirrels that die inside walls or attics can lead to a strong smell and other issues, such as decaying squirrels attracting maggots and other unwanted pests. All in all, watching for any squirrel activity around your house is essential to prevent any potential damage from these furry critters.

Conclusion

Getting rid of squirrels in the attic and walls doesn’t have to be a nightmare! By following our easy steps, you can evict those nutty neighbours and prevent squirrels from future invasions. Remember, patience and consistency are key when dealing with these furry frenemies. So, grab your steel mesh, live trap, and squirrel repellent, and let’s get to work! Happy squirrel-proofing!